When was Morrison Hotel released?

The album “Morrison Hotel” by the Doors was released on February 9, 1970. It marked the band’s fifth studio album and was released by Elektra Records. The album is commonly known as “Morrison Hotel,” but it was also referred to as “Hard Rock Café” due to the title of the first side of the LP.

Return to a Stripped-Down Approach

After their heavily orchestrated previous album, “The Soft Parade,” the Doors decided to return to a more stripped-down approach with “Morrison Hotel”. The band felt dissatisfied with the lengthy and costly production process of “The Soft Parade” and wanted to capture a rawer sound for their new album.

Critical Acclaim

“Morrison Hotel” received much more critical acclaim compared to “The Soft Parade,” which had received mixed reviews. The album was seen as a return to form for the Doors, showcasing their blues rock style and capturing the essence of their earlier work. Critics praised the band’s renewed energy and the more focused songwriting on “Morrison Hotel”.

Musical Style

“Morrison Hotel” is characterized by a bluesy sound, which the Doors further explored in their follow-up album, “L.A Woman”. The band’s trademark psychedelic and rock elements are still present, but the album demonstrates a stronger emphasis on blues rock. Songs like “Roadhouse Blues” and “Peace Frog” exemplify this bluesy sound and became popular tracks from the album.

Chart Performance

“Morrison Hotel” achieved commercial success and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. It performed better than its predecessor, “The Soft Parade,” and became the Doors’ highest-charting studio album in the United Kingdom, reaching number twelve on the UK Albums Chart.

Sources:

  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, November 20). Morrison Hotel. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morrison_Hotel
  2. Genius. (n.d.). The Doors – Morrison Hotel Lyrics and Tracklist. Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://genius.com/albums/The-doors/Morrison-hotel
  3. Long Live Vinyl. (2020, April 23). Classic Album: The Doors – Morrison Hotel. Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://longlivevinyl.net/2020/04/23/classic-album-the-doors-morrison-hotel/

FAQs

When was the album “Morrison Hotel” by the Doors released?

The album “Morrison Hotel” by the Doors was released on February 9, 1970.

What is the alternate title for the album “Morrison Hotel”?

The album is commonly known as “Morrison Hotel,” but it was also referred to as “Hard Rock Café” due to the title of the first side of the LP.

How does “Morrison Hotel” compare to the Doors’ previous album, “The Soft Parade”?

“Morrison Hotel” marked a return to a more stripped-down approach for the Doors after the heavily orchestrated sound of “The Soft Parade.”

Did “Morrison Hotel” receive critical acclaim?

Yes, “Morrison Hotel” received much more critical acclaim compared to “The Soft Parade,” which had received mixed reviews. Critics praised the band’s renewed energy and the more focused songwriting on “Morrison Hotel”.

What is the musical style of “Morrison Hotel”?



“Morrison Hotel” is characterized by a bluesy sound, which the Doors further explored in their follow-up album, “L.A Woman”. The album combines elements of blues rock, psychedelia, and R&B.

How did “Morrison Hotel” perform on the charts?

“Morrison Hotel” achieved commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. It also became the Doors’ highest-charting studio album in the United Kingdom, reaching number twelve on the UK Albums Chart.

Were there any notable singles released from “Morrison Hotel”?

Yes, the album produced the singles “You Make Me Real” and “Roadhouse Blues,” with “Roadhouse Blues” becoming a popular track and a staple of the Doors’ live performances.

How does “Morrison Hotel” fit into the Doors’ discography?

“Morrison Hotel” is considered one of the standout albums in the Doors’ discography. It is often regarded as a return to form for the band and a representation of their blues rock roots.