The Genius Of Ray Charles

This was my grandpas fav album and it makes me think of him and smile. He was my favourite person. This music is so beautiful and relaxing!

One half of abrasive, distorted horns and raucous blues, one half of piano ballads. Really feels like tweo seperate mini albums. Great singing, hit and miss on the songs.

Really great album! I love this old shit, it’s got a particular style that you just can’t shy away from whether that’s in the recording process or just the people back in those days. But man this is great. 5/5

Timeless

Ray Charles is just a delight. It's a bit big-band over the top for me as an album but the songs are great and man can Ray sing. Pretty fun album top to bottom.

So, Ray Charles still gets played a lot today because of the way he fused Jazz, Gospel & R&B. The LP What’d I Say, which came out in the same year as this, I would expect to see on the 1001 list (it isn’t). Instead you get covers of jazz-pop standards. They’re well delivered and I guess he won over members of the Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett crowd but the modern musicians/stars who cite him as an influence aren’t doing so because of stuff like this. It appears the only other RC album put forth by 1001 (1st ed.) is Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (?)

Knocked me for a doozy the first time so I went back for round two, when it didn't pack the same punch. It's in the same mode as the fabulous Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, but unlike that one it doesn't have as cute a concept to tuck the edges in other than the big band side A/ivory tickling side B split. Mostly, that highlights how much more Charles adds to these standards with soulful tinkling. Even though he's an incredible arranger, the big band treatment a) is more typical for these songs, and b) drowns out his primary grift, which is his generosity of spirit. The evidence is Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying and Come Rain or Come Shine (side B). They're the nailed-on A pluses; gorgeous examples of his genius for climbing up and down the scales so tenderly and subtly that you don't realise he's put a lump in your throat and a butterfly in your tummy until you try to swallow.

Everyone knows ray charles but I feel like there isn’t any single song or album anyone points to when referencing him. However, this album was great from start to finish. Loved the trumpets and rays voice. Fav: just for a thrill

Enjoyed the two listens. Only tracks I really dug were Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fightin Man, and Salt of the Earth. After five listens, these are incredible ballads in the second half of this record. Wow, just wow.

old saxy tunes. slow and boring

The first couple tracks didn't do much for me, but the more the album went on the more I really liked the somber and string-filled tracks. He's got a great voice, and the choir enhances the songs rather than feeling unnecessary, something that happens too often in this era of music. Piano is great too, jazzy without being overwhelmingly nonsensical. Sure, it's mostly dinner party music, but it's pretty, I could see myself liking this a lot more as time passes, but I already like this quite a bit.

Ok beginning and good end. Middle all sounded the same to me.

I like Ray Charles, I got a bit bored of all the big band kinda sound though.

I love his voice but found myself getting bored

One thing this list showed me is that I absolutely love old Jazz and Blues. Great stuff.

This album transported me to so many places in the 1950s/60s: jazz club late at night just vibing- maybe dancing with a handsome man, a cozy, dark living room smoking a cigarette from a holder and drinking a glass of gin, a fancy, expensive restaurant. His voice is like a velvet blanket. So full of soul and life but effortless. A perfect album.

I think I’ve raved before about the desperation with which popular( i.e. “pop”)singers in the 1950’s felt that the yardstick for success was recording with strings. Brother Ray was no different. What I didn’t realise was that Ray climbed that mountain when he was still with Atlantic, who released this record. All of Side 2 features strings. I always thought that Charles left Atlantic & went to ABC Records because they promised to record him with strings. Apparently, however, it was because they offered him higher royalties & ownership of his masters. Anyway, there’s nothing not to like on either side of this record. It opens with a Louis Jordan cover that’s almost the equal of the original. A great version of It Had To Be You follows (the song now most identified with the film When Harry Met Sally) & then the only dud here - Alexander’s Ragtime Band? Really? I’ve never understood why This song is constantly wheeled out by great singers who should know better. But then he slides straight into Percy Mayfield’s Two Years Of Torture - the bluesiest song on the whole record & an absolute winner. The band on Side 1 is awesome - the horns are drawn from great swing bands and their charts are arranged by people like Quincy Jones. Side 2 is a huge contrast. But Ray Charles ‘s vocals shine with any backing & the strings also work for him. The highlights are the final 2 cuts - the great, great Am I Blue (written in 1929, the line “Was I gay?” really makes you smile these daze) & Ray’s magnificent version of Come Rain Or Come Shine. Swings & Strings. It’s a winner for me.

all of the songs were just really good and i enjoyed them a lot nothing else to say

Toe tappin'. Great big band sound. Fabulous voice. That piano playing. Every song is delicious. There may be more instantly classic examples of this genre but this collection of songs is no less outstanding for it. Don't let the sun catch you cryin' is certainly a classic. The string arrangement my god. Brings to mind John Barry's best, which would come later. I was bouncing off this one this morning and not really having it. The went back to it this evening and am glad I did, you've got to listen to this in the evening. With or without a decent glass of red. It's an album to reward the end of a day well lived, rather than one to kick it off.

Lovely, just bloody lovely.

Awesome -- great music all around. I'm not sure I realized what a big band musician he was. I always kinda figured more of his stuff was kinda stripped down, but it really sounds like classic 50's-60's big band music. Great for weddings, dinner, and cooking.

Man, if you title an album the genius of your own self(!) you best bring the goods. And Ray sure did. ‘Course he had had six LPs before this to practice, close to a decade in the making for a lot of artists, some even longer. But Ray’s debut LP was released in 1957, a mere two years before this, his seventh! That’s Beatles’ territory. Except that Ray was there first. So, technically, the Beatles were in Ray’s territory. One of the things most noticeable about Ray Charles is his ability to make any song- no, any genre- his own. Give him a standard, and it’ll swing before Ray’s done with it. Give him a torch song, he’ll cook with it. Give him a country & western song, for God’s sake, and he’ll serve it as chicken fried soul food. And Ray opens right up with his signature swing on ‘Let The Good Times Roll,’ his anecdote to the blues, and with a number of options open, honey, including… you know. Rocking and rolling was originally a 17th century expression used by seamen to describe the motion of a ship on the sea. Eventually, though, it grew into a way of referring to a rhythmic movement of any kind. And if some of you young bloods have not yet learned this, there’s a time for rockin’ and then a time for rollin’. You’ll end up rockin’ if you begin by rollin.’ Doesn’t work the other way. Ray knows that. Now you do, too. Swinger . But these more upbeat, good time numbers are only supporting actors in this cast. The lead is the blues. We’ve swung a bit on side one, dipped our toes a bit in the blues already (but even ‘Two Years Of Torture,’ despite the title, was loaded with plenty of big band sparkle), and ended with a celebration of love, the answer to the question, ‘Do I need you, honey?’ ’Deed I Do.’ But by the time side two opens, lord have mercy. Ray must have known that by side two we’d be 2-3 drinks in, prepared emotionally for where the blues will take us. But again, not just any blues, but Ray’s special blend. When were the blues ever so smooth, so… delicious? God, if my blues could feel like ‘Am I Blue?’ sounds! On ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’,’ have you ever heard someone dissed and dismissed, but served so scrumptiously, like a rich chocolate eclaire with a cup of silky French roast coffee. Luther Ingram had a big hit in 1972 with ‘If Lovin’ You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right.’ Well, if being blue, the Ray Charles way, is wrong, than I don’t wanna be right either. And finally, the piece de resistance. Whereas the opening number offered the anecdote to the blues in the quest for a good time, he ends with another solution, and one that will ultimately conquer the blues altogether: Love. The genius of unconditional love, come rain or come shine.

I really liked this album mainly because I'm a sucker for oldie-pop with the piano and orchestra in the background. His voice is soothing in the slow song and great in the louder songs. Overall it was a great album that exemplified that time. Favorite track: Just for a Thrill

Now this is how it's done. Tight. Short and sweet. Though the big band opening made me a little nervous for the opening song Let the Good Times Roll. Great album

The album started stronger than it ended. Love the big band Fran Sinatra-esque sound. “It had to be you” and “Deed I do” potentially first dance of my wedding songs. Rays voice is incredible and so distinct.. Even though the album is not the best produced, his voice and playing takes centre stage.. I actually kind of like the way production is not too crisp, it has a raw feel with some smooth backing vocals, I’m getting some wizard of oz vibes at times. A lot of cute love, love that’s been lost and love lust songs. The album opener “let the good times roll” has a simplistic message of enjoying life regardless of your position in the world, you just got to spend some cash!! Haha 😂 and to be honest all the lyrics on the album seem to have a ‘to the point’ simplicity which is nice to listen to when sometimes music can be so open to interpretation and multiplicity of meaning (which is great, don’t get me wrong) where it’s left to the listener to extract their own meaning, it’s a nice change of beat to what I’m used to. Second half of the album drops to a simpler kind of sound. Which I like but it’s hard for me to describe, I just found it a little less interesting. “Don’t let the sun catch you crying” is a great single though, those “violins” 🤷‍♂️ answered back by rays keys ❤️ Maybe I just lost a bit of concentration on the second half of the album. (this review is after one and half listens) 6.8/10 maybe 🤷‍♂️, it’s hard to say on first albums score, I think I need more points to attach my opinion to, a point of focus to relate to. Still would recommend a listen to a friend ✌️

-old school 50’s swing album -alexander’s ragtime band - big brass, very upbeat olds hook swing, almost reminds me of fallout new vegas music -just for a thrill - slow paced, piano jazz tune

Chose this specifically for morning work while jet-lagged. Was a nice chill listen. If your in for some chill big band and jazz this is a nice one. "Come Rain or Come Shine" is a very nice track that showcases Ray Charles singing.

Pleasant enough, but this Big Band shit ain’t for me.

It has a great sound, but a bit dated. Big horns, big drums, smoky lounges. Not sure when I'd listen to it again.

Fuck Ray Charles

Ray Charles is my kind of music. Bangers like Let the Good Times Roll and It Had to Be You. Some hidden gems too. Some reviewers commented that they didn't like the big band sound...I love that stuff. Not sure what they're talking about...Ray's voice is clear, strong, and not drowned out.

come rain or come shine is probably one of the best songs I've heard through this challenge. the man meant genius. I love it

Absolute classic.

Go ahead. Give Ray Charles less than a five. I fucking DARE you!! 5

Music that can’t be denied no matter how hard you try. The classics will always be classic!!

the great Ray Charles, can't never go wrong.

Great listening yesterday. One of my favorite albums I've never heard from this app. It was a time machine, but still relevant and a classic style. Great music for a dinner party in your mid century modern home.

I wasn’t expecting the album to open with a song like Let the Good Times Roll. Ray really attacks those vocals, delivering a rip-roaring opener that immediately sets the tone. The first half of this album is dedicated to Ray performing Big Band classics, and it’s absolutely wonderful. The songs are so joyous and expertly played, filled with energy and life. There’s such a lovely quality to Ray’s voice—it’s hard to describe, but it’s almost like a singing saxophone, warm and full of expression. The second half swaps out the horn section for a string orchestra, creating a much more subdued atmosphere. It’s unusual to see an album with two such distinct halves, and it ends up feeling almost like two separate EPs. That said, the quality of the music never falters. The orchestration is rich and lush, washing over you like a warm blanket. Standout Track: Let the Good Times Roll / Come Rain or Come Shine (it only feels right to pick one from each side) Score: 5/5

It's just great. The clarity of his voice carries across the decades and feels so intimate.

Ray is getting 5s. Hope he shows up again.

Fantastic; absolutely beautiful.

So fun to hear a big band Ray album!

let the good times roll

wow

Probably the best example of the style, so it gets a 5

It's all so similarly beautiful. His voice is just fantastic.

The most accurately named album ever - this is genius

Makes cool seem effortless

Beautiful

One of my favorite blind R&B musicians, next to Stevie Wonder of course. God Ray Charles really is a genius. Thanks for writing my states theme song!

Ray Charles is a peerless figure in american music. His genius for blending jazz, blues, country and performing with such genuine emotion and musicality is something I find so moving. Unfortunately, I don’t think this album entirely showcases the best of Ray Charles, and I hope this isn’t his only album on the list. Some of the big band arrangements on the first half of the album feel a bit schmaltzy and lacking in creativity. It’s still not bad listening by any means - I’d give the first half a 3 ⭐️ rating. The second half of this album, on the other hand, is flawless. It showcases Charles’s iconic sound and highlights his beautiful, plaintive vocals with instrumentation that always complements and highlights, and never detracts from or upstages, Charles’s performance. The latter six songs are easily 5 ⭐️. On the whole, I think the second half more than makes up for my gripes over the first half. If I didn’t know of Ray Charles beforehand, I’m sure I would’ve liked the first half more, but I am prejudiced by knowing how much more of his catalog is cut from the same cloth as the back half of this album. That being considered, I think it’s unfair for me to rate this less than 5 ⭐️. 9/10

An absolute pleasure to listen to. Not what I normally go to, but this lead to a very chill and productive morning at work.

It's Ray Charles.

Genius indeed

Really enjoyed this. From the big band sounds to Ray Charles' incredible voice. So good

Classic. Smooth. A true masterpiece

9.5/10! I am a jazz musician, so this rating is a no-brainer. Great for active listening or background music. Snooky Young on the lead trumpet is unbeatable. Ray Charles’s blues combined with a star-studded big band and a fantastic string orchestra make every song on this album a joy to listen to.

Ray Charles is the man.

Fantastic. Not for kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The God Ray 🥰

Love Ray Charles, love this album and own it on vinyl. The voice is unmatched, the piano playing and arranging are spectacular its its just a seriously good album

unfair to all the other albums in the world really

Genius is the word

Stunner

I tend to dislike 50s music because of how dated it sounds. This album, however, felt timeless. Not sure if it’s been remastered, but the audio was incredibly crisp. I love it.

Great

So this album definitely demonstrates why Ray was a legend. For me, it could've used more up-tempo bangers. Stuff that moves. But the song-writing, arrangements, and production are all top-notch. I can appreciate it if I don't actually want to ever listen to it again.

This was great, really joyous. I loved the Jazzy parts particularly.

genius

This album is magical, the arrangment is so beautiful it feels like you have been thrown into a vintage disney film. It feels so serene and nostalgic at the same time. This certainly is Ray Charles's genius.

Ray always gets 5...he is my favorite artist

No argument here, the man was a genius. Two records here, bombastic big band for the first half and swirling strings for the second half all topped off with his distinctive voice. Great.

Fav: It Had to Be You Least Fav: Tell Me You'll Wait for Me

perfect for what is

Great album, the soul R&B from Charles’ voice along with the big band sound were amazing.

A classic album that was enjoyable from start to finish. The drop off if any was extremely minute unlike other albums on this list which start strong and then a bomb hits it and it stinks

love the big band sound with Ray's voice. 'Deed I Do, Don't Let the Sun Catch you Crying, and Come Rain or Shine are excellent. he's a great storyteller with his voice.

This nigga spittin. Too bad he couldn’t see the spit, too

The title says it all. Great album

Excellent album. Enjoyed it a lot.

Relaxing soulful and smooth. Vocals and instrumental flawless.

Is genius. 5/5

The genius of Ray Charles indeed

Very big band style with smooth and sultry singing - love it!

nice

There isn't a single bad note on this album. Yes, he was a genius.

If your G-Ma was born in 1940, you’re probably the direct result of “It Had to be You” I love this as a reference point of the genre

Big band Ray Charles is something special, love it all. First half is big band and second strings. Stand out tracks: - Let the good times roll - It had to be you - Alexander's ragtime band - When your lover has gone - You won't let me go

This is easily the best album i have gotten so far, i love jazz music and ray charles is one of the greatest jazz musicians ever

One of the best to ever do it. Ray’s has such a delicate balance of power and vulnerability, I can’t help but feel sentimental listening to him. Catch many songs on this album at my wedding date TBD.

Masterpiece. Felt like I was in a dreamland the entire listen.

I liked this a lot, not sure when I would put it on in my regular music listening day, but this is good. I forgot how nice and smooth Ray's voice is.

Now that’s what I call jazz

Ray is always a joy to listen to. Great stuff.

I mean, he really was a genius.

I was pretty sad today, and even his sad songs made me feel better about it.

Really enjoyed this one—great instrumentals and soulful vocals. Will listen to this album again for sure.

i loveeee the instrumentals

Wonderful!

What an amazing, amazing voice. Crazy to think he was just 29 when this was released. He already sounded like an old jazz and blues legend. Plus, his piano playing is as smooth as his voice. Every track is good, but I particularly loved the mellow mood of side two. I thought about pulling a point away for repetition - every song on side one has high trumpet shakes and every song on side two has schmaltzy strings (and sometimes cheesy backing vocals). But I'm giving that point back, because Brother Ray is a joy to listen to, and this is his only album on the 1001. Favorite tracks: Let the Good Times Roll (no, not the Cars song, but this one's great too!), It Had to Be You (sure it's a standard, but he owns it), Just for a Thrill, Tell Me You'll Wait for Me, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'.