Chér
Released October 1966
Chér, released in October 1966 by Imperial Records and produced by Sonny Bono, is the third studio album by Cher. This self-titled album continued to blend elements of pop, folk, and rock, featuring a mix of contemporary covers and original songs written by Sonny Bono.
Recorded in Los Angeles, California, the album showcases Cher’s developing artistry and her distinctive, deep contralto vocals. Chér includes her unique interpretations of songs by Bob Dylan and other notable songwriters of the era, reflecting the evolving music scene of the 1960s.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sunny” – 3:12
- “The Twelfth of Never” – 2:16
- “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” – 2:49
- “I Feel Something in the Air (Magic in the Air)” – 3:49
- “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” – 2:53
- “Until It’s Time for You to Go” – 2:47
- “The Cruel War” – 3:17
- “Catch the Wind” – 2:17
- “Pied Piper” – 2:25
- “Homeward Bound” – 2:27
- “I Want You” – 2:52
- “Alfie” – 2:51
With Love, Chér
Released April 1967
With Love, Chér, Cher’s fourth studio album, was released in April 1967 by Imperial Records, with production by Sonny Bono. This album further showcased Cher’s versatility as a singer, featuring a mix of contemporary covers and original songs in the pop and folk genres.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the album includes renditions of popular songs of the time, along with compositions by Sonny Bono. With Love, Chér highlights Cher’s emotive singing style and her ability to convey the essence of the diverse songs she chose to cover.
CD Track Listings:
- “You Better Sit Down Kids” – 3:47
- “But I Can’t Love You More” – 3:40
- “Hey Joe” – 3:27
- “Mama (When My Dollies Have Babies)” – 3:29
- “Behind the Door” – 3:45
- “Sing for Your Supper” – 2:40
- “Look at Me” – 3:07
- “There But for Fortune” – 3:30
- “I Will Wait for You” – 3:18
- “The Times They Are A-Changin'” – 3:11
Backstage
Released July 1968
Backstage, released in July 1968 by Imperial Records and produced by Sonny Bono, represents a continuation of Cher’s exploration of pop and folk music. The album features a collection of cover versions of contemporary songs, showcasing Cher’s ability to interpret and adapt a wide range of material.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Backstage includes covers of songs by artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. The album highlights Cher’s evolving musical style and her capacity to infuse each song with her unique vocal character.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go Now” – 3:57
- “Carnival (Manha de Carnaval)” – 3:31
- “It All Adds Up Now” – 3:01
- “Reason to Believe” – 2:28
- “Masters of War” – 2:42
- “Do You Believe in Magic” – 2:37
- “I Wasn’t Ready” – 3:03
- “House Is Not a Home” – 2:57
- “The Click Song” – 3:27
- “Song Called Children” – 3:45
- “Take Me for a Little While” – 2:40
- “Bye Bye Blackbird” – 2:24
3614 Jackson Highway
Released June 1969
3614 Jackson Highway, released in June 1969 by Atco Records, marked a significant departure from Cher’s previous work. Produced by Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Arif Mardin, the album was recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. This album saw Cher diving into the world of soul and blues, with a sound heavily influenced by the Southern roots of its recording location.
The album featured a mix of contemporary covers and original songs, showcasing a more mature and soulful sound. 3614 Jackson Highway was notable for its rich musical arrangements and represented a new direction in Cher’s evolving career.
CD Track Listings:
- “For What It’s Worth” – 2:24
- “(Just Enough to Keep Me) Hangin’ On” – 3:18
- “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” – 2:41
- “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You” – 3:09
- “I Threw It All Away” – 2:49
- “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” – 2:30
- “Lay Baby Lay” – 3:03
- “Please Don’t Tell Me” – 3:24
- “Cry Like a Baby” – 2:46
- “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” – 2:57
- “Save the Children” – 2:57
Chér / Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves
Released September 1971
Chér, also known as Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves after its hit single, was released in September 1971 by Kapp Records. Produced by Snuff Garrett, this album marked a significant shift in Cher’s musical direction, veering towards a more pop-oriented sound with elements of rock.
Recorded in Los Angeles, California, the album features the title track “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” which became one of Cher’s most iconic songs, reflecting her ability to tell a compelling story through music. The album, showcasing Cher’s rich vocals, includes a mix of original songs and covers, and it successfully cemented her status as a solo pop artist.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Way of Love” – 2:31
- “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” – 2:36
- “He’ll Never Know” – 3:27
- “Fire & Rain” – 2:59
- “When You Find Out Where You’re Goin’, Let Me Know” – 2:17
- “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” – 3:32
- “I Hate to Sleep Alone” – 2:28
- “I’m in the Middle” – 2:45
- “Touch and Go” – 2:00
- “One Honest Man” – 2:26
Foxy Lady
Released November 1972
Foxy Lady, released in November 1972 by Kapp Records and produced by Snuff Garrett, showcased Cher’s continued evolution as a pop and rock artist. The album featured a blend of rock, pop, and folk styles, highlighting Cher’s versatile vocal abilities.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Foxy Lady included a mix of covers and original compositions. The album’s tracks demonstrate Cher’s capacity to adapt various musical styles, from contemporary pop to classic rock, and her ability to make each song uniquely her own.
CD Track Listings:
- “Living in a House Divided” – 2:57
- “It Might as Well Stay Monday (From Now On)” – 3:03
- “Song for You” – 3:17
- “Down, Down, Down” – 2:56
- “Don’t Hide Your Love” – 2:50
- “The First Time” – 3:12
- “Let Me Down Easy” – 2:30
- “If I Knew Then” – 2:33
- “Don’t Ever Try to Close a Rose” – 2:43
- “The Long and Winding Road” – 3:18
- “Chastity Sun” – 4:23
Bittersweet White Light
Released April 1973
Bittersweet White Light, released in April 1973 by MCA Records, saw Cher exploring the American songbook and standards, a departure from her previous pop and rock-oriented albums. Produced by Sonny Bono, this album was recorded in Los Angeles and featured a more mature and sophisticated sound, showcasing Cher’s adaptability and depth as a vocalist.
The album includes Cher’s interpretations of classic songs by George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and other renowned composers. Bittersweet White Light was an artistic endeavor that highlighted Cher’s emotional delivery and her ability to convey the nuances of these timeless songs.
CD Track Listings:
- “By Myself” – 3:27
- “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” – 3:52
- “Am I Blue?” – 3:48
- “How Long Has This Been Going On?” – 4:23
- “The Man I Love” – 3:30
- “Jolson Medley: Sonny Boy / My Mammy / Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody” – 4:39
- “More Than You Know” – 3:29
- “Why Was I Born” – 2:50
- “The Man That Got Away” – 4:12
Half-Breed
Released September 1973
Half-Breed, released in September 1973 by MCA Records and produced by Snuff Garrett, was a pivotal album in Cher’s career. The title track, “Half-Breed,” became one of her most successful singles, known for its bold exploration of racial themes and Cher’s powerful vocal performance.
The album, recorded in Los Angeles, California, continued to blend pop and rock styles, showcasing Cher’s versatility as a singer. Half-Breed includes a mix of original songs and covers, featuring strong melodies and compelling lyrics that resonated with audiences, further establishing Cher as a leading figure in the pop music scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Love” – 2:37
- “Two People Clinging to a Thread” – 2:40
- “Half-Breed” – 2:45
- “The Greatest Song I Ever Heard” – 3:11
- “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” – 3:25
- “Carousel Man” – 3:03
- “David’s Song” – 3:20
- “Melody” – 2:35
- “The Long and Winding Road” – 3:18
- “This God-Forsaken Day” – 2:45
- “Chastity Sun” – 4:11
Dark Lady
Released February 1974
Dark Lady, released in February 1974 by MCA Records, further solidified Cher’s status as a pop icon. Produced by Snuff Garrett, the album is best known for the title track, “Dark Lady,” a dramatic and story-driven song that became a chart-topping hit.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the album combines Cher’s distinctive vocal style with a mix of rock and pop elements. Dark Lady features a selection of original songs and covers that showcase Cher’s emotional range and her ability to capture the listener’s imagination with her storytelling.
CD Track Listings:
- “Train of Thought” – 2:35
- “I Saw a Man and He Danced with His Wife” – 3:14
- “Make the Man Love Me” – 3:18
- “Just What I’ve Been Lookin’ For” – 2:38
- “Dark Lady” – 3:27
- “Miss Subway of 1952” – 2:17
- “Dixie Girl” – 3:25
- “Rescue Me” – 2:15
- “What’ll I Do” – 2:26
- “Apples Don’t Fall Far from the Tree” – 3:18
Stars
Released April 19, 1975
Stars, released in 1975 by Warner Bros. Records, marked a significant stylistic shift for Cher. Produced by Jimmy Webb, the album saw her moving away from pop-rock towards a more adult contemporary sound, showcasing her as a sophisticated and versatile artist.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Stars features a collection of ballads and mid-tempo songs, written by prominent songwriters such as Neil Sedaka, David Bowie, and Jimmy Webb. The album’s mature sound and Cher’s emotive vocal delivery received critical acclaim, though it was a departure from the style that had brought her mainstream success.
CD Track Listings:
- “Love Enough” – 3:05
- “Bell Bottom Blues” – 3:50
- “These Days” – 4:15
- “Mr. Soul” – 3:45
- “Just This One Time” – 4:37
- “Geronimo’s Cadillac” – 2:58
- “The Bigger They Come, The Harder They Fall” – 3:16
- “Love Hurts” – 4:18
- “Rock and Roll Doctor” – 3:04
- “Stars” – 4:28
I’d Rather Believe in You
Released October 1976
I’d Rather Believe in You, released in 1976 by Warner Bros. Records, continued Cher’s exploration of a more adult contemporary and soft rock sound. Produced by Michael Omartian, the album featured a mix of original songs and covers, highlighting Cher’s evolving artistic style.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the album showcased Cher’s rich vocal delivery and emotional depth. While I’d Rather Believe in You did not achieve significant commercial success, it was praised for its production quality and Cher’s performance, solidifying her ability to adapt to different musical genres.
CD Track Listings:
- “Long Distance Love Affair” – 2:52
- “I’d Rather Believe in You” – 3:45
- “I Know (You Don’t Love Me)” – 3:33
- “Silver Wings and Golden Rings” – 3:30
- “Flashback” – 3:50
- “It’s a Cryin’ Shame” – 2:50
- “Early Morning Strangers” – 3:20
- “Knock on Wood” – 3:00
- “Spring” – 4:20
- “Borrowed Time” – 3:01
Cherished
Released September 1977
Cherished, released in September 1977 by Warner Bros. Records, represents a phase in Cher’s career where she continued to explore a variety of musical styles. Produced by Snuff Garrett, the album combines elements of pop, rock, and adult contemporary music.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Cherished featured a blend of original songs and covers, showcasing Cher’s vocal versatility and her ability to adapt to different musical genres. While the album didn’t achieve significant commercial success, it further cemented Cher’s status as a diverse and adaptable artist in the music industry.
CD Track Listings:
- “Pirate” – 3:07
- “He Was Beautiful” – 2:55
- “War Paint and Soft Feathers” – 2:57
- “Love the Devil Out of Ya” – 2:47
- “She Loves to Hear the Music” – 3:37
- “L.A. Plane” – 3:40
- “Again” – 3:29
- “Dixie” – 2:28
- “Send the Man Over” – 3:19
- “Thunderstorm” – 2:35
Take Me Home
Released January 1979
Take Me Home, released in January 1979 by Casablanca Records, marked Cher’s foray into the disco genre. Produced by Bob Esty, this album reflected the disco era’s influence and showcased a significant departure from her earlier folk and rock styles.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the title track “Take Me Home” became a disco hit and is notable for its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus. The album combined disco with elements of pop, creating a danceable and energetic sound. Take Me Home was a commercial success, capturing the essence of the late 1970s disco scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “Take Me Home” – 6:45
- “Wasn’t It Good” – 4:22
- “Say the Word” – 4:57
- “Happy Was the Day We Met” – 3:53
- “Git Down (Guitar Groupie)” – 3:44
- “Love and Pain” – 3:28
- “Let This Be a Lesson to You” – 3:17
- “It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)” – 3:39
- “My Song (Too Far Gone)” – 3:52
Prisoner
Released October 1979
Prisoner, released in October 1979 by Casablanca Records and produced by Bob Esty, continued Cher’s exploration of the disco and pop genres. The album is known for its bold, theatrical style and visually striking album cover, reflecting Cher’s strong presence and artistry.
Recorded in Los Angeles, Prisoner featured a blend of disco-influenced tracks and ballads. The album’s dramatic and eclectic style was a testament to Cher’s willingness to experiment with her music and image, though it received mixed reviews from critics.
CD Track Listings:
- “Prisoner” – 5:50
- “Holdin’ Out for Love” – 4:24
- “Shoppin'” – 4:41
- “Boys and Girls” – 3:54
- “Mirror Image” – 4:53
- “Hell on Wheels” – 5:38
- “Holy Smoke” – 4:00
- “Outrageous” – 3:13
I Paralyze
Released May 28, 1982
I Paralyze, released in 1982 by Columbia Records, marked a shift in Cher’s musical direction, moving away from the disco sound to a more rock and pop-oriented style. Produced by John Farrar and David Wolfert, the album features a mix of upbeat tracks and ballads.
Recorded in Los Angeles, I Paralyze includes a selection of original songs that showcase Cher’s vocal range and her ability to interpret different musical styles. While the album did not achieve commercial success, it demonstrated Cher’s ongoing musical evolution and her ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry.
CD Track Listings:
- “Rudy” – 3:50
- “Games” – 3:57
- “I Paralyze” – 3:50
- “When the Love is Gone” – 4:05
- “Say What’s on Your Mind” – 4:00
- “Back on the Street Again” – 3:18
- “Walk with Me” – 3:47
- “The Book of Love” – 3:22
- “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” – 4:13
Cher
Released November 10, 1987
Cher, released in 1987 by Geffen Records and produced by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Desmond Child, among others, marked a significant comeback for Cher in the late 1980s. The self-titled album embraced a rock-influenced sound, showcasing her powerful vocals and versatility as an artist.
Recorded primarily in Los Angeles, the album features a combination of rock ballads and uptempo tracks. With hits like “I Found Someone” and “We All Sleep Alone,” the album was a commercial success, re-establishing Cher as a major force in the pop and rock music scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Found Someone” – 3:44
- “We All Sleep Alone” – 3:56
- “Bang-Bang” – 3:53
- “Main Man” – 3:51
- “Give Our Love a Fightin’ Chance” – 4:10
- “Perfection” – 4:31
- “Dangerous Times” – 3:02
- “Skin Deep” – 4:16
- “Working Girl” – 3:59
- “Hard Enough Getting Over You” – 3:48
Heart of Stone
Released June 19, 1989
Heart of Stone, released in 1989 by Geffen Records, further solidified Cher’s position as a pop and rock powerhouse. The album, produced by a team including Peter Asher, Jon Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora, showcased a polished rock sound with powerful ballads and anthemic tracks.
Recorded at various studios, including the renowned Record Plant in Los Angeles, Heart of Stone features some of Cher’s biggest hits, including “If I Could Turn Back Time” and the title track “Heart of Stone.” The album’s blend of hard-hitting rock songs and emotive ballads demonstrated Cher’s versatile vocal talent and ability to connect with a wide audience, making it one of her most successful albums.
CD Track Listings:
- “If I Could Turn Back Time” – 4:01
- “Just Like Jesse James” – 4:06
- “You Wouldn’t Know Love” – 3:30
- “Heart of Stone” – 4:20
- “Still in Love with You” – 3:08
- “Love on a Rooftop” – 4:26
- “Emotional Fire” – 3:53
- “All Because of You” – 3:30
- “Does Anybody Really Fall in Love Anymore?” – 4:17
- “Starting Over” – 4:09
- “Kiss to Kiss” – 4:23
- “After All” (Duet with Peter Cetera) – 4:05
Love Hurts
Released June 11, 1991
Love Hurts, released in 1991 by Geffen Records, is an album that continued Cher’s exploration of the rock genre, mixed with powerful ballads. Produced by Richie Zito among others, this album featured Cher’s emotive and powerful voice, delivering both heart-wrenching ballads and rock-infused tracks.
Recorded in various locations, including London and Los Angeles, Love Hurts includes a range of covers and original songs, showcasing Cher’s ability to imbue each track with emotional depth and vocal prowess. The album, featuring tracks like “Love Hurts” and “Save Up All Your Tears,” was another commercial success for Cher, further establishing her as a leading figure in the pop-rock music scene.
CD Track Listings:
- “Save Up All Your Tears” – 3:59
- “Love Hurts” – 4:17
- “Love and Understanding” – 4:43
- “Fires of Eden” – 3:43
- “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” – 4:00
- “One Small Step” – 3:28
- “A World Without Heroes” – 3:09
- “Could’ve Been You” – 3:28
- “When Love Calls Your Name” – 3:31
- “When Lovers Become Strangers” – 4:48
- “Who You Gonna Believe” – 4:45
It’s a Man’s World
Released November 6, 1995
It’s a Man’s World, released in 1995 by WEA Records, represented a shift for Cher, with an emphasis on R&B and soul influences. Produced by a team of producers including David Foster and Trevor Horn, this album showcased a different side of Cher’s musical talent.
Recorded in London and Los Angeles, It’s a Man’s World includes a diverse mix of songs that blend R&B, soul, and pop elements. The album is notable for its covers of classic soul songs and original material that highlighted Cher’s versatility as a singer. Though not as commercially successful as her previous albums, it was praised for its production quality and Cher’s vocal performance.
CD Track Listings:
- “Walking in Memphis” – 3:57
- “Not Enough Love in the World” – 4:21
- “One by One” – 5:03
- “I Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (The Way You Treated Me)” – 3:37
- “Angels Running” – 4:36
- “Paradise Is Here” – 5:03
- “I’m Blowin’ Away” – 3:55
- “Don’t Come Around Tonite” – 4:34
- “What About the Moonlight” – 4:14
- “The Same Mistake” – 4:27
- “The Gunman” – 4:09
- “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” – 5:12
Believe
Released October 22, 1998
Believe, released in 1998 by Warner Bros. Records, marked a significant milestone in Cher’s career, introducing her to the dance-pop genre with the pioneering use of Auto-Tune, particularly in the title track “Believe.” Produced by Mark Taylor and Brian Rawling, the album brought Cher immense commercial success and rejuvenated her career.
Recorded primarily in London, Believe is a dance-pop album with influences of house and techno music. The album’s innovative sound, particularly the title track, became a defining moment in late 1990s pop music. Believe was critically acclaimed for its contemporary style and Cher’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in the changing music landscape.
CD Track Listings:
- “Believe” – 3:59
- “The Power” – 3:53
- “Runaway” – 4:46
- “All or Nothing” – 3:58
- “Strong Enough” – 3:43
- “Dov’è L’Amore” – 4:18
- “Takin’ Back My Heart” – 4:32
- “Taxi Taxi” – 5:04
- “Love Is the Groove” – 4:31
- “We All Sleep Alone” – 5:08
Not Commercial
Released November 7, 2000
Not Commercial, released in 2000 by Artist Direct, represents a unique project in Cher’s discography. As the title suggests, this album was not created for commercial release. It features a collection of personal songs written by Cher during a songwriting retreat, offering a more introspective and autobiographical perspective.
Recorded in Los Angeles, the album diverges from Cher’s typical pop and dance styles, delving into genres such as blues, folk, and rock. The songs on Not Commercial are deeply personal and reflect Cher’s experiences, emotions, and artistic range. This project was a departure from her mainstream albums and was well-received for its authenticity and rawness.
CD Track Listings:
- “Still” – 6:14
- “Sisters of Mercy” – 5:01
- “Runnin'” – 4:43
- “Born with the Hunger” – 4:02
- “(The Fall) Kurt’s Blues” – 5:16
- “With or Without You” – 3:45
- “Fit to Fly” – 3:51
- “Disaster Cake” – 3:24
- “Our Lady of San Francisco” – 2:14
Living Proof
Released February 26, 2001
Living Proof, released in 2001 by Warner Bros. Records, marked a return to Cher’s dance-pop style following the success of her album Believe. Produced by an array of prominent producers including Mark Taylor and Stargate, the album continued the electronic dance-pop trend with an emphasis on upbeat and inspirational messages.
Recorded in various studios, including those in London and Los Angeles, Living Proof features dance tracks that blend elements of house and pop music. The album includes singles like “The Music’s No Good Without You” and “Song for the Lonely,” which were successful in dance clubs and continued to solidify Cher’s status as a pop icon. Living Proof was praised for its energetic beats, catchy melodies, and Cher’s distinctive vocal performances.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Music’s No Good Without You” – 4:42
- “Alive Again” – 4:19
- “(This Is) A Song for the Lonely” – 4:01
- “A Different Kind of Love Song” – 3:51
- “Rain, Rain” – 3:42
- “Love So High” – 4:31
- “Body to Body, Heart to Heart” – 3:57
- “Love Is a Lonely Place Without You” – 3:52
- “Real Love” – 3:54
- “Love One Another” – 3:44
- “You Take It All” – 4:53
- “When the Money’s Gone” – 4:39