Other Voices
Released in October 1971 after Jim Morrison's death, this seventh studio album features shared vocals by Manzarek and Krieger.
Other Voices is the seventh studio album by The Doors, released by Elektra Records in October 1971. It stands as the first album the band issued following the death of lead singer Jim Morrison in July 1971. With Morrison gone, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger shared lead vocal duties. The recording process began before Morrison's passing, as the remaining members held onto hope that he would return from Paris to complete the tracks. This album marks a pivotal transition where the trio faced the difficult decision of whether to continue or dissolve.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- the Doors
- Released
- 18 October 1971
- Recorded
- June–August 1971
- Studio
- The Doors' Workshop, Los Angeles
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 39:42
- Label
- Elektra
- Producer
- The Doors; Bruce Botnick
Lore & Background
Following the critical success of L.A. Woman, the three surviving members began recording without Morrison, who was away in Paris at the time. Reflecting on this period in 2021, Robby Krieger described it as a tough time where the band questioned their future after his passing. They had been practicing and writing new material constantly. Faced with the choice to give up or record the songs they already had, they chose the latter. Krieger admitted they probably should not have released it so quickly after Morrison's death, noting that they were depressed but felt recording was all they could do. While Elektra Records wanted them to continue, making the decision relatively straightforward for a band eager to avoid sitting around in despair.
Reader's Guide
Fans can identify specific personnel contributions detailed in the liner notes: Robby Krieger handled guitar, vocals, and production, while Ray Manzarek covered keyboards, vocals, and production. John Densmore provided drums and production. Bass duties were split among session musicians: Jack Conrad played on 'In the Eye of the Sun', 'Variety Is the Spice of Life', and 'Tightrope Ride'; Jerry Scheff appeared on 'Down On The Farm', 'I'm Horny, I'm Stoned', and 'Wandering Musician'; Wolfgang Melz played on 'Hang on to Your Life'. Ray Neapolitan and Willie Ruff shared bass duties on 'Ships w/ Sails', with Francisco Aguabella adding percussion to that track and 'Hang on to Your Life'. Emil Richards contributed marimba on 'Down on the Farm'. Bruce Botnick served as production and engineering, while Ron Raffaelli created the artwork. The CD reissue includes only one bonus track: 'Treetrunk', the B-side of the 'Get Up and Dance' single.
Track listing
Side one
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In the Eye of the Sun | Ray Manzarek | 4:48 |
| 2 | Variety Is the Spice of Life | Robby Krieger | 2:50 |
| 3 | Ships w/ Sails | Krieger, John Densmore | 7:38 |
| 4 | Tightrope Ride | Manzarek, Krieger | 4:15 |
Side two
Did You Know?
- Robby Krieger noted in 2021 that the band probably should not have put the album out so quickly after Jim Morrison's passing.
- The original master tapes were confirmed to be used for the September 27, 2011 digital reissue.
- For years, The Doors claimed they did not possess the master tapes needed for a CD release of this album.
- The 2015 Rhino reissue features 'Treetrunk' as its only bonus track.
More in Albums & EPs
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