The Genius Of Ray Charles

Beautiful as expected, went by way too fast

I have never listened to an entire album from Ray, it was quite an experience, I loved it to it's fullest

He truly was a genius, wasn't he? The album is a set of ever-enjoyable songs played beautifully by Ray and his band, and with his warm voice. I think my favorite track is Am I Blue, followed by Let the Good Times Roll and Come Rain or Come Shine. The middle of the album, however, doesn't match up with the strong start and finish, which is why I'm giving it a 4.

Big band standards and Jazz from Razzer , here. A beautiful bottom end and a real thump from the double bass. Nary a hint of rock and roll, which surprised me. Beautifully recorded and beautifully played, but I actively like his take on some of the standards.

Better than Coldplay

Can’t go wrong with Ray Charles. Unfortunately, most of the album didn’t stand out to me, except for 3 stellar tracks. Top tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’, Come Rain or Come Shine

It was more (old school) pop-oriented than I was expecting. He is an incredible musician, but in this album his singing and the instrumentals are less soulful/R&B than I would've liked. Definitely strongly prefer other albums of his. 3.5ish, I don't think it's quite a 4 for me.

Classic fun and jazzy

Just what I like

First and last track amazing

Genius of Ray Charles is fine, because goddamn can he sing, even if big band and strings are not the ideal backing for him (the big band arrangements in particular are lacking). It still features his incomparable singing and soulful piano playing and is worth your time, but if you want the real deal, check out the Birth Of Soul box set.

превосходные простые песни НЕВЕРОЯТНО приятный инструментал, так красиво и мощно мне по ушам еще не били я это однозначно буду переслушивать и мерить по этому похожие работы 3.5

Egentlig god, selv uden noget som helst, jeg kendte på forhånd. Men det ender med at trække ned, at jeg simpelthen forbinder koret i mange af de sidste sange med Disneys Juleshow. Det blev lidt noget følelsesmæssigt rod.

1950s orchestral-type arrangements aren’t for me, so some of this was a slog. But the sax and Charles’ singing and piano on many of these tracks managed to wake me back up again.

This was good! At least two classic hits on one album. It would be 5 stars if it was only a genre I was more into (and less 80's vibe), but I would listen again on occasion!

Как-то мне тут попался In the Wee Small Hours от Синатры, и в этом смысле я нахожу их довольно схожими. Схожими в том, что обе фигуры невероятно крупные и легендарные для музыкального мира, но при этом про альбом, вощемта, сказать то и нечего. Мне очень нравится звучание бигбэндов, так что от громогласного духового звучания я кайфанул, а Чарльз напевал что-то там про любовь и прочие милые сердцу приколы. Вторая сторона более балладная и спокойная. Достойная запись шоб зарядить её на свою древнюю радиолу и пить кофеек смотря в окно, шо.

I like Ray Charles and I enjoy a lot of his songs but I'm not sure I enjoy them as much in an album. 3.5

Great voice. Not a huge fan of the songs with the blaring horns. 4.0/5.0

really enjoyed this one

Old-timey big band. Trumpets, strings, old standards. Pretty, but not really my jam.

What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Wonderful album, cracking vocals and tip top musical arrangements. It made me yearn for times past, when the world seemed far simpler than it is now. Would give it a 4.5/5 if I could but will have to settle for 4

the seventh album release by ray charles, probably one of the most historical names when it comes to 20th century pianists... this guy was on a roll, i don't know how you make so many albums in the span of only two years but this guy sure did it. this is charles' breakout record, dipping his toes into the world of big band music, working with some big name producers and having an even blend of swinging standards and slow ballads. being one of the earliest entries in this list, it's another very clear window at the sort of thing that people actively listened to back in the day. charles' voice never breaks for a moment. he sings at an equal quality and volume no matter what side you play the record on. this is a good grab-bag of songs to play on the old record player for more crowded parties at home or lovely late night antics with your spouse in the same place in the '50s... really a generally good release from a well-established musician. even with how solid everything is performed and produced (i mean we got the likes of quincy jones working on this thing), i can only really give it a four tonight, considering i know plenty of these american standards... some songs there's like a million covers of. you can only get so much out of a guy doing his own rendition of "alexander's ragtime band".

That kind of schmaltzy big band jazz/blues really is the worst kind of music. I'll take 3 hours of Slipnkot/Korn over this trash.

Brother Ray is absolutely one of the greatest singers of all time. Rare appearance of a big band on this list - nice for variety among the hundreds of guitar groups. Not sure I'd rank this among his best recordings (Genius + Soul = Jazz, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, What'd I Say, and Genius Loves Company is a personal favorite) but it's great and well worth listening to.

The first half is some big band jazz, which is fine. The second half is some crooning, which is fine. Overall, it's fine.

I feel bad saying this but i prefer Harry Connick Jr’s version of ‘it had to be you’. Obviously the music here is all smooth as is Ray’s vocal delivery, but there’s just nothing to get excited about. I did enjoy the luscious strings on ‘Don’t let the sun catch you crying’, but I guess this sums the issue up in that that some of these songs and stylings ate so classics and standards that familiarity means its difficult to separate them from the rest.

This was never going to be terrible, but it was a bit slow and never really got going.

He has a beautiful voice. And I enjoyed this, the big band parts a bit more than the piano ballady parts to be fair. I will happily listen to a Ray Charles song if it comes on the radio. However, I find it hard to get truly excited about any of this. It's obviously quality. He obviously was a genius in his genre. But it's not a genre that makes my heart sing. So its getting a 'its perfectly fine': 3/5

High quality big band and blues. Great production given the year. Timeless will be revisiting

lovely

This was pleasant enough but I would have thought Ray Charles' other iconic albums would be included on this list instead. This is not representative of what his music is best known for.

You like Jazz?

JAZZ stomping my foot

'Hey everybody, let's have some fun!' Het begint al meteen goed. Een lekkere big band en de aanstekelijke zang van beroepsvrolijkerd Ray Charles. Dit soort muziek heeft bij mij heel erg de gunfactor: sfeer, vrijheid, strak waar het moet, op het snijvlak van jazz en soul. De beste nummers zijn die waar Ray met zijn zang en pianospel op de voorgrond staat, en het getoeter naar de zijkant is verdrongen. Als ik dan toch een klaagpuntje in moet brengen: waar zijn de hits? Okee, 'Hit the road Jack' stond nooit op een album, maar de man heeft toch wel meer evergreens voortgebracht, waarom niet een album gekozen waar die wél op staan? Prima muziek dit, maar ik mis iets waarbij ik echt uit m'n stoel opveer.

Noemt de beste man zichzelf nu een genie? Dan heb je het eerste minpuntje eigenlijk al te pakken. Maar goed, het eerste nummer swingt, ondanks dat het vrij ouderwets voelt. Inmiddels laat wiki mij weten dat kant A volstaat met deze big band nummers. Dus laat maar komen. Dat enthousiasme wordt direct getemperd als nummer 2 mij eraan herinnerd dat een big band ook veel ingetogener en dus saaier kan spelen. En dan moet kant B met de ballads nog komen. Het boek laat ons terecht dit onderdeel van de muziekgeschiedenis beluisteren. Maar tegelijk is dit zo saai en ouderwets, dat het toch echt ook de laatste keer zal zijn.

Muziek die meer dan 65 jaar oud is, daar moet ik toch vaak even zin voor maken. Of in ieder geval geen tegenzin. Want Ray Charles is ondanks naam en faam inmiddels wel enigszins gedateerd te noemen. Ik stel me hier toch altijd van die ouderwetse grote diners in Amerika voor, uit de tijden van de ouderwetse Italiaanse mafia. Dat beeld wordt vast versterkt omdat ik momenteel een gangsterserie aan het bekijken ben. We krijgen dan ook jazzy muziek te horen, met een blik (soms schelle) toeters. Ik hoor weinig van de piano door die bigband, maar Ray is uiteraard wel te horen. En gelukkig is hij redelijk in vorm. Op het eind wordt het wel wat gezapig met van die trage crooners. Dat vind ik toch niet de kracht van Ray Charles, dat mag wat meer energie uitstralen. De vorige keer gaf ik een 2, ik zal dit keer een 3 geven. Maar het had ook andersom kunnen zijn. En ik ben nog steeds erg mild hier.

Lots of classics on this album. The first half has a big band sound with his full band playing on them. The second half are ballads with an orchestra backing him. What truly shines is Charles' voice. Just a true classic. Of all the albums Ray Charles put out, I'm not sure if this one is more deserving of being on this list than others, but I'm glad to see something of his on the list and it was a pleasure listening to it early on a Saturday morning.

I could listen to this all day, wouldn’t change a thing. “Pardon me, but we have a strict policy concerning the handling of the instruments. An employee of Ray's Music Exchange must be present. Now, may I help you?"

Frank Sinatra once called Ray Charles the only genius in show business. Ray didn't shy away from the label — in fact, the word "genius" appears in the titles of no fewer than six of his albums. The tradition began with this record; though, to be honest, I struggle to see what exactly is so "genius" about it. Ray Charles is undoubtedly a master of the genre — he’s practically responsible for the birth of several new ones, after all — but here we hear fairly standard (albeit decent) big-band jazz alongside lyrical piano ballads (there’s a clear divide: the first side of the record is livelier, the second more laid-back). As was the norm back then, every track is a standard; there are no original compositions whatsoever. Still, the album isn't bad — especially if you listen while imagining yourself sitting in an old cabaret or casino.

Dinner party music

Back half is where its at

Outstanding Album!!!!

Nice solid album with some great horn sections, while also having many laidback pieces to complement

Excellent!

Sounds almost like proto-hair metal

Hermoso y bastante agradable de escuchar como una película de Disney

6/10

Meh

I always enjoy stuff like this when it comes on, especially Ray Charles. Again, I'll probably never reach for this on my own, but i do enjoy being exposed to it.

nice but not my thing

Good vibes I liked it

actually loved this album, good relaxing music

Very soulful, but there's a reason that some of these songs were written for a faster tempo. Overall good.

I'm sure this is fine, but I am just not in the mood for this big band sound today. Going with a 3. I wish this was less dated sounding.

A very solid album. I kind of like how it is divided into two parts, just as the big band music starts to get a little stale Ray Charles switches gears into a more intimate atmosphere. His crooning voice is excellent throughout. This isn't something I would listen to every day (what is), but I enjoyed this quite a bit. Favorite track: "It Had to Be You"

Good individual songs, together as an album a bit of a confusing listening experience - one song is peaceful and the next will be brash a loud. It doesn’t feel like an album I could put on and relax to, because if it’s a relaxing evening I’ll love the quieter songs but then the louder pieces will be jarring. Vice versa - also not something I’d put on if I’m in an upbeat mood because of the mix of tracks. Love Ray Charles though. 6/10

Good

It's kind of disappointing that the two Ray Charles albums I've had so far are not what I consider his best. I love his debut and question why it isn't on this list. I want to rate his music higher. It's definitely not bad, though. Very easy to listen to and enjoyable.

#438 Quite enjoyed this, probably more as it went on. The quality and talent is undeniable and he probably justifies that album title. I can’t imagine I’d seek this out again but it does feel like essential listening. Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit?❓ Listen before you die? ✅ Fave track(s): Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying Rating: 6/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

back to old-timey music this would've been just after what'd i say last ray charles was okay, this one is similar maybe if i liked jazz standards more would be a good dinner album at least

favs: let the good times roll it had to be you when your lover has gone don’t let the sun catch you cryin’ am i blue come rain or come shine rating 2.5/5

I've heard a lot of Ray Charles that I love, but this album didn't do it for me until the last 3 songs (which were phenomenal).

Classic.

Nice and mellow

Amazing swing and blues album. Not the biggest variation in songs, but really enjoyable. It's so fun hearing the big band sound and this is a great version of it.

A good listen overall.

Good

A little too much jazz standards and not enough R&B Ray.

Some music is ageless, this is a good example.

Ah man. Big band jazz ain't for me, Ray feels like he's being constrained by the format and the recording is poor quality. Competently performed but without evoking any response. He sounds like just another 50s crooner. There has to be better albums than this to showcase his chops.

a really smooth and pleasant listen. Ray has a great voice and the instrumentals never disappointed. i would say there are no bad songs on this album but some do blend together quite a bit. but there was no moment where i wasn't vibing. it feels kind of simple but it just works. best songs: "Am I Blue"

A surprising amount of diversity of sound on this album. At 38 minutes, I wasn't expecting a lot. Heartfelt, full of energy and overflowing with love for playing music.

Helt ok! Är inte överdrivet förtjust i storbandsmusik men det funkar ok här. Inte det mest fantastiska jag hört och jag gillar annat av Ray Charles mer. En stabil 3a ändå.

I'm shocked how much I love this album and saved it to listen to again!

Not much variation, sorry Ray

Calling your album “The Genius Of Me” is very funny.

Solid. What a voice.

My favorite song in this album was Alexander's Ragtime Band

Meh. Not his best

Gotta be miserable not to enjoy this

I love the classic big band sound. These songs are fun and heartfelt.

Great voice, passionate delivery, obviously great playing. I enjoyed the album, even if I am not a huge fan of the genre.

I don’t have a problem with Ray being on this list.

Cool 50s pop

I like this challenge, because its empowers me to listen to new albums and genres that I otherwise never cared to. Will i revisit this often? Probably not, but I admire the talent, and the instrumentation that went into this album. I didn't have a hard time getting through this, Ray Charles is 1 of a kind. 3/5

Cool album, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Ray Charles' has an amazing voice of course that really fits the energetic songs. However, I also really liked the more mellow songs towards the end of the album. The strings really added much. I would say this is 3.5 stars but I’ll round up

It was good, as you'd expect, but I think the other entry was better.

mid 3.5

Man…I think I have to admit that I just don’t like the old school big band and easy listening type of music. Fine musicianship for sure. But it just doesn’t move me in any way.

First song was a banger, last half of the album was a little slow but overall it was way more enjoyable than I thought it would be going in what else do you want me to say 3/5

Fun and jazzy, good vibes

좋긴 한데 계속 듣다 보면 집 가고 싶은데 할배가 노래방에서 노래 계속하는 기분

Classic is as classic does! There's a lot of covers on this album

Not the Charles I like but good

Lovely. Solid. Bang in the middle. 2.5

funner than the country and western.

I just love the jazzy big band sound. Grand orchestration and beautiful words, the vibes are just impeccable ! Dare I say, more rizz than Sinatra

A more accurate album title is hard to come by.

Infectiously energetic rhythm & blues on side one, and gloriously tender and soulful ballads on side two. No notes, just an absolute joy to listen to.

tetszett főleg a hangzása, viszont a végére egy kicsit már túl hasonló volt számomra (3)

Eh, one of those that I don't really need to listen to much of. Fine enough. Old school swinging pop. Good, nothing I'd choose.

Legends are legends for a reason.

Ray is cool and everything, and this album is good, but ... I don't find myself drawn to listen to a lot of Ray Charles. And I really don't care for the "With Strings" format, which this album devolves into on what we must assume was Side 2 when it was first released. We really need the 3.5 stars option. 256 out of 342. I really like the work of two of his former sidemen, Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman. They take this style of music more to the jazz side of the street, often to very good effect.

This album took me on a trip. First I was so happy to be hear this post-Korn. Then I became disenchanted with a couple songs and took a break. When I came back I realized I had been an idiot and this whole album is great. The style threw me off initially, and I still wouldn't say it's my favorite, but it sounded very good after listening to supermarket music all day.

The album's name is appropriate, considering Ray Charles was a musical genius. This is more big-band, swing style jazz than people expect if all they've heard are his standard hits. And if you're not into big band, you're not going to enjoy this album.

bra men också lite tråkigt?

This is a virgo 4, because I know he can do better.

Was good. Will be back.

La pasé genial, me encantaron ambas partes del álbum. Este tipo tiene una voz única y me re llegó.

Quintessential late 1950's, early Ray Charles. There is a reason he is in the pantheon of American Music.

This just feels good to listen to. Ray Charles is the kind of music you feel in your bones.

Ray Charles, Boy Genius notes Some crazy sounds in this album. Equal parts wild/exciting and smooth/dreamy, often In the same song. Really great stuff that opened my eyes to this type of music. 8/10

I admire the person (don't know much the artist), but this is not for me. Especially the second "orchestral" part is beyond boredom. In addition, the 50s is a decade I generally despise (not only musically speaking)

The 2nd half of the record is better than the first. The first part's not bad, but the sound gets a bit repetitive at some point.

Genius, indeed. Great album of standards, beautifully done.

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

This was fine and an easy listen. I'm ok with just the hits from Ray.

This isn't what I think of or what from Ray Charles. The sleepy ballads on the second half of this album, with their syrupy backup vocals and strings, are a total bore. I don't need to hear his take on standards, either. The first part is better than the second, but it's a pass all around.

Was fine. Felt old and slow

Very nice!

Love Ray Charles - nice album, great piano and soul. Beautiful.

Moving in

#227/1001 🇺🇸 🕶 Much preferred the second side. The ballads really showcase Charles' voice opposed the brasher big band tracks which make up side A. Best tracks: Tell Me You'll Wait For Me, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying, Come Rain or Come Shine.

Genius is right, goddamn

Hay otros mejores para el soul

The big band portion at the beginning was amazing, some of the later songs were a little slow for my taste

I expected this to be good, but it was honestly amazing. As someone not super familiar with his work, I was completely surprised by all the big band numbers at the beginning. Definitely going to be coming back to this one again.

How on earth to review this? I'm trying to listen to it on its own terms, but it feels dated in a way that so many other things from 1959 (Kind of Blue, The Shape of Jazz to Come, Moanin' in the Moonlight, Mingus Ah Um, Time Out) don't. Obviously these lists have to be subjective, but it feels a tier below top-1000 quality to me. Listening to it as a studio album it sounds rather as if the dance is missing. It wasn't an unpleasant experience, but nor is it one I particularly wish to repeat. I guess that sets the standard for me: 2* is neutral, 1* actively bad, and 3-5 represent something increasingly special.

classic

I'm not saying he wasn't a genius, in fact I am sure that he was! And in the 50s too, this was really it! The height of cutting edge! Also it goes without saying that there is monumental importance to the Black musicians of this time and their endless influence on all contemporary music. That being said, this kind of croony, big band kinda sound just isn't my vibe and that's okay.

idk why but I kinda thought Ray Charles was a bit edgier than this? Compared to the other really old soul and rock n roll stuff this lacking that manic edge that a lot of the others had. It's obviously very nice to listen to and all that, not saying it's bad, just not grabbing me

One of the greatest to ever do it. Talk about “performance>song>recording” pyramid. He could sing the drive thru menu

A smooth ride from big-band-bops to orchestral ballads. The last few songs are really enjoyable and they let the piano shine. Terrible quality on the recording though- very unfortunate.

i know nothing about jazz so idk what to say or qualifiy, so I just rated the songs based on how much I liked them, speaking from a place of ignorance. "let the good times roll" 3.5 "it had to be you" 2.5 "alexander ragtime band" 3 "two years of torture" 2 "when your lover has gone" 2.5 "deed i do" 3 "just for a thrill" 2.5 "you wont let me go" 2.5 "tell me you'll wait for me" 2.5 "dont let the sun catch you" 2.5 "am i blue" 2.5 "come rain or come shine" 2.5 basically, even knowing nothing bout jazz, i cant tell this album has nothing interesting, its sounds like jazz from a disney movie or a low budget one. its just like npc jazz.

Very good if you like blues/jazz.

perfect

Me gustó muy soul

Ray Charles could sing a shopping list and it's pleasant to listen to. This record is no exception. He tackles a run of standards here. The first half is his band (augmented with players from Duke Ellington and Count Basie's bands) and side 2 is a full orchestra doing ballads. The first half is stronger with more upbeat numbers but he does a fine job on the ballads too.

Una cumbre insuperable del jazz, el soul temprano y la balada orquestal que ha envejecido bien como el testimonio definitivo del genio musical del siglo XX. En el plano de diseño formal, los magistrales arreglos divididos entre Quincy Jones y Ralph Burns logran un entretejido que da claridad absoluta a dos mundos acústicos contrastantes, permitiendo que la combustión de los metales y la suntuosidad de las cuerdas respiren con nitidez junto al pulso del piano. La interpretación de Ray Charles despliega una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad pura, imponiendo una autoridad superior desde un fraseo libre y una devoción vocal incomparable. Clásicos imperecederos como la explosión rítmica de "Let the Good Times Roll", la cadencia de "Alexander's Ragtime Band" y la densidad emotiva de "Come Rain or Come Shine" dan forma a un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que funciona como un sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la honestidad del sentir y la resiliencia humana. Un trabajo cuya cadencia envolvente y constante sensación de paz y fluidez lo vuelven sumamente versátil para múltiples usos, destacando como un acompañante extraordinario para el trabajo creativo, la conducción o disfrutar en una reflexión solitaria.

Second Ray Charles album. Preferred the first but this is pleasant enough.

Can't disagree. Sky high IQ. Brilliance

Gotta be miserable not to enjoy this

Dig this one. Sounds great, Ray, as always, brings that classy timeless element which works with both of the big band and string accompaniment sides.

Really like Ray Charles despite how dated these albums sound. This a great “morning” listen.

Great album.

Pretty good album, while blues isn't in my regular listening I did enjoy this album

INSTRUMENTALS MY GOAT RRRRAHH

Great album. But not my kind of sound. I don’t live in New York and visit jazz bars and drink whiskeys and smoke cigars. I assume this type of music is for that type of crowd.

I honestly forgot how relaxing his music is, even as simple background music.

It sounds like 1930 in a good way

Truly the Genius in this album title is accurate. I really love this big band style, and I think Ray Charles is one of the greats at this format. I also don't think there are too many people who can say he isn't a hell of a musician, artist, piano player, and singer. There is a reason that so many artists wanted to collaborate with him. He oozes credibility, professionalism, and pure passion.

Just like Alice in Chains’ “Them Bones” and James Brown's “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, Ray Charles' “Let the Good Times Roll” is one of the great jump-scare openers. After a couple of seconds of silence, that horn suddenly blares in your ear, leaning you covered in the coffee that you were about to drink. After you've recovered, it's of course very enjoyable. Everything that Ray Charles does is. His bluesy piano twinkles as the big band fills the gaps between his raspy, frenetic singing. His voice is absolutely fantastic. Not only does he somehow hold a note absolutely perfectly while dissolving into a full-on shriek, but he injects so much energy into everything with his singing. It's impossible not to be in a good mood just from listening. Unfortunately, for a good half of this album, he moves away from that winning formula into a more Sinatra-esque take on slower numbers. Which is fine and still very enjoyable overall, and it does show another aspect of his incredible voice. But it's not what I come to Ray Charles for.

Good listen

Ray is a one-of-a-kind talent!

Listened

Enjoyed the big band sound. Not too many stand out hits, but a very enjoyable listen

it was kind of boring and every song sounded the same so not that good..

Pretty good for a blind dude

i get it but not for me

70

I was not a fan of this album; I don't really enjoy the Soul/R&B/Jazz genre.

Really good album, loved the vocals and production of the whole thing. Side A was so fun to listen to and Side B felt so soulful and relaxing. Felt a tiny bit repetitive, but far from boring.

Have to listen it again

An even mix of upbeat big band and slower ballads. Perfectly competent and then some, as Ray Charles always was. Kind of wish this particular album focused on just one of the above genres/styles, though. The latter half was definitely stronger in my opinion.

Me gustaría escucharlo un día en el mood adecuado, siento que podría estar muy bueno. Lindo, agradable. No sé si estoy para un álbum entero de esto, pero a la vez es corto. Bancamos.

Ray Charles is good

I’ve heard this before and I own it. Ray Charles has always been awesome from before his first album until he left this mortal coil. He was still getting into his own here since it was his first album, but it’s an amazing album and a shot of what was to become. That’s all.

08/07 Not bad, but not into big band music

Let the Good Times Roll had me at the horns intro. And then it got all bluesy and slower than I generally like. Happy to have no misogyny and violence, but it's a bit out of my comfortable listening zone. Ray Charles was genius in his time. 3 stars I think.

Beautiful but so, so boring and sad.

I don’t know why it started off with a big band then stopped like 3 songs in and it was just Ray on the piano. I loved the vibe of those first couple of songs and then it was unfortunately a bit boring.

Pre Listen: Ray Charles, cool. I've listened to a song of his here and there, and I like it well enough. Higher expectations than usual, let's see what we got here. Notable Tracks: Am I Blue - Least favorite track on here. It starts well enough with the violins and soft flute, and the instruments maintain quality throughout, I just get bored of the lyrical whingeing. Post Listen: I like Ray Charles, but I liked the big band backing him a bit more than the things he did himself. Still, that was a good album. Every section of the band played their roles well, great harmonies. The bass and violins stuck out to me as particularly notable. Ray Charles' piano work is superb, though I'm not a huge fan of his voice. It's not bad, just not amazing I think. Another classic artist with a sweet little album. 4/5

I’m not a fan of the “big-band” stuff and I think Charles’ voice is iffy at times but some stuff was pretty good. Am I Blue and other more melancholy songs were pretty good and I added one or two to my library.

Ray Charles showing off his vocal skills here. Still a little overproduced, over-orchestrated. Let the man cook!!! He is at his most comfortable on the straight 12-bar blues. More of that, more R & B. Surprising to see how high the rating is for this on here. Like a cold glass of water on a hot day, really refreshing.

What an elegant album! Love it!

Not my style, but still fun.

Ray Charles was one of the seminal, irreplaceable giants of musical history. His work is a perfect example of mixing different genres to come up with something unique.

The back half of this album is sublime. You have so much joy and celebration front loaded at the start that when the blues hits they really hit.

Side a is a 2/5, the audio doesn't really hold up nowadays and I thought I died everytime I heard the horns, best track let the good times roll Side b is a 4.5/5 for me, really shows his greatness. The backing vocals really added something too overall a 4/5, I really dig that second side and added all of the songs of it to my playlist

I see Ray Charles, I upvote

Like so many of these late 50s album, it's a bit tough to know what to say other than 'Ray Charles has a fantastic voice doesn't he, but these songs are quite boring'.

didn't finish it but I liked it

me admiro da autoconfiança de se chamar de gênio

I'm familiar with Ray Charles - but only a little bit. I currently have 5 songs liked by him on Spotify, and it looks like none of them are from this album. This is very "big band"-ish. Much more than I was expecting from knowing a few other Ray Charles songs. More like Frank Sinatra stuff. Ok, I see the first half is more big band style and the 2nd half is more strings/orchestra style. Ray Charles has a great voice. I think I like his more R&B style songs like "What'd I Say" - which looks like it was released the same year as this album (1959). But some of this is pretty good and started to grab me after a few listens. I ended up liking 6 songs - "Let The Good Times Roll", "It Had To Be You", "Just For A Thrill", "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'", "Am I Blue", "Come Rain or Shine" Glad I got a chance to listen to this - as I have now added 6 more "new to me" songs to my Spotify collection. Liked songs on Spotify: 6/12 Rating: 3/5

Deilig gammel blues og jazz!

I'm not a fan of jazz.

It's a good album from one of the goats. I don't think it's his best work but it's good. 7.3/10

Loved this album, as did my 9 month old. Clearly works on a lot of levels

I prefer Ray Charles when he's more bluesy

Love ray charles so was nice to hear some more obscure tracks.

1959 - blessing RnB w Jazz - Soulful AF

Excellent felt a bit White produced and easy listening but interesting to know the grounding of Ray Charles prior to his true artistic emergence

just for a thrillいいです パッパァーーみたいなやつ多くて、そういうジャンルなんだなと思いました。 あんまり刺さんなかったです。 ゆっくりのパートはいいと思うけれど急にパッパーーみたいなの来てびっくりするんですよね 後半でそれが少なかったのでよかったです

AMEI

האלבום טוב עם המון שירים אייקונים שתכירו גם אם לא שמעתם אותם פר סיי. שירים שכיף לשמוע אם כי מרגיש לעיתיםד רפיטטבי ומוגזם עם כל החצוצרות אבל זה הז'אנר לא באנו לשנות היסטוריה השירים מרגישים כאילו משם הוציא את הנדוש

Perfectly decent music. Good to have on in the background.

Enjoyed the jazzier stuff to the Big Band style tunes at the start. Immense talent, not really for me.

Is it blues? Is it soul? Is it jazz? I don’t know. The ambiguity (perhaps caused more by my ignorance than by any real characteristic of the music itself) makes for an interesting listening experience. Probably won’t make it into my heavy rotation but definitely into my dinner playlist.

przyjemne

Hit the road, Jack! Bueno, este disco no es de esa canción pero igual vale la pena recordarla.

Truly wonderful, delightful, lovely, perfectly balanced. His music feels like a high wire act. Never a step out of place. This really is a work of genius. That almost undersells how good this is.

Not my thing.

Well...this is obvioulsy good. However, I find it hard to rate this very high. It is good, but I"m not a big fan. Overall, I tend to prefer the more stripped down songs rather than the ones with a big band.

its not the beatles or led zepplin or w/e 4 starts

Lovely. The back half is a bit sleepy at times, and the front half is a bit old-fashioned here and there. When it's hittin', though, this is incredible.

Timeless and classic. Such a smooth voice. There definitely is nothing wrong with the action on that piano.

This was a great listen. Timeless. Transporting. Anytime you get players together from Count Basie and Duke Ellington’s bands along with some arranging by Quincy Jones, you get this level of performance. By the looks of it this was recorded over just two days. If that’s the case, it makes it all the more impressive.

He sings good. I mean, what’s not to like about this. Definitely put this on several times and enjoyed it. Also, great if you’re listening on Spotify. When the album ends this takes you down a nice path of Elle F, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, etc.

Ray could sing the back of a cereal box and earn minimum 4*. Not his top tier work so that rating feels right for this one. A delightful listen. 4/5

I can't believe Ray Charles was asking if he was gay in the 50's.

Yeah buddy. This was a great listen. Soulful, bluesy, jazzy, and fulfilling. Ray Charles was a beast. This was a fun trip through his music.

45

Ray Charles has a magical voice and charisma. The less produced parts of this record, where it’s just Rays voice, his piano, and some tasteful bass and drums are the magic sauce. Way too many distractions on the first half of the songs. Really would love to hear this record recorded with more modern equipment, and with just a subtle backing band. Overall, the horns really detracted from the first part of record for me, but the second half was really nice. 3.5/5

Oh absolutely to all things Ray.

Loved it. No notes.

Ray Charles has some absolutely fantastic music and Come Rain or Come Shine is a perfect example of just how good he can be. The rest of the album is solid but doesn’t really reach the same heights

#418/1001. Glam rock? More like blah rock. I used to own it when I was a teen (makes sense), but don't regret selling it. Most interesting comment about this was that probably Prince was inspired by this. Can see the possibility.

Not the most original music but very relaxing

Not nearly as good as Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Des standards jazz interprétés sans grande saveur. Ça me fait penser à du Sinatra, et bien franchement, je ne suis pas vraiment emballé par ce style/époque.

C’était agréable au gros soleil

I mean it’s right there in the title

i love jazz and i love ray charles. i like how this genre of music really captures a trajectory of feelings and up and downs in unison with the lyrics. although it can be considered a bit slow i like slow, it’s a good album with pretty decent songs. i’ll rate later but good recom i’ll save it! i knew ray charles but not this album, thanks! i like the love songs in it best!!!

Me parecio un album muy tranquilo, muy bueno, muy relajado primera vez que escucho ese genero y me gusto la serenidad que trasmite

very good

Ray Charles is a "Genius". I enjoyed this album. It had big-band jazz, R&B, pop, and soul. The brass is outstanding and Ray's voice has swagger.

Goddamn, Ray, he knew how to have fun

Not too bad. I enjoyed the ballad filled second side a lot more than the first side

Nice. Not my favourite Ray Charles era but nice 3.4

Even Ray Charles can see that this isn't even Ray Charles' best work. Just other people's song sung wonderfully & soulfully by Ray. It's disappointing because it's not as fun or joyous as his later hits. Him & his piano with some back up singers are what I prefer when I think of Ray Charles. This is not the right one, baby! Nuh- Uh. 3

Du Ray Charles, grande voix mais j'écouterais pas tous les jours

J’adore C’est beau Je ne connaissais pas cet album là

Ray Charles c'est banger. Vraiment bonnes vibes ambiance jazz bar 4/5

This album reminds me of my speakeasy days in Harlem during my early 20s. I was blind as a bat then and could fly a plane like no one's business. 8/10 Top song Don't let the sun catch you cryin'

A very good album, just not my cup of tea

Undeniable talent on display here but I think it fits the same bill as the Buck Owens album. Always happy to listen, but might not be my first choice.

Really cool to hear Ray Charles in more ballads, as I was only more familiar the loud and upbeat stuff before like the first couple songs. Solid album.

First time I've ever listened to a Ray Charles album, and well... it was a pleasure! Love it front to back!

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UDSACD 255 (US 2012 reissue) mono SACD rip: What a unique voice! "Let The Good Times Roll" is my favorite track. Rhino Atlantic (worldwide 2014 reissue) stereo digital files: I think this album is better in mono, but it's still not my thing.

What a classic. I got into Ray Charles back when his biopic came out, the soundtrack easily could've been on this list because it encopases so much great material from his carrer. But it's amazing that for a time when great albums weren't expected from artists like them who depended more on singles, this is a beautiful album. The first half is an amazing big band version of Ray thanks to the arrangements of the GOAT, Quincy Jones. None stop hits. The second is a classic mellow, piano and some strings with Ray and some choruses. Great start, great end, great album

Great voice of Ray Charles paired with great sax, sign me up. A good blend of soulful tunes and big band sound.

It's Ray Charles + a full band No surprises, delivery was solid.

ok

the big band stuff was fun but i still do prefer the quieter second half of the album. but am i biased because i have a special spot in my heart for am i blue since bruce wayne sang it in justice league unlimited? who's to say.

It's a Ray Charles album.

mhhh pianooo swing pop

Must have been quite a revelation to hear that type of voice in a mainstream setting in 1959 and he is without doubt one of the finest and most influential singers of all time. His nickname became a tag line for a number of his albums but this was different as it was his first outing with a big band orchestra set up. They were clearly trying to work out the best method of album sequencing by having a side of bouncy band numbers and a side a ballads. This has five excellent contributory arrangers, more musicians then ever before, and THAT voice - it would be worth five stars if it slightly more of a knockout collection of songs. Still musicality of the top draw.

It was pleasant enough and he has a good voice

I'm really lost for something to say here and I can't tell if this is burnout or just a general disinterest in the record beyond its passable listenability; it's pleasant. That's the best thing I can give it. Probably could've died without hearing this one. Recording quality is pretty great for the 50s though.

Smooth, cozy, classic. His best album, though, is probably Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music? Anyway, 4.5?

cocinando il pesce col papo

Ray Charles is an amazing musician and he truly knows how to use his voice. Just like the title of the album he is truly a genius! Perfect album!

This is one of the most important albums Ray Charles ever made, but it is not his greatest. It is a magnificent achievement that occasionally gets elevated into the very top tier because of its historical significance. Artistically, it falls just short of absolute perfection.

I guess Ray Charles just isn’t really one of my guys. I don’t know why. Life is a mystery

I mean, the guy’s legendary. What a voice! Hard to hate any of this, although I think I prefer the slower second side.

cool but not it for me

Ray Charles is an odd one for me. This album came out in ‘59 in one of jazz’s greatest years ever. But odd as it may sound, I wish there was more Ray Charles on this Ray Charles record. Hot take but a few tracks have him mixed way lower than he deserves for a solo album. Not my style of big band jazz, but it’s certainly good.

Kinda surprised Ray didn’t write any of these tracks. Nice arrangements, wild stereo separation, but just decent overall.

I don’t think I’m going to suddenly explore the entire Ray Charles discography, but he has been one of the most pleasant surprises in this whole endeavor. I’m a little sad—which is ridiculous, nothing is stopping me from listening to him—to be done with his entries now.

Really liked some of these, though the sound quality was bad at times. One of my favs is “Don’t let the sun catch you crying’”. Really like the violins in the slower tracks, as well as the tempo of the livelier ones.

Plain genius

Such a cool album. This is what you listen to when you are able to take life's hardships on the chin and keep smiling.

Album très dur à juger, à ce stade c’est de la paléontologie Je peux pas faire sembler de trouver ça danser ou stimulant, c’est juste plus d’actualité Quand même, la voix et le charisme de Ray Charles me sont toujours très agréables et les instruments restent superbes Bon en fait l’écoute est agréable. Tell me you’ll wait for me ! Am i blue ! Et come rain or come shine ! Chapeau l’artiste, pour avoir réussi à m’intéresser. Je pense préférer la seconde moitié 7/10

good ol' jazz.

First half was a vibe, second half put me to sleep. Holistically, I'm struggling to see where the genius of Ray Charles is at.

Hmm, I’m not really feeling it. The only song I liked was “Come Rain or Shine,” mostly because I’ve been saying that a lot these days. The lyrics are actually quite pretty

Bien

High quality voice and decent songs - solid 4

Beautifully dense, timelessly classy. Title is worthwhile

Legend

Nice, won’t remember in a day or two though…

Ray is a flipping genius. Can't believe this is just kinda a mid tier album for him overall in his catalogue but I guess it was his first real big break out album. Yeah I love this shit

Not for me. Too ‘big band’ for my liking. All way too happy.

I think I enjoyed this more than I should have. It was miles better than the average 1950's crooners such as Frank Sinatra and the like. Ray Charles actually put a lot of passion and emotion into his vocals, plus the orchestra played a big part in making this sound expansive. It was excellent for what it is, but I won't be rushing back for a second spin.

The music is nice but it's honestly a little hard for me to tell how much of a genius Ray Charles is when I can't really tell most big band music apart

such a wonderful vibe for today. hell yeah

The front half is fun, even if the recording quality isn’t great. The second half kind of lost me with one ballad after another.

Banger of an album all tracks were solid need to revisit again to nail it down 07/9/26

Cozy and warm

WWWW

1 and 3 bangers

This album is a good one! "Alexander's ragtime band" it's a funny song.

Chill to listen to, would listen again if in the mood for this type of thing.

Perfect balance of catholic and witchy

Not a fan of the big brass here. I prefer the R&B, rock and roll Ray.

banque una locura, lo escuche mientras laburaba se me paso volando el tiempo

Ray Charles had been a professional musician since the age of 15, but his recording career started later. He was 27 when his first record came out on Atlantic Records. This album came out two years later. Of course, for people in the know, Ray Charles was a badass, but I like to imagine people first exposure to Ray being this album. “Genius?! Who does this guy think he is?!” And then they put it on… Let the good times roll indeed. Charles is cutting up some jazz standards with a loud, heavy cats. Dudes that played with Duke and Basie. This wasn’t your mother’s bid band. This ain’t Glenn Miller. Genius? You betcha. It’s not bluster if you back it up. Side 2 adds some strings to the mix for some soulful ballads and the best version of Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ you’ll ever hear. Who does this dude think he is? Ray mother fucking Charles, that’s who.

After giving a Rod Stewart album 2 stars for being an album of covers and not worth noting I'm giving this album of covers 5 stars because I'm a hypocrite and this album is amazing.

This is a great piece of music with solid orchestral arrangement.

This album really felt like one big performance from start to finish. The big band elevated it a lot and the outcome shines bright. The voice of Ray Charles is pretty impressive as well. Not so much in terms of the tones he hits, but in his firm delivery. It was a fun listen but I feel as if the songs would have stood out a bit more if more distinct ideas had been incorporated. Right now the same idea is being repeated over and over. It is a well-developed one but I would have loved to hear more variations of it. I liked "Let The Good Times Roll" and "Am I Blue".

Didn’t really grab me

Ray is timeless and classic. A great collection of songs.

Wonderful stuff

Yes give me more big band goodness. I love Ray Charles and this album is no exception.

Cozy

Liked this a lot - certainly outside of my normal type of music, but I definitely enjoyed this. Standouts: Alexander's Ragtime Band, Deed I Do, Tell Me You'll Wait For Me

Ray Charles’ voice is divine. The rest of just okay, but I got a bit bored with it.

A nice listen. Great performances, felt maybe a bit over long

Whenever I hear Ray Charles it reminds me of the movie Ray. I like Jamie Foxx

Swinging big band. It's great but I don't really connect with it, it kind of turns into background music for me. Probably would like it more on vinyl. Dig the orchestral stuff.