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.

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

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

old saxy tunes. slow and boring

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

I love his voice but found myself getting bored

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.

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.

ray charles is awesome, this is all i got to say about this album honestly. was i gayyyyyyyy, till todayyyyyyyyyy??

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.

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.

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

Ray Charles kicks ass. You can throw a dart at any of his albums and find something worthy of inclusion on the list. Really dig the backing band on this record. The world lost a true musical genius when Ray left. Just brilliant.

Pretty great. Definitely a genius and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. 5 stars.

Genius is right. This album opens perfectly with "Let The Good Times Roll" and just continues its perfection throughout. 5 stars

What a beautiful, gentle album. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" was one of my voice lesson songs. I never knew it was a Ray Charles song!! This album is aptly named, "The Genius..." because it really is.

Love it!!!

An absolute big band banger

Listening to Ray is like putting on an old pair of really comfortable slippers. Just as smooth as it gets.

Beautiful and moving. I was not familiar with your game, Ray.

A delightful and longing collection

Amazing songs, and amazing sound production for a 66 year old album! Loved it!

Fantastic mix with a big band sound.

So, 1959 rolls around, and someone at Atlantic Records decides, "You know what? Let's just call this album The Genius of Ray Charles. No pressure, Ray, just live up to that title." And what do you know? The man actually does. The nerve of him... And it's almost offensive in its brilliance. Look, if you're not into groundbreaking, genre-defining music that will make you feel things you didn't even know you could feel, then sure, give The Genius of Ray Charles a miss. But if you are, just be warned that it might make all your other music sound a bit… less genius. Don't say I didn't warn you.

for as ubiquitous as Ray Charles is in culture, i've never really spent much time with his music beyond a small handful of his biggest hits. this record is a treat, he's really flexing his vocal chops and making it sound easy. for 1959 when most pop music felt like aural bubble gum, Ray's really dripping with a raw emotion here that was rare for the time, especially in the back half once the choral and string arrangements get thick and hearty on the run of ballads he knocks out.

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

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 ✌️

Great Listen Watching the sandlot as a wee boy and listening to Ray Charles sing America the Beautiful is imprinted on my brain Best Song: Am I Blue Worst Song: N/A Best Lyric: "Was I gay?"

-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

Ray Charles is undeniably one of the greats, but The Genius of Ray Charles leans a little too hard into the Big Band sound for my taste. The arrangements feel a bit dated, and while his talent shines through, this earlier work doesn't quite hit the same as his later, more stripped-down stuff. It's got its moments, but overall, it’s not something I’d come back to often. More historical appreciation than personal enjoyment. Favorite song: Let The Good Times Roll

Nice background music for a dinner party. Lots of brass and big band vibes. I prefer Ray’s blues-infused music.

For an album with "genius" in the title, The Genius of Ray Charles is surprisingly uneven. Split into two distinct halves, the first side is an energetic big-band swing session with Charles backed by a powerhouse brass section, and the second half shifts into lush, string-laden ballads. The big-band tracks, like Let the Good Times Roll and Two Years of Torture, have a great sense of energy, with Charles' vocals cutting through the bold, punchy arrangements. The band swings hard, and you can feel the joy in every note. But once the album moves into its orchestral side, things slow down considerably, with the dramatic string sections sometimes overpowering Charles’ natural grit and soul. There’s no denying Charles' vocal brilliance, but the album never quite finds a consistent groove. The transition from the lively, swaggering first half to the more polished, sentimental second half makes for a bit of a jarring experience. While both styles showcase different sides of his artistry, they don’t necessarily complement each other in a way that makes for a truly cohesive album. It's an enjoyable listen with standout moments, but compared to his best work, The Genius of Ray Charles feels more like a solid showcase of his versatility rather than an essential masterpiece. 3/5.

Genius? Hey. I’ll be the judge of that. Why, you may ask? Because I’m highly judgemental and type like a Reddit moderator. That’s pretty much good enough for these days. This song was in Mafia 2. Man I’m a cultural savant. This thing runs like a freight train. Hell yeah. Jazz breaks, excellent singing, bombastic (in a good way) big band. “I got 50 cents more than I'm gonna keep” is a god damn “bar” as the kids say. Back down to earth. A little Frank Sinatra-y. Very of the time. Not my favourite. The best band in the land?? Man they must be hyped. Oh wait it’s a different band. Not his band. Anyway. This one is ok. The mix is destroying my eardrums a little but we stride on. Two years of Torture. Pretty decent. Good even. More smooth. A little too smooth. Still loving the jazz interludes. The quiet moments in this one are nice. Deed I Do is real good. Blues, jazz, quality vocals. Yes. This is what I want. Excellent blues, mixed with jazz piano. Soulful music with some complexity thrown in. Just for a Thrill is pretty great. You won’t let me go. If this album was bad I could have a field day there. What is a field day? Be right back. Apparently anything that happens in a field after 1800. So like a big fun dance OR some sort of weird ritual. Whatever you want. This was fine. Bad. Not a good song. Feels lazy. Next please. I guess my review got lazy too. You get what you pay for Mr. Charles. Do NOT let the sun catch you crying (Not clickbait) (Scary). Floated by. Yes Ray, you’re blue. Somebody answer the man, it’s been 65 years. Probably because he forgot to put a question mark. He asks “Was I gay?” Huh? Do we have a LGBTQ2S+ Queen on our hands? I love it. Call him Slay Charles. One more track. Very solid. Excellent vocal outro. As can sometimes happen, the beginning of an album is so exciting and when the surprise wears off, it stays where it is. The big band became more obnoxious as I continued through this thing. I know Ray was blind, and if the enhanced ability of other senses thing is true, those horn blasts must’ve blown his ears to hell. Makes me question the musical voracity of his Wrestlemania appearance. Nah. That thing was airtight. This album was good. Not quite wrestlemania 17, but maybe like Wrestlemania 1. 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Let the Good Times Roll, Deed I Do, Just for a Thrill

Didn’t do much for me, honestly. Ray sounded good and the band sounded good, just seemed like pretty generic 50’s big band stuff to me.

2.5 I think there are better Ray Charles offerings out there (my favorite is Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting with Milt Jackson)

The definition of genius has changed over time, as has my taste in music. But if the old-times are your vibe, it’s hard to go wrong with Ray Charles. And yet this record is hardly the best representation of Ray. The big band arrangements push him into the role of a swinging singer rather than the central star—a music direction choice compounded by poor recording and a less than great mix that doesn’t work for me. Furthermore, the album’s shifting moods between sides make it less of a full-session listen and more of a "pick a side" record. Personally, I prefer side two for "re-centering" Ray.

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

La música de los años 50 nos queda tan lejana que solo reparamos en ella cuando la escuchamos de fondo en una película y quizás reparamos en alguna pieza clásica. No nos damos cuenta que de allí viene casi todo lo demás. De todos los estilos que se pusieron de moda en aquel tiempo, el swing es el que siempre me ha emocionado más, y si va acompañado del sonido de una big band ya me enamora. Este disco tiene un primera parte de ese estilo y una segunda parte llena de baladas con arreglos de , otro rollo. Sea como fuere, el hilo conductor es la magnífica calidad interpretativa del monstruo de la música que es Ray Charles. Un maestro que hay que revistar de vez en cuando.

I’m at a 5. It’s not as consistently dazzling as “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” (and honestly, I’m not sure there’s a track here that quite hits the highs of that album), but it’s a damn fine album regardless. Ray’s voice doesn’t quite maintain the same level of charisma, the band’s not as sharp (& the split between big band / strings for each half feels a little disconnected), and it just doesn’t feel as tightly knit as it could be. Regardless, I think the music & the vibe speak for itself here. These aren’t bombastic takes on country songs, these are dinner / nightclub vibes, with Ray Charles here to regale with his sad tales of lost love & broken hearts. Admittedly, it does start to feel a little stale/same-y by the end of it, but I found myself pretty emotionally in sync for a lot of the album. Since it is sort of a one-note, “let the music speak for itself” kind of album, I’m just not sure I have that much to say. I wish it were as good as “Modern Sounds” was, but even if it’s not, it’s still a 5 for my ears. Ray Charles’ lyrics are good, his vocals still carry a suaveness & natural charm even if the charisma isn’t fully there (there’s certainly parts where it shines through), and when the big band is truly rolling in the first half (or the strings in the second half), I think it’s an absolutely lovely listen. I wouldn’t blame anyone for going down to a 4 (or honestly, even finding a sort of “boredom” spot if each style bounces off & going all the way down to a 3). I enjoyed it a lot, though, hence the 5.

Rating: 4.8/5 Short Review: It’s not just genius — it’s effortless genius. The kind that makes you think you could pull it off too, until you try and immediately embarrass yourself. Favorite Track: “Come Rain or Come Shine” — a slow-burn torch song that melts you like a wax candle at a speakeasy.

Very solid album, great tunes. Big band style, just like my father liked it. That's for you, dad.

9.3

I never gave this kind of music much of a chance, I listened to the album twice, and I really like it. The music is so interesting and full, without the words it’s written well enough to convey emotions so strongly, and when we add the lyrics back in, it only makes it stronger. I have heard versions of It Had To Be You before, I do love that song and his version was just as beautiful. I enjoyed the second half of the album more than the first. Reflective and wishful music. You Won’t Let Me Go, Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me, I really enjoyed those both. And the songs that came after just continued those same feelings. If you are looking to get into your feelings, this album is very good for that!

I like Stevie Wonder’s experimental stuff, but I far prefer Ray Charles. Also, kinda weird that they threw the two blind black piano players back-to-back…

Swing along with this masterpiece! Ray Charles's genius lies in his ability to sing big band songs and string-backed ballads.Beautiful big band energetic arrangements along with nostalgic,dreamy string ones!What can go wrong?Jazzy magic.I give it a 4/5 cause i'm not really into jazz(yet).

fantastic

Awesome

great, makes you move, really nice

Great album!

Way jazzier than I expected. Think Frank Sinatra

What an amazing piece of work. Quality and timeless. A true gem!

Super Dope

Ray til I die.

Amazing!

But how can he hear the music if he's blind...?

Ah... the 50's... There's a feeling of nostalgia and glamour that music from that decade exales. Ray Charles was indeed a genius.

I just understood what music is supposed to be. The kind of music that makes me want to share it with everyone I know AND everyone I don't.

This is such a feel good exhilarating album

The album is aptly named

To put it nicely…it was the most relaxing and car ride to work I’ve had in a long time. Never was really familiar with Ray Charles except for his famous songs and the amount of times he’s been sampled but man….incredible record. Absolutely incredible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

chill 5/5

Listened to it all day!

The title says it all. This is pure brilliance from start to finish. The big band swings, the strings swoon, and Ray’s voice glides over it all like velvet. Absolute genius.

I'd give 4 songs on the album a 10 if I could. Smooth, Sensual and Invokes memories of those loves gone wrong. Enjoyed every second of listening to Ray Charles.

Adorei

Pretty great

Pure bliss, love the singing, the big band arrangements, and the song choices. Would love to own this on vinyl.

Sure

Amazing vocals from the man himself, starts off more uptempo and slows down as the album progresses but that doesn’t diminish it at all, it’s a very satisfying listening experience

So good.

que du classique, beaucoup de très beaux solos

Excellent, no notes.

Excellent album — compelled to buy the vinyl of it. My only complaint is the mixing on the first half (yeesh do those trumpets get blown out), but the piano ballads in the back half more than make up for it. The kind of music I’d like to hear while on a fancy date out on the town in the 60’s. Beautiful.

thank god im not blind like ray charles otherwise i couldnt play fortnite

This is awesome

Everything about this album feels grand- from the big band stylings on the front half of the album, to the swelling orchestra on “tell me you’ll wait for me”. However, all the theatrics are dull compared to the raw emotion carried in Ray’s voice. He brings life to the lyrics, and everything else is just there to compliment it.

I really liked this album! Listened to it in a square in Brussels on a Thursday evening and it was the perfect vibe. The many different instruments at the start of each piece were cool. The buzzy trumpets were a bit much in the first song but I liked everything after that.

Genius

Excellent.

What's not to love?

Amazing production

Good

vier bis fünf

Growing up, I had a Ray Charles Greatest Hits Album that I truly enjoyed. As I've grown older, I realized how much great music wasn't on there. Amazingly, NONE of these songs were on there. Thrilled to be listening to this. Let the Good Times Roll- was this song made famous by Ray Charles? It feels like an American standard, in the way that Stagger Lee and Summertime Blues are standards It Had to Be You Alexander's Ragtime Band Two Years of Torture- how much Black love has been documented in popular music, especially by an artist this prominent and in this era? When Your Lover Has Gone Deed I Do- I haven't mentioned the big band aspect of this album- was he inspired by Duke Ellington? I often think of Charles as a solo artist, but the band really shines on this album Just for a Thrill You Won't Let Me Go Tell Me You'll Wait for Me Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Am I Blue Come Rain or Come Shine I loved this- I will listen to it again. The best part about the entire list is knowing there is stuff out there you are missing and then finding a way to listen to it.

XD The arrogance is deserved imho