The Cry of Love

The Cry of Love is a posthumous fourth studio album by American musician Jimi Hendrix, released in February 1971. It was the first Hendrix album released after his death and was engineered, mixed and compiled by Eddie Kramer and Mitch Mitchell. The album cover illustration was by Nancy Reiner.

Overview

The pairing of The Cry of Love with Rainbow Bridge comprises the bulk of the most complete tracks that Hendrix was intending to release on his next (double) LP, titled either First Rays of the New Rising Sun or Strate Ahead [sic], the title atop the last documented track list found in Hendrix's notes. All songs on the album were written by Hendrix and recorded from late December 1969 through the summer of 1970, except "My Friend". Hendrix' friend Paul Caruso (mistakenly listed as a fictitious 'Gers' on the L.P.) plays harmonica on "My Friend".^{[5] [6]} Mitchell and Kramer's involvement gave the album credibility, and it was well received by fans and critics alike. The album managed to reach #3 in the U.S. and #2 in the UK^[7], and was regarded as the most accurate approximation of Hendrix's final album until First Rays of the New Rising Sun was released in 1997. "Freedom" b/w "Angel" was released as a single in the U.S., but only reached number 59.^[8] In the UK, "Angel" b/w "Night Bird Flying" was the single released, though it did not manage to enter the charts. Remastered versions of all of the songs from The Cry of Love are featured on the 1997 compilation First Rays of the New Rising Sun.

The song "My Friend" was recorded during the early stages of the Electric Ladyland sessions in 1968. "Belly Button Window", was Jimi's last studio recording with vocals. It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios on August 22, 1970.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Jimi Hendrix. 

Personnel

References

• Shapiro, Harry; Caesar Glebbeek (1995-08-15). "Appendix 1: Music, Sweet Music: The Discography". Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypsy (3rd Edition ed.). New York: St. Martin's Griffin. pp. 537–538. ISBN 9780312130626.