Joe Cocker - Sheffield Steel (1982)

To my mind, this is Joe Cocker's finest '80s recording — the album that has him assuredly scaling the heights as an interpretive singer through a varied set of perfectly chosen and programmed material. There's never a dull moment, and Cocker is as compelling as a rocker here ('Seven Days', 'Shocked', 'Talking Back to the Night') as he's affecting as a balladeer ('Marie', 'So Good, So Right', 'Just Like Always').

I practically wore out my copy of the LP, and the CD that replaced it is massively stained and fingerprinted from overuse. If you're a new listener seeking the best point of access to the artistry of Joe Cocker, this is the album I would recommend. (There's a remastered version now available with four bonus tracks — definitely worth your bread!)