The Hunger (Michael Bolton album)

The Hunger is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. It was released in 1987 by Columbia Records. This was his breakthrough album, with the hits "That's What Love Is All About" and the Otis Redding cover "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay".

Contents

• Production
• Personnel
• Cover versions
• Songs
• References

Zelma Redding, the widow of Otis Redding, said Bolton's performance of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" moved her so much "that it brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me so much of my husband that I know if he heard it, he would feel the same." In a framed letter that hangs on the wall of Bolton's office, she called the record "my all-time favorite version of my husband's classic."

Several songs from this album feature Journey members Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Neal Schon on guitar, and previous member from their Raised on Radio 1986-87 tour Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame) on bass. During this time, there were rumors that Bolton might have been in the running as Journey's new lead singer after Steve Perry's initial departure from the band in early 1987. Also playing on certain tracks on the album was then-current Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick.

Despite only reaching #46 on the US Billboard 200, the album achieved stability in the charts. After several weeks the album was certified double Platinum in the US (Bolton's first certification of his career). Worldwide, the album has shipped four million copies over the years. In 1990, three years after its initial release, the album entered the UK Albums Chart for the first time and reached its peak of #44, following the success of the album Soul Provider.