Reviews (page 3 of 13)
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'.
Greatness in all it's glory!
Such a great singer.
I love ray Charles
He’s so cool. I really like this album
Nice and smooth. Might add this to my rotation on a rainy day.
This can go on every day! Background, foreground, wherever you like
Even though I had heard a few Ray Charles songs, I was absolutely blown away by this album! So thankful I got to experience it!
Love this! I could listen to this all day. Rays voice and his expression throughout each song is a joy to behold. More of the same please.
Why not! Perfect performances, recorded perfectly, of absolute classic standards.
Very buttery jazz tones. Timeless and classic.
Ray Charles is iconic. He’s an awesome musician, and had a much celebrated career. Love his music!
Incredible work, not my personal vibe but for what this is it's perfect
So very good
10. I love Ray Charles
Enjoyed it
Ray Charles is great, band is great. Awesome early R&B
He really is a genius
Stellar big band soulfully made album, love it. Great listening to when cleaning and moving out!
liked this so much i listened to it twice. what a voice
This will require several further listens cause the first two were incredible. There's some serious Wizard of Oz fairytale dream sequence swooning twilight zone mystery going on throughout but especially from the second half onward. Am I Blue is a straight up beautiful piece of music. Also what are the chances of the last two albums in a row (this and the cars) both having the same title track.
Not much to say except I love the title.
Really enjoyed it, always love jazz. I was thinking about romance while listening so it definitely worked its magic lol
Love his voice and the big band era. Beautiful album!!
This was an easy 5 for me. What an amazing performer!! His band elevated his words so much! “Just for a thrill” was one of my favorites.
Un genio. Me encantó. Aunque tiene mejores álbunes.
No notes
The Genius of Ray Charles" is a seminal album by the legendary musician Ray Charles, released in 1959. It is widely regarded as one of his finest works, showcasing his remarkable talents as a singer, pianist, and arranger. The album blends various genres, including jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel, into a cohesive and innovative musical experience. Here's an in-depth review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with the pros and cons of the album. Lyrics: Ray Charles's lyrical content in "The Genius of Ray Charles" reflects a range of emotions and experiences. His ability to infuse raw emotion into his singing brings the lyrics to life, whether he's singing about love, heartbreak, or joy. Tracks like "Let the Good Times Roll" and "It Had to Be You" exude a sense of exuberance and celebration, while songs like "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'" delve into themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Charles's delivery is soulful and heartfelt, drawing listeners into the stories he tells with his expressive voice. Music: The musical arrangements on this album are nothing short of masterful. Ray Charles's virtuosity as a pianist is on full display, with intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms weaving throughout each track. His innovative blending of jazz, blues, and gospel elements creates a rich and dynamic sound that is both timeless and groundbreaking. The backing instrumentation, featuring lush strings, punchy horns, and tight rhythms, complements Charles's vocals perfectly, adding depth and texture to the overall sound. The album's musical diversity keeps the listener engaged from start to finish, with each track offering something new and exciting to discover. Production: "The Genius of Ray Charles" benefits from top-notch production, courtesy of legendary producer Sid Feller. Feller's keen ear for detail and expert guidance help to bring out the best in Charles's performances, capturing the raw energy and emotion of each song while maintaining a polished and professional sound. The album's production values are ahead of their time, with crisp, clear instrumentation and balanced mixes that allow every element of the music to shine. Feller's collaboration with Charles results in a cohesive and cohesive sonic experience that stands as a testament to their combined talents. Themes: Thematically, "The Genius of Ray Charles" explores a wide range of topics, from love and heartache to joy and resilience. Charles's lyrics often touch on universal themes that resonate with listeners of all backgrounds, making the album accessible and relatable to a diverse audience. At its core, the album celebrates the human experience in all its complexity, offering glimpses into the highs and lows of life through the lens of Charles's unique perspective. Whether he's singing about the ecstasy of newfound love or the pain of heartbreak, Charles approaches each theme with honesty and authenticity, drawing listeners into his world with every note. Influence: "The Genius of Ray Charles" has had a profound influence on generations of musicians across a wide range of genres. Charles's innovative blending of musical styles helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry, paving the way for future artists to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of what was possible. His expressive vocal delivery and virtuosic piano playing set a standard for excellence that few have been able to match. Countless artists have cited Ray Charles as a major influence on their own work, from soul and R&B legends like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder to rock and pop icons like Elton John and Billy Joel. His impact on the world of music continues to be felt to this day, making "The Genius of Ray Charles" a timeless classic that remains relevant and influential. Pros: Exceptional musical talent displayed by Ray Charles as both a vocalist and pianist. Innovative blending of jazz, blues, and gospel elements, creating a unique and groundbreaking sound. Top-notch production values that capture the raw energy and emotion of Charles's performances. Lyrically rich songs that explore a wide range of universal themes, making the album accessible and relatable. Significant influence on future generations of musicians across various genres, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. Cons: Some listeners may find the album's production to be somewhat dated compared to modern recordings. Limited stylistic diversity may not appeal to listeners who prefer more experimental or avant-garde music. Occasional moments of lyrical cliché or predictability may detract from the overall impact of certain songs. The album's focus on traditional musical forms may not resonate with listeners seeking more contemporary sounds. Some tracks may feel slightly repetitive or formulaic in their structure, lacking the innovation found in other parts of the album. In conclusion, "The Genius of Ray Charles" is a masterpiece of American music that showcases the immense talent and creativity of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. From its exceptional performances and innovative arrangements to its timeless themes and enduring influence, the album stands as a testament to the genius of Ray Charles and his lasting impact on the world of music. Despite any minor flaws, it remains an essential listen for music lovers of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its status as a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the globe.
I loved the strings, horns, vocals, and songwriting
think it might be illegal to dislike this it makes me smile just to hear
The title says it all. A genuine one-off talent.
So good
Listening to this, I realized that I am more familiar with the old, gravelly voiced Ray Charles. Heard very little of the work he did as a young man. He sounds so strong and smooth here. 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.
Brilliant album. All songs are consistently soulful.
What’s not to like?
That is very good
Amazing album, I don't know how to properly put into words how much I enjoyed this one..
Outstanding of course!!
Lovely and powerful
What a banger of an album. Obviously aptly named and a 5/5 star album. My favorite thing about it is the placement of the first track and the last track on the album. Imagine the way the party would howl when you turn this record on in your living room in 1959 with “Let the Good Times Roll,” and imagine slow-dancing with your steady girl/guy/pal at the end to “Come Rain or Shine.” Just gorgeous.
It's right there in the title... "Genius". And it is.
PERFECT
I really liked this - great job with many of the standards. A lot of horns and strings, I would have like to have the piano play a little more prominent role, but the vocals are great.
Beautiful
Jazzy, big band. Sounds old fashion in the good way.
This anchors a Playlist I have called "the greatest."
Good Stuff
Loved this album! A nice break from the other albums I’ve been reviewing. Heavy on the jazz, Ray truly delivered on the vocals and piano!
What can I say, other than this is just fantastic! Very fun listen.
Ray Charles! How lucky 🍀 was this draw. First album was John Lennon followed by this gem 💎
I love Ray Charles' music. It's impossible to listen to this and not sway along with the beat. Super clean music and the singing is just impeccable. The only ding it gets is that I have to be in a precise mood to search this music out. 9/10
Great. Loved the orchestra
Legend.
Classic stuff.
Fabulous album of old jazz classics.
JAZZY!!! All that jazz, baby! Swingy in the first half, bluesy-ballads in the second half. Definitely a wonderful balance that makes me long for times I never had.
He's a legend for a reason. (Though it's from '69, so the mixing is a bit whack)
Refreshing to listen to this kind of music! So easy…
What a magician, voice tone, all instint. Grand
Es como estar en una habitación con luz tenue, llena de humo y una copa de martini.
Great classic bluesy jazz. I loved it
Genius. Sublime. Slightly different set of songs from what I was expecting.
Genius is the right word. Great stuff.
Pretty audacious to use the word "genius" in an album title, but in this case - perfectly justified. The man could sing anything and make it his own.
Loved this so much! The vocals 🔥 the instruments 🔥 just my style
very good sounds would recommend
Let the Good Times Roll - big energy song to open the album. Charles voice paired with the band is great music It Had to Be You - A classic song that fits Charles style perfectly Alexander's Ragtime Band - a fun swing style song. Big band is a style of music that deserves a comeback. Love the trumpets on this track. Two Years of Torture - the way the trumpets come in and out really gives this song personality. Paired with the saxophone this is a fantastic track When Your Lover Has Gone - a solid slower track Deed I Do - another song where the brass section kills it. A real shame this type of music has faded out of the mainstream. It is truly incredible stuff. Just for a Thrill - one of the first songs to focus on the piano more. A great combo with Charles voice You Won't Let Me Go - this song makes you feel like you are sitting in a smoky jazz club enjoying your drink of choice and in the company of someone special. Tell Me You'll Wait for Me - good song, not too often you can hear a triangle being used Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin - switching it up to strings, the amount of different instruments featured on this album is impressive. Am I Blue - like many of the songs on the back end of the album, this one is a slower song that goes from strings and woodwinds instead of brass instruments Come Rain or Come Shine - beautiful song and great way to end the album. This was a fantastic album. Charles has a magnificent voice and the backing instrumentals add something different to each song. From heavy brass on the more upbeat songs to strings on the slower tracks, along with Charles' classic piano brining it all together. Putting this record on while sipping a scotch and smoking a j sounds like a truly wonderful time.
Song: Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' I was pleasantly surprised by this song. I really enjoyed the soft string instrumentals & Ray's piano playing is wonderful, too. While it definitely sounds of its time, it has a real timeless feel to it, too. It's a very mellowed out song, but I liked that about it—it was a really calming listen, and I would definitely listen again.
Super R&B
I have listened to this
Geniale Big Band Arrangements von Quincy Jones. A-Seite mit David "Fathead" Newman unterstützt von Mitgliedern der Count Basie und Duke Ellington Bands.
Really good, loved the mix of big band and slow songs
The title of the album fits. I loved every song and got goosebumps when I heard “Come Rain or Come Shine.”
Amazing!
they right
I haven’t listen to much Ray Charles before, but I see now why he is considered so influential. This is a very good album.
When you name your album "The Genius of Me," you sure as shooting better be able to bring it. Well, he brought it -- big band style. 1959 never sounded so good. Definitely an album better listened to on vinyl as digitally it's a bit harsh. But still 5 stars nonetheless.
Amazing big band and Ray Charles!
Ray never disappoints, this was an absolute bop of an album. The horns section blaring, Ray's voice shining through...this is big band blues at its finest. It's hard to believe this album is 60 years old. The slower downbeat songs are somehow not overshadowed by the in-your-face over-the-top numbers and this is the real genius of Ray Charles. The man had soul for days. Standout Tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Just For a Thrill, Come Rain or Shine
Genius
I mean, yeah, five stars. I'd listen to this anytime.
Timeless music from Ray Charles, big band ensemble paired with his stellar piano and voice make this an easy 5/5.
Good!
I'm gonna love you, like no one loves you Come rain or come shine High as a mountain, deep as a river Come rain or come shine I guess when you met me It was just one of those things But don't ever bet me 'Cause I'm gonna be true if you let me You gonna love me, like no one love me Come rain or come shine Happy together, unhappy together Wouldn't it be fine Outstanding album. Classic, yet fresh on every listen. 5/5
Fantastic. Hadn’t heard his more Jazz-like content, and he does a great job with the down-tempo jazz content.
love it!
excellent listening piano
An absolute genius indeed.
Amazing album
Ray charles todo un genio del jazz. ame este album y todo lo que transmite. una leyenda
Beautiful, amazingly structured, energetic yet calming
Very good
Beautiful, classic, started my day off right
Turns out I needed more Ray Charles in my life
Really enjoyed this one.
Classic, brings me back to an era
Big, bold, brassy, and cheerful, even on a song called "Two Years of Torture." Love it! The slower songs later on the album, sad as the lyrics may be, still have a real sense of contentment about them that is satisfying. Not a fan of the song "Am I Blue" but only because of the backing vocals.
- really really enjoyed this one - his voice is so warm and smooth - very comforting to listen to - feels like a 5, but could be biased because there’s frost on the ground and this music reminds me of the holidays
star ratings suck
Music transcending sonic sight; love and emotions in the depths of hungry horns and jaunty bass lines. Sounds instantly classic. You could say the title is hubris, but you’d be wrong. Easy and pleasurable listening.
Timeless romance. Duke Ellington orchestra phenomenal as always
The title of the album alone should let you know that you're about to listen to a genius at work. And the songs this man could make are unbelieveable. God bless his soul for gracing us with this classic ass album!
Jazzy, classic, love it
Nice One number or two
Heartbreaking yet joyous.
It takes some real chutzpah to call yourself a genius in the title of your album (and not even a Greatest Hits, just a regular record!), but he ain't wrong.
Not quite musical dna - that would be modern sounds in country and western - but it is to me an album that lives up or at least almost lives up to its title. Rays genius lay elsewhere, but the man was versatile. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Dude, it's so good. I haven't listened to a lot of Ray Charles but I love this album now. No major comments on any of the songs, they all mesh very well together and provide a big-band but also a quieter ambiance which is good. Excellent album.
Genius
Let the Good Times Roll It Had to be You Alexander's Ragtime Band Deed I Do Come Rain or Come Shine Just for a Thrill Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
Gold Jerry. Gold
What a genius this man was. Another great 50's album this week, always glad to see Mr Charles in the line up. Saved a few from here including my own Rag Time Band?? Felt like the same band that Sinatra used too in terms of the sounds but Ray is such a gem. This was a great album to end the week on. Gotta go with a 5 for this puppy.
I like it a lot!
This album has very simple songwriting, which may be a negative for some, but has undeniably allowed this to be a timeless classic.
wow, the “genius” of ray charles? some ego huh 😒 nah but fr these are some excellently crafted songs. i especially loved the abrasion. there’s such an incredible energy to this album too. shoutout to the blind legend 😎
Wow, I expected to enjoy it, but it’s amazing. Horns, piano, his voice, all sound fresh as fuck.
Very good. Ray Charles is one of the greatest. All of these songs are so smooth and perfect for a nice chill listen.
It was the instrumental arrangements that kept this consistently engaging for me. The horns throughout the first half sound absolutely wild and in tone alter between sounding like a celebration of love and a warning of impending heartbreak. Sometimes they sound like both at once. This gives the album a more nuanced feel than you would imagine from reading the lyrics on paper. In the second half as the energy calms down, the instrumentals stay interesting and lush instead of going for a stripped back and I’m glad. This record feels like a conversation with call and response between Ray and his band. Ray is straightforward and heartfelt, but for me the real depth comes from interpreting the tone of the instrumental passages. 👍: Deed I Do, You Won’t Let Me Go
Didn’t love the first half at first cuz I usually like his RnB stuff more than the big band sound and the horns were crazy in headphones but listened to it again in the car and it grew on me. Overall was a great album and just about anything by ray charles is classic. Honestly could go either way on a 4 or 5 and was my favorite of albums I haven’t listened to all the way through yet. 👍: you won’t let me go, just for a thrill, deed i do
5 stars all day long.
Classic
I love his music & his style of piano playing. I'm glad this came up on a day I was feeling blah...it lifted my spirits & ended up listening to hours of him, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke & the like. Yes, Ray Charles is a genius.
All bangers. Ray and the band sound amazing
Beautiful big band kind of sound. Perfect for my slow rainy morning.
Great listen. Made me daydream.
A very appropriate title.
Belta this
Like a big cozy blanket you can wrap yourself in.
The Genius Of Ray Charles is a gorgeous album, smooth and soulful and arrogant and charming and swaggering and raucous and everything else. Absolutely golden stuff, Deed I Do was the best of a high quality bunch, 5/5 stuff.
The good times are rolling here!
cool
Brilliant
Best album so far. An incredible example of ray Charles unique blend of r&b, soul, and the big band pop/swing of the day. Even without carrying some of his biggest hits this album is great!
Fun stuff
Yeh
loved
LOVE IT
sonzeira sensacional
This is a great big band album. Personally, it feels a bit tiresome after a while but if you're into big band jazz and ballads you'll love it. Ray Charles just doing his thing is worth the listen.
Ray Charles is a legend, and this album is legendary. Definitely something I wouldn't seek out on my own, but I'm glad I was recommended this album to listen to
[07/09/2022] Fucking great. I knew my lucky number three wouldn’t let me down. The lyrics are good. The sound is better. Great both for listening attentively and for letting it play in the background as you do something else… I think this was soul/jazz? Life kinda sucks rn but this definitely helps… I can make my days a little better just by listening to this. And Ray Charles was blind too?! Damn. Oldest album yet too, 1959. I wonder what the oldest one will be.
Can't beat ya charles
Glorious. No notes.
He does Sinatra better than Sinatra. Beautiful.
Always solid.
Loved it
Brilliant
Amazing. Ray Charles’ voice just gets you.
You are hosting for your third date. Get some wine and cheese, maybe you just went to the theatre. You show your record collection and of course play this, after telling some bohemian story about how you found it on some random second hand record store. It has to be on a small central-european city, of course. But it works, and the date is a blast.
Great Voice, great album
crazy nigga
A beautiful album, Brother Ray’s prowess on keys alongside that whisky smoked voice is a transportive, enrapturing experience. Whether ballad or big band, there’s none finer. The arrangements are sublime (including two by Quincy Jones), the band are brilliant.
This was a surprise and a discovery to listen to. I guess I thought I knew my basic Ray Charles. Big band and orchestra arrangements? Pop standards? But it was pure Ray singing, and while I was at first just a little skeptical, the second time through I just enjoyed the ride and loved his take on some classics. "Let the Good Times Roll" was really a ton of fun and "Am I Blue" was gorgeous. I'm so happy I got to hear this today!
I was not familiar with these Ray Charles tracks, but it was a great listen. Lots of fun and musically interesting.
Sailing smoothly from big band horns to jazzy sax and piano to lush orchestral strings, The Genius of Ray Charles is one glorious ride.
Ray Charles is another of those artists my dad really loved so I heard a lot of him growing up. No sure if I’ve ever heard this album in particular, but I knew some of the songs and very much enjoyed it! Smoking in some places, sumptuous in others, this is a really wonderful addition to the day.
Perfection, geniality, superb arrangements, Ray has an unique talent.
Very good. Great summer album. Makes me wanna sit outside somewhere and people watch.
GRAND RAY FUCKING CHARLES
10/10 my man Ray out here makin the best hits of the century
I could listen to this all day.
Highlights: Let the Good Times Roll Two Years of Torture Deed I Do Just For A Thrill Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' Artwork: 4 / 10 Rating: 9 / 10
..and to think he accomplished it all without a sense of smell.
Yep, genius is right
um meio-termo q extrapola 💯
Just a good album. I think this might be the first full Ray Charles album I've heard and I am slightly ashamed by that fact.
This was an excellent album! It is the only record I received so far that I actually listened to twice in one day because I enjoyed it so much. Ray Charles is always fantastic, and his performance here is top notch. I have heard what feels like a lot of his work over the years, but I did not recognize any of the tracks on this particular album. For what I know about him, this was a perfect representation of what he is capable of. The first half features more upbeat, big band music (my favorites being Alexander's Ragtime Band, Let the Good Times Roll, and Deed I Do) while the second half features some great orchestral ballads (the highlights being Just for a Thrill and the last three song stretch which is definitely the brightest spot of this record). I found this division between styles super interesting as this was obviously originally intended to be listened to as "Side A and Side B". Some might find this a bit repetitive as there is not much instrumental diversity throughout the two different types of songs, but that didn't really hurt it at all for me as the music and performance from Charles were both very strong. This album is absolutely timeless and nearly perfect. I will definitely come back to this one in the future (maybe I can even find an original pressing for my collection). 4.5/5.
Loving both Ray and Louis Jordan, as I do, I have to admit I couldn't wait to hear this album again. some classics on here but Ray's original voice and these different arrangements are classics in themselves. Love "Let the Good Times Roll" and "It Had To Be You" (Which I first heard on "A Little Touch Of Schmillson In The Night" A great Album that should also be on this List!) But I don't think there is a bad track on this album in my honest opinion. Rightfully on the list I say!
smooth and pleasant
Incredible!
Le genie de ray charles, evidemment. 5* merci pour cet album.
Good classic Ray Charles. Album does not disappoint.
Ray Charles is brilliant.
5/5. Ray Charles’s singing is pretty dynamic actually. Lowkey better than Sinatra 🤭🤫
Incomparably classy.
A ten out of ten
9/10
Loved it. Good background dinner jazz/swing music.
Ray's music always works
I mean, it’s Ray Charles and a big band…how great is that!?
jazz music! big, brassy intense. digigng it. great listen. easy 4 or 5!
Great album, especially if you want an overall slower paced R&B style. Pretty easy 5 stars.
Great tunes. Great voice
Boy is this album named correctly! Genius!!! Whether he’s partying, romancing, breaking up or heartbroken, I want to listen to Ray telling the story. My kind of music.
Sweet, sweet jazz
Oh yeah. Big Band feel? All about this.
Pure gold
Loved every minute! Timeless classic!
What an amazing sound! A well titled album.
Yep
Stellar from front to back. Didn't expect so many string and chorus harmonies throughout. Plenty of classics I've heard before
a masterpiece
An artist stepping outside the box and doing that creative thing....Swing and Pop...sure. Why not!
Took me back to grade 8. The big band feel was a nice change.
GREAT Jazz
A classic, reminded me of my parents
Quality, Ray Charles is an OG baller
Album name says it all. Don’t think this is his finest work but still deserving of top marks
Genius indeed
Yes I really liked this
just gorgeous
Liked. relaxing.
Dope
First one I really enjoyed, and actually listened through. Have always loved Ray Charles. So soothing, crooning, wanting, in love. Great!
great listen. Always loved Ray.
Beautiful charming
BIG BAND JAZZ
Crazy that this can still hold up after 70, beautiful sounding and very chill
Good, but not his best album. 3.5
A very lovely thing to listen to.
Really enjoyed this! 4.5
por más que la música de Ray Charles es preciosa, un album entero se hace ya muy repetitivo. Igual soy fan de todo lo que pueda sonar en una película de Barbra Streisand, que se haga medio denso no quita la calidad que tiene 8.5/10
Ray at his best. Playing the chops and singing the classics of rock rag stage romance n the blues.
amazing voice
To be honest, I did not expect to enjoy this album as much as I did. At first, I had mixed feelings about it: I absolutely loved the first two tracks, but as I was listening to the rest of the album, I confess that I got a little bored. However, I got it on the second listen! The big band arrangements and instruments got me real good. I feel like this album was made for cold and rainy days, and luckily today was one of those, so I felt like I was in one of those old and classy movies. I loved it!
Classy
Wonderful music and in my opinion, a perfect time length for a full album
Föredrar när han är råare och mindre big band-slick men det här är tillräckligt för en stark 3a eller liten 4a
Man är ju svag för Swing och Storband. Rätt slicka inslag från blues också. Sjukt att Quincy Jones är aktiv redan här.
This was really good
Beautiful as expected, went by way too fast
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.
Classic fun and jazzy
Genius of Ray Charles is good, 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 definitely worth your time, but if you want the real deal, check out the Birth Of Soul box set.
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.
Great voice. Not a huge fan of the songs with the blaring horns. 4.0/5.0
really enjoyed this one
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".
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.
High quality big band and blues. Great production given the year. Timeless will be revisiting
lovely
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.
Hermoso y bastante agradable de escuchar como una película de Disney
6/10
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.
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"
Classic.
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.
Some music is ageless, this is a good example.
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.
Gotta be miserable not to enjoy this
I love the classic big band sound. These songs are fun and heartfelt.
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
Classic is as classic does! There's a lot of covers on this album
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.
This is a virgo 4, because I know he can do better.
Was good. Will be back.
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
Genius, indeed. Great album of standards, beautifully done.
The big band portion at the beginning was amazing, some of the later songs were a little slow for my taste
classic
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.
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.
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.
I honestly forgot how relaxing his music is, even as simple background music.
Listened
Enjoyed the big band sound. Not too many stand out hits, but a very enjoyable listen
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.
Ray Charles is good
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
Not my style, but still fun.
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
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
1959 - blessing RnB w Jazz - Soulful AF
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