Reviews (page 4 of 12)
Not my favorite of his but still a lovely listen would do again
A whole lotta fun big band energy, and worth holding on for some gorgeous ballads on the second side.
Por lo que he escuchado del álbum aún no siendo un audiofilo, me parece que está bastante bien en cuanto a su composición musical, las canciones son orquestadas y por su puesto algo que te haría recordar una escena de película en los 60's 70's, le doy un 7/10 ya que A MI y solo A MI no le logra atrapar este tipo de música, me encanta sonoramente pero en cuanto a las letras no puedo opinar mucho ya que mi inglés es muy vago. Aun así es un excelente álbum para estar tranquilo un sábado a las 6 de la tarde
Very lovely
Not really my genre. But the musicianship here is amazing.
Ja dit is gewoon heerlijk.
Me llamo mucho la atención, ya que fusiona el soul con el jazz, lo cual me parece interesante, ya que en la época, el soul era marginado, por otro lado el jazz era respetado, me gusta que no sea un jazz tan puro, si no más orquestado.
The first album I listened to since I found this website. Good one, I really like it.
I like the first track a lot. This era of music I really enjoy. There is something about the authenticity of the instruments used. You can feel the soul of the song. Today I made my playlist "1001" which I will be using for these songs. I am also trying typelit tonight. I want to finish "The Count of Monte Cristo".
The genius, truly. Timeless album with plenty of big band anthems and sweeter solo rendition's.
goofy ass musica de tom y jerry, banco
This is so great
I remember seeing Ray for the first time. I was quite young and had never been introduced to the artist Ray Charles before. The movie made me respect Ray Charles for everything that he had overcome as an artist (and I distinctly remember my mom saying that the movie caused her to lose her respect for him--polar opposite effect.) I have always loved his music. I find it timeless and butter smooth. The ballads feel like warm hugs for my heart. The jams make me feel like I need to get up and dance. I don't think Ray Charles is one of those artists who is up there on my "car jams" list, but if his music is on, I'm singing along. His songs feel universally known and appreciated and I don't feel that I can dismiss that in my review of this album. I listened to it three times as a part of this exercise and didn't get tired of it. That speaks volumes unto itself.
Transcendant easy listening Favourite track: Just for a Thrill and It Had to Be You
Not a big band jazz fan, but Ray is definitely a solid voice of the genre during his time.
3.5 - Good
Ray Charles
It's a beautiful jazz album, very good production, beautiful voice of Ray Charles, the lyrics leave much to be desired, perhaps it will be the album of this list that up to now I want to listen to more times because it's very much in my style.
Me lo imagino a Ray Charles terminando el álbum y diciendo “wow sos un genio Ray Charles”. Y yo no soy quién para debatirlo.
Ray Charles' the man
Ey, it's Ray! A genius indeed. Some soulful big-band hits that are hard to dislike. Plus I hear he's a pretty good dude after taking Joliet Jake on IOU credit. Fav tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, Come Rain or Come Shine
I need more Ray Charles in my life
Now that's what I call music!!
Not something I'd proactively listen to, but damn...he's a legend for a reason. Makes me want to put on a pillbox hat, rock some red lipstick, and light up a cigarette.
I’ve probably listened to this a couple hundred times, but tried to listen with fresh ears. The big-band stuff has its moments—obviously, it’s Ray Charles—but can be tough to listen to. The arrangements are bland and way too loud. All these top-flight jazz musicians are given nothing much to do except blast their trumpets into my eardrums. Also, the recording quality is mysteriously poor even for 1959 or whatever year this was. The back half, with the string ballads, works a lot better. Ray’s great at singing sad, and it comes through a lot better when the trumpets aren’t trying to murder me. Still almost 5 stars because Ray is the greatest to ever do it.
The big band into ballads was fun. Do you think he named the album himself?
great album, I really like Ray Charles voice and the mellow songs. I had never heard this album or really any of Ray Charles songs/albums. A very nice change of pace from what I usually listen to. I would definitely listen to this again and would buy it
38# Love ray charles, this doesn't have his greatest hits, i guess i would prefer other compilation, but this is great for the year as chill as you can chill to be chilly with chilliness.
So good I had to listen to it twice.
Beautiful. I love his voice and I really enjoyed these songs.
Siempre temazos, aunque este no moló tanto
great voice and a nice groove
This man has a voice like butter. Not only that, the band have such an unbelievably smooth delivery and tight musicianship. This combined to create a lovely blend of soul & jazz, an album that is enjoyable from start to finish, yet one of those that would land better if you were listening to it live in a jazz bar.
7/10
Not my favorite Ray Charles stuff, but it's still very good.
Really enjoyed the first few songs but then it got slower and less interesting. Still a fun album.
Chill music, hoogstwaarschijnlijk toe te voegen aan meerdere lijsten.
Really solid album, love most of Ray Charles stuff. I listened to the whole thing the other day, I’ll give a four star.
Really fun album - it came up immediately after Dwight Yoakam and was a real palate cleanser.
Lyckas på något sätt kännas avslappnat snarare än trött, riktigt härlig helhet!
(☞⌐▀͡ ͜ʖ͡▀ )☞
Good album. Not really my type of music, but I did enjoy it.
Interesting hearing an older record like this and hearing the hard panning as it was taken from mono to stereo. Also how the preamps distort is really fascinating. Classic songs though and fantastic performances make this a stellar album despite some of the distortions.
I don’t think there is any single album I think of when I think of Ray. However, this album was great from start to finish. A mixture of big band and piano ballads. 2 songs added to playlist
I'll never get sick of Ray's singing
so melodic
Source material for Marla Hooch's epic performance! I loved the soulful back half of this album so much.
Let the Good Times Roll was a great way to start off this album!! Great background music! I didn’t have any favorite songs, but I enjoyed this whole album! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The genesis of rock
I mean it's Ray Charles! Top Discoveries from the album: "Deed I Do" and "You won't let me go" Incredible Big Band Album.
Despite my tendency to be a little jaded, and I’m not the biggest fan of the big-band style in general, this was pretty delightful. The second half in particular stood out as being a little more gentle, more beautiful. The sort of album you can come back to like a comfortable place.
Really nice to listen to. Some of the recordings of the beass were a bit too loud and you could hear this in the production. Also glad to hear that there wasn't much of the annoying backing vocals but there was some...
Great stuff
хороший джаз омага
Das hat Laune gemacht.
Starts out with a bang, finishes with a great rendition of a classic, with a few gems in between.
Best of both worlds with big band and ballads - perfection
Early gritty mono sound that defines ray charles, with out the bop of his 60s sound. Beautiful album.
Interesting. Not a huge fan of big band era type music but it was a nice listen.
This makes me want to watch all the musical scenes in the Blues Brothers.
Excelente como se encarga de no darte cuenta cuando pasa de canción. Parece un soo tema de 32 minutos. No es un género que escuche pero aprecio la calidad de esta obra. 8/10
had alberto grooving
I can't fathom this album only being 38 minutes. One of the most succient masterpieces. Not really familiar with Ray Charles' work I wasn't sure what to expect but his voice boils up your soul. In the name of love of course.
Vocals? Crooning. Drums? Swinging. Ivories? Tinkling. Horns? Blarting. Must be a 50s jazz pop album! Not enjoying music like this is like not enjoying a marshmallow.
Big title to live up to and it succeeds. Starts fun and loud before calming down a bit doesn’t over stay its welcome. Only loses points because I can’t see when it would feel appropriate to put on
it's in the name. genius
Classic. loved it.
This album is a testament to both the beautiful playing and magnetic vocal talent of Ray Charles. On an album of mostly old standards backed by a full big band, Charles is what stands out most. The first half consisting mostly of horn-arranged R&B, and the second string-backed ballads, a lot of the tracks that make this great are those that allow Charles to stand on his own- "It Had To Be You", "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'", and "Come Rain or Shine". The biggest detriment to this album is the engineering and sound quality, the backing band especially sounds over-modulated and fried in big moments where they're all featured, which is a shame. Favorite Tracks: "It Had to Be You", "Come Rain or Shine" Least Favorite Track: "Alexander's Ragtime Band" - Falls prey to the engineering issues the hardest, to my ear at least.
A classic from an all-time American musician. I'm beginning to really appreciate older artists' abilities to assemble compositions like this with so many different musicians in the studio. Every instrument is played beautifully, and there's so many small but well executed pieces (especially trumpet and piano play) in a way that feels so jazzy in the best way. Wonderfully evocative, I feel like the album really hits its stride around Deed I Do/Just for a Thrill. But that's not to take away at all from earlier highlights like the swingy Alexander's Ragtime Band and it's phenomenal brass. But the soul/blues just really seems to shine for me as the album develops, ultimately culminating in Come Rain or Come Shine and its dualistic somber/whimsical strings.
Man, this album is such a vibe. Ray's voice is just effortlessly smooth whether he's doing the big band stuff or the slower string arrangements. "Let the Good Times Roll" and "It Had to Be You" are standouts for me. I knock off one star only because the two halves of the album feel a little disconnected, but honestly both sides are great on their own. Classic Ray through and through.
Album link corrupted
Very entertaining selection of standards with Ray Charles' classic flair. Fun jazzy twist on the songs that is both engaging and unique. Top tracks: It Had to Be You, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Come Rain or Come Shine
Ray Charles has one of my favorite voices. Everything he sings sounds effortless even if simultaneously gritty. However I definitely prefer his rock/R&B songs to the big band/jazz on this album. He does show us his piano skills which is cool but I don’t think I’d listen tit his again.
This feels like a white washed Ray. An album to make him more palatable the white folks. There are glimpses of the true Ray in here, but he feels constrained
The perfect music for a romance.
he's got a good ear for swing, i enjoyed that Would I listen again: on vinyl Deserves to be on this list: yes 3.5
This was great. Nice mix of big band music and softer songs. Over too quickly.
Ray's voice commands attention and respect, but his true genius lies with the blending of genres such as the Blues, Gospel, jazz, and R&B together to make new sounds that were groundbreaking at the time. This record is divided into two sides, one that's mor lively and Big Band-inspired, and one that is more ballad-powered and blue. The music is very of-it's-time for me, and while it is a pleasant listen, I often have trouble focusing on the music itself because it reads as rather basic for me. Still, it's not a bad listen.
The album has two distinct flavours; a big-band era swing side, and a side featuring romantic swing ballads. Intersecting the two is Ray Charles' gospel-inflected piano playing and emotive, often passionate vocal delivery. In combining these two worlds, Charles demonstrates his genre-bending ability, excelling at both uptempo and reflective tunes (although the Sinatra-esque second side is admittedly weaker) to create a soulful, bluesy pop album.
Brilliant artistry, amazing voice. I like his bluesier stuff better, but it's tough to deny Ray Charles. 8/10
Much more my speed. A good sound, great for getting work done. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I have been aware of Ray Charles for most of my life, but I can't say that I've ever sat down and listened to his music. I only knew one of the tracks, but all the songs are timeless. Wow what a talent.
Love the mix of R&B with big band accompaniment.
Another GOAT!
Where's my martini?
4 fort en qualité musicale. 3 faible en plaisir d'écoute.
How to make a masterpiece in 34 minutes. Good on you, Charles.
Can't fault this one from Mr Charles. Beautiful.
Absolute banger
Genius understated. Separate the art from the artist.
Save this for a chill Sunday morning, it’s a nice treat
tell everybody Ray Charles in town
Yes lawd
Mais animado que o outro que ouvi mas continua muito bom
excellent
Yum 8/10
I didn’t love the song selection but Ray Charles can make any shit sound good.
Hell yeah, RHCP at the top of their game.
Nobody does it quite like Ray Charles Favorite Songs: Just for a Thrill, Come Rain or Shine
Pleasantly surprised!
I love jazz so this was extremely up my alley. Sure some stretches got a little samey but not much can make me feel like jazz does, and it's an excellent sample of jazz standards done extremely well
Could use a half star here. Most of my favorite songs of his aren’t on here.
Already knew I liked a couple songs here and ended up discovering more. The jazz band kid in me is happy, and the quieter tracks shine too
I enjoy this style of music and listen to it when reading
Very vibey
The big band in the back is fantastic. 4/5
Yeah. Rightly named album.
Some toe tapping tunes!
Genius
These were great. I loved when the tracks had a lot of strings going as accompaniment.
Yes cool since a long long time! I remember my parents
It is genius! Sultry bluesy genius 4
i think you cannot deny that ray charles was so so highly influential during the 20th century, and listening to this full album in this current year shows why this is true soul music. a true album of love filled with yearning, some anguish and overall true adoration in its purest form.
Delightful
Absolutely brilliant. Sound mixing needs work.
i never thought i would really become a fan of jazz, but here we are. maybe i was just listening to the wrong stuff before
This is a really nice album. He's got such a lovely voice, and he imparts some real feeling and soul into the songs. I like the big band stuff, but the second half is just lovely. 3.5 rounded up.
Lovely
I thought this album was very good and I was happy to have listened to it. Not something I would often put on, but I’m happy I have been reminded of Ray Charles’s music.
0 songs added to my favorites. Listened to twice.
Seloco, cara sabia demais. Don't Let the Sun Catch you Cryin', que música linda...
Well titled.
Sehr gefühlvoll. Erste Hälfte Big Band (sehr harsch, klingen teilweise wie verzerrte Gitarren), zweite Hälfte eher baladig mit Streichern. Geiles Klavierspiel. Highlights: Just for a thrill, tell me you'll wait for me
Well the title is right, he is a genius.
1/9/26. Classic. 7/10
Sometimes expectations influence one's assessment. I am very fond of Ray Charles and was therefore looking forward to this album. However, “The Genius of Ray Charles” is not particularly outstanding among Ray's recordings. The mediocre arrangements and poor production (for a Ray Charles album—still good for its time!) have been mentioned by critics, but I think the biggest weakness is the selection of songs, which resemble those of any Broadway singer. As a result, Ray Charles doesn't really come into his own. Two songs are noteworthy: “Am I Blue” and “Let The Good Times Roll.” I expected to give a Ray Charles album 5 stars, but for me this one is “only” 4+.
Going to experiment with not doing track by track notes so I can do more things while listening without writing all the time! I really like this one! Solid 4 stars from me. Reminds me how much I love horns. Not much to say other than it’s just a very enjoyable listen. Favorites: Let The Good Times Roll, When Your Lover Has Gone
This is the good version of old people music If I was classier I’d hang out in places that play music like this Idk man it’s Ray fuckin Charles what was it gonna be? Bad??
I saved “Let The Good Times Roll” and “Just for a Thrill”. This is fun. High energy. Songs are well constructed.
Favorite Track:Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
First time listen. Beautiful album.
Nice. Easy listening
Solid 7/10
Is a classic and sounds classic. Not much to say here
I love Ray Charles, his voice is timeless!
Nice album.
Grande classico del jazz
Incredible album. I really enjoyed the lyricism and the overall blues themed instrumental. It is an overall classic album !
Amazing voice. Total entertainer. Great orchestration and arrangements.
Very awesome
It had to be you - LOVE IT 9/10 Alexander’s Ragtime Band - makes me happy, jazzy, gives me summer 10/10. Would be good to use as an ending credits to a summer movie. Ok now I’m not gonna take notes for every song, as I’m trying to finish my essay whilst listening to this. So im just going to write my whole thoughts at the end (when I finish listening) MY THOUGHTS Some of these songs are really sad, but it has such beautiful instruments and upbeat rhythms behind it. So your brain thinks it’s a happy song until u read the lyrics it’s like oh. Just a thrill is really a sad song, but wow the backing vocals and the piano and HIM RAY CHARLES Jesus the emotions. Like you can really feel what he is saying, even though I never been a relationship but Damm it makes me feel like I’ve been played as well LOL. Wait i wrote a lot and I lost it daamm bc I didn’t save it. HE CAN SING AND HES BLIND? LIKE HIS PIANO PLAYING Ok Ive finished the album 9/10. I really liked it and enjoyed it #real music
Primer albúm del año, nunca habia escuchado algo de este tipo por tiempo prolongado, es tranquilizante y en algunas canciones me perdi por la voz de Ray, mis canciones favoritas sin duda son You won´t let me go, It had to be you, Just for a Thrill, no me veo escuchandolo de forma cotidiana pero fue un buen descubrimiento.
Beautiful crooning by one of the greats. 3.5/5
If you’re going to name your album “The Genius of [Your Own Name]”, but better be ready to back it up. I had never really listened to much Ray Charles before, and honestly, he was pretty darn talented. I enjoyed this and wouldn’t mind owning this on vinyl, though it didn’t move me enough to warrant a perfect 5/5. Solid 4/5 instead.
J'ai retenu : - come rain or come sun - you won't let me go - Let the Good times roll Certaines sont chouettes pour danser
I enjoyed this album. Seemed like a fun dinner party mix. Fun instruments
The beginning was a little slow for me personally, but I kind of expected that. Ray Charles has very captivating vocals. I’m a fan of the song “It Had To Be You”. “Two Years of Torture” is brilliant. I love it when he did more balladic songs like, “When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Just For A Thrill.” The songwriting on that is brilliant. It felt like some of it was quite repetitive, though.
This was a really interesting album. It went from very upbeat notes and sounds to a melancholic feel towards the later half
Un disco esencial, con Ray Charles figura central de la música negra, plagado de clásicos como Let the Good Times Roll, y la magistral triada final: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Am I blue y Come Rain or Come Shine. Sonido Big band, Jazz, Swing... y un sonido muy pobre que no le hace justicia a las interpretaciones fabulosas del genio.
Great album not quite 5 stars but it’s knocking on the door. 1/5 didn’t finish the album 2/5 didn’t keep the album 3/5 kept it and will listen when songs randomly show up on shuffle 4/5 kept it and will listen to it again front to back on my phone 5/5 buying the vinyl
Good stuff, especially the second half of the album. Nice jazz music I could put on in the background.
This is such a beautiful and classic album. I really love how romantic and sensual it sounds in every track. It's crazy to think that, even though I never listen to this kind of music, Ray Charles is able to make me smile just by listening a few seconds of his music. I think it's very special the way that these kinds of albums neve die and never stop being iconic.
This is a very strong record, and by the second half it becomes clear why Ray Charles commands the reverence he does. When the arrangements loosen just enough to let him stretch phrasing, bend time, and inject that unmistakable conversational soul, the album really comes alive. Tracks like “You Won’t Let Me Go” showcase Ray’s genius not as spectacle, but as presence. He sounds human, instinctive, and fully in control. That said, the album leans heavily on lush big-band and orchestral settings, especially early on, and while they’re beautifully executed, they sometimes dilute the sense that this is Ray driving the experience. I found myself wishing for a few more absolute gold-standard tunes where his personality fully overwhelms the framework rather than politely inhabiting it. So no, this doesn’t quite feel like a five for me. Not because it isn’t excellent, but because it doesn’t consistently reach that transcendent, can’t-imagine-music-without-it level. It’s a very good record, one I’m glad to know and revisit, and a clear four stars: dignified, powerful, and deeply impressive, even if it stops just short of all-time personal essential.
I mean it's Ray Charles
Inte så fantastiskt som jag föreställt mig från vad jag sett och hört. Känns inte så edgy. Men en fyra är det.
Great album, subtle mix between jazz like music mixed with whats now pop and a great vocalist. Overall a joy to have listened to even thought it isnt my cup of tea per se. Felt slow and methotical but not too slow to be boring
An amazing album despite poor recording quality. Makes me want to be a racist cop in a 50s noir movie who is slowdancing with the femme fatale who is only allowed to be a damsel in distress with this on the background.
Gorgeous album. I'll admit I had low expectations that were absolutely blown out of the water. Ray Charles' voice is so smooth and so rich; all of the instrumentalists are playing from the heart. A little slow for my daily listening but truly a wonderful listen.
Nice listen, made me feel very at ease.
So excited for this after a string of duds. Fun and swing-y, hadn't listened to much Ray Charles before.
very showtune-y and big start! i love that this list is exposing me to more jazz because i'm learning i really like it. i like alexander's ragtime band. what a voice! i want to relisten to this.
oldie
Always enjoy a good early album for an artist... this one was unsurprising and pretty straightforward, but the man knew how to sing some jazz standards... Loved the ones that were most jazzy with "Tell Me You'll Wait for Me" being the highlight of the bunch.
4/5
Ray's voice is timeless. The big band arrangements punch hard and get things moving early, but things do slow down on the back half, and I got lost in the feels of the quieter piano ballads. Damnit. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - Let the Good Times Roll - It Had To Be You - Just for a Thrill - Come Rain or Come Shine
bem chill e easy going, gostei da vibe mas nao é algo q procure muito
Only heard the first song
cheerful and fun and a great voice!
I really liked these slower ballads, very much in the realm of someone like Frank Sinatra. Even the big band jazz stuff which I don't usually like all too much I found quite enjoyable
Ray Charles is another blind spot. Enjoyed the idea of side 1 being upbeat jazzy numbers and side 2 being the softer ballad side.
Easy listening.
An icon.
Dreamy mastery of the classics and standard love songs
Good vibes :)
On Christmas Day, as I was lamenting the end of the season, especially Christmas music, I said to my wife, "Of all the things I've been listening to, I've really come to realize just how good Ray Charles was. I should listen to more of him." Well, I log into this site after about a month hiatus and what is sitting at the top of my list? You got it. While I thoroughly enjoyed this album, I have a hard time justifying jazz standards as "must hear" music. Plus, this album seems to have an identity crisis between the big band numbers and the piano ballads. For these reasons, it's going to stay highly rated but fall short of a perfect album for me.
This album is a definite four. It’s smooth and nice; Chill back and let the thoughts be kind.
felt like i was walking around new orleans on a sunday morning. incredible vibe.
I am very happy I listened to it, but not my favorite genre of music. It was a very respectable album, though!!
Cozy autumn album especially second half
Beautiful compositions, the music transported me to a calmer place (especially on the latter part of the album). Great voice too.
Actually a banger 4/5
After the first few songs I was a bit disappointed, thinking the album was a bit too boring for me. But as I continued it grew on me and I really loved it by the end.
I'm a sucker for a big band, so the first half of this album drew me in immediately. I think the second half with just the strings is stronger though. It's hard to beat Ray Charles on the piano.
Favorite Songs: Let the Good Times Roll + Two Years of Torture
Thoughts before listening: Ray is certainly a classic musician. I own his Sounds in Country and Western Music album, and enjoy it quite a bit, but I don't have this one. I feel like this will have a lot of very recognizable songs though. Review: Yeah, I love this. Ray Charles has a great voice and he's singing wonderful songs on this album. The band is also top notch throughout. Something this project has helped me to identify is that I really enjoy swing-era jazz. I will say that the second half of the album abandons the full jazz band arrangements for a subdued piano driven sound which is less to my liking. In all I'd give this 4-stars.
The only thing I could think while listening to this was how much I would love to see it live… Big door, more like big band - 4.5 stars from connie
Let The Good Times Roll: 7/10, I really like this song, it's very fast at the start and then it calms down, im not sure how to explain this song It Had To Be You: 8/10, it reminds me of an old record player In a way, it makes me feel very energetic somehow but it also feels like a love song missing something Two Years Of Torture: 8/10, it sort of just sounds the same as "it had to be you" but with different lyrics When Your Lover Has Gone: 9/10, if I was broken up with in the 50's this is what I would listen to, its very calming and bring me some sort of musical comfort Deed I Do: 10/10, ooooh this is so feel good grandpa song I am so happy listening to this, it makes me regret not going to dance Wednesday Just For a Thrill: 9/10, first dance song?? this reminds me of my parents wedding, it was so romantic omg, anyway I really like the piano solos in this one and how it doesn't have much lyrics You Won't Let Me Go: 6/10, this was more of the sad songs in my opinion, brought a tear to my eye Tell Me You'll Wait For Me: 10/10, I looooveee the back vocals and the piano and just everything about this Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin': 7/10, it's very fairy tale like to me, it's slow which I like and I love the high in the song Am I Blue: 10/10. no words for this other than PERFECTION. Come Rain Or Come Shine: 11/10, if I was in the 50's this would be my favourite song and I'd play it on my record player all the time
Raaaahhhh I love soul and jazz!!!! Waiter oh waiter! More soul and jazz please!! Hell yeah. Makes up for yesterdays album. Good mix of Jazz sould and R&B.
Great album.
Nice orchestral arrangements, great voice
Der einzige und wahre Soul sänger. Lets rock
Bangers
Absolutely one of the best an innovative artists. No question. He is one of my all time favorites and this record is great. Just for a Thrill?! I mean come on. He's a genius and I listen to and appreciate everything he has made. Including the country!
Genius is a fair descriptor. Just damn good music!
Classic - its great
Soul / Jazz. How can this be abrasively smooth !? Ha. A big band, Charles' soulful vocals, a delightful and chilled album. All these tracks and the sound are timeless really. Thirty eight minutes well spent.
Brilliant. 1950s excellence will add to collection.
Really enjoyed this album was a great listen
Very nice !
What a treat.
A generational talent and voice. A really great sometimes-listen.
w old school
i love my bo3 shadows of evil trailer on repeat for 10 minutes and then the rest of the album
Pretty freakin good
Iconic soul album, I don't know if I can appreciate how it hit back then. You can hear the man inventing a genre
If I ever open a barber/cigar shop, this is most likely the 1st record being spun.
To say it’s genius would just be agreeing with the album title
So good
That's a hard title of the album to live up to but Ray is definitely a genius of interpreting standards. I love what he does with these songs. "Let the Good Times Roll," especially, has some Louis Prima energy and abandon with Charles almost sounding deranged at times. Most of these songs can't quite match that intensity but are beautifully orchestrated and sung throughout. I'll take Ray over Frank Sinatra and the other crooners any day.
I'd rather listen to Ray Charles' soulful croon over a killer big band than Sinatra's any day. I also love that he lets the band cook on so many tracks with some really skillful solos. I like the first half more than the second but ends on a great note with Come Rain or Come Shine.
Pretty nice album, really enjoyed having it in the background. I don't know if I can say that it is Ray Charles' best album because there are a few songs that are really good and catchy, but this was definitely great listening to.
Not bad.
Easy going, romantic, jazzy music. Each track takes its time and isn’t in a hurry to get anywhere, which is something a lot of us need right now I reckon. I could see myself thoroughly enjoying chores while listening to music like this. 78/100
I much prefer the balladry half of this album. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' and Come Rain or Come Shine are exceptional songs.
bit slow towards the middle but holy hell the brass goes crazy
++*: Come Rain or Come Shine ++: Let the Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Two Years of Torture, Deed I Do, You Won't Let Me Go, Tell Me You'll Wait for Me, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' +: When Your Lover Has Gone, Just for a Thrill, Am I Blue 9,4/10
Incredible, a 50s album that cheers you up immediately and Ray Charles has an amazing voice, delighted to have discovered this album and artist, now I can say I've listened to old music!
Helt omöjligt att lyssna på detta album utan att röra en min. Jag teleporteras omedelbart till en helt annan plats med detta i lurarna. Jag fascineras av att man kan höra hur denna musik är urmodern till så många moderna genrer vi har idag. Fantastiskt album. En liten poäng tas av då jag upplever att man blir "mätt" på musiken efter ett tag, inget jag hade lyssnat på om jag är upptagen med något, utan det här måste man sitta ner och njuta av i lugn och ro, alternativt lyssna på under en rask promenad.
Ray Charles bringing amazing blues sensibilities to big band and ballads - what’s not to love. The first half of the album is more to my personal taste but overall some outstanding music.
Enjoyed this one! easy on the ears and good album to wind down to.
Ahhhhhh yes. Lovely. Superb
yesssss he is so good
If only the second half sounded as good as the first. His sassy energy is top notch through the first side, but the strings and slower pace on the b-side misses the needed crescendo.
Genius indeed...very catchy (and long, a double album)
So good it’s hard to fully appreciate. Just a comment in general but listening to these older albums it’s simultaneously hard to understand their true influence (as we don’t have the full context of their breakthroughs) but at the same time it’s easy to feel how familiar they feel.
If this isn’t some sort of greatest hits album assembled by Columbia Records or something, I find it hilarious that Ray Charles would name one of his own records, “The Genius of Ray Charles”. But, for real, this is a pretty solid record. It’s kind of just mood music for me, but it’s really enjoyable. Like, it’s tough to not feel relaxed while listening to it. It’s not something I’d throw on every day, but it’s great for a relaxing night in the study with a pipe and glass of scotch or something. 4/5
How do you not like anything this fella has ever done? And heck, he was still in his 20s when this was recorded!
Highlight songs: Let the Good Times Roll Alexander's Ragtime Band Deed I Do Just for a Thrill Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
Oh fuck me up ray
Enjoyed that. Terrible recording (typical of the period) and I'll need to find a less revealing amp and headphone combination for next time I listen to it, but there will be a next time. 4/5.
Big band vibes and Charles’ voice. Gotta love it! 4/5
It swings, baby. Felt too short! I could have listened to Ray for another hour.
4.5 I’m a simple man it turns out. I get one of these albums that just features one of the greatest voices of all time singing the heck outta some songs, and I’m happy.
Smooth jazz Strong trumpets Great album sound
is this really him at his best? Maybe it wasn’t the title he would have chosen. Great voice. Talented and influential.
Jävligt trevlig.musik faktiskt. Jag gillade skivan rakt igenom. Kan dessutom se mig lyssna på mer, det är förstås ett mycket gott betyg. Kul!
Musik som får en att känna, oklart varför. Blir både glad och ibland lite sorgsen. Bra skit.
The Genius Of Ray Charles is certainly a really good album. It doesn't have a single mention of country music in it's title so that means i can't sue the people who worked on this album (the ones that are even alive, that is) for deception and false advertising. Jokes aside, i really enjoyed a lot of the music on offer here. They all have that nice orchestral sound that i would come to expect from Ray Charles as well as a lot of his contemporaries from the time. I also enjoyed Charles' vocals and songwriting as they fit the album very well. The album also went on at the perfect length too. I think that this is a great jazz album and i would put it above his later album on this list. Best Song: You Won't Let Me Go Worst Song: Alexander's Ragtime Band
Incrível
Wow, 1959!? I didn't realize he started so early. I'm really loving this sound. It's a bit like Sinatra or some of those other big band names but with more soul. Digging the jazziness to it too. Loving it thus far. 4 stars
Genius is the correct word.
I love the blues
Incredible nice listen, what can i say? Good tunes mannn
Ray Charles and a big band is a winning combination.
Especially let the good times roll was good, there were other bangers too
The master at work.
Lovely, just lovely stuff.
Man I do love Ray Charles so much. But I have to admit that this early stage of music partially does lack in power, while it is still a blueprint for so much great art down the following decades
a little too "easy listening" for my tastes, but nonetheless a solid album 5/7
Classic jazz record, nothing to be said about Ray Charles that hasn’t been said already.
Classic Ray Charles, always high marks for this legend
Good example of a great songwriter singer, player and bandleader
I love the blues
I just love big band
I remember a few years ago listening to both this and 'Modern Sounds In Country & Western' as preparation before watching the Ray Charles biopic. I'd figured, hey, may as well get a taste of some of his greatest works before diving into his story, huh? Or at least the "musician biopic" version of his story, anyway. Regardless, what I did was revolutionary, I know. And I can tell you for a fact: 'The Genius Of Ray Charles' did **not** stick with me after the biopic. Didn't really stick with me. Heck, halfway through, I was kind of bored of it. Meanwhile, 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music', on the other side of things? Oh, absolutely, that stuck with me. It was one of my most listened to albums that month — and for sure, it's a love that's continued to this day. I do **not** listen to it as much as I used to, but I raved about it to the best of my ability back when my group got it. But what **was it** about 'The Genius Of Ray Charles', anyway? Why did it not inspire me in the same way that 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music' did? I think it all comes down to the way this album is presented. It aims to show off Ray Charles in two distinct ways: one, as a big band jazz man; and the other, as a balladeer backed by strings. Thus, somewhere in the middle of these two sides, you find the genius. And it is **determined** for you to understand these sides of him as thoroughly as you can — that's why these two styles are separated by sides. One half is all big band, one half is all strings, and never the two shall meet. It's certainly an angle of presentation I can understand — 'The Beach Boys Today!' did a similar sort of thing — but I don't know if it necessarily works to this album's advantage. Let's keep using 'The Beach Boys Today!' as an example. That album separates the upbeat, simpler songs and the slower, more complex songs onto different sides of the record. But neither side feels like it's wearing out its welcome. Each song sounds so unique to each other, and has so much going on under the hood, you're always engaged. I have no problem with **its** stylistic segregation. Meanwhile, with 'The Genius Of Ray Charles'... Well, Ray's clearly a genius in a different way than Brian Wilson was. Brian pulled out a lot of complex musical compositions, even on the simple girls n' surf songs. Ray's genius, meanwhile, clearly lies more in his arrangements — how lush and beautiful the strings are, or how upbeat and punchy the horns are. You add his voice and his piano playing on top of that, and you've got a hell of a combo. But I don't think any of it is as musically complex or as varied as Brian's work, and that's where I think the issue in this presentation arises. For as much as I love Ray Charles, and as much as I do admire his work, and as much as, again, I **get** what this tracklisting was going for, I gotta be real: these songs can kind of blend together a little. And not in a way like how the songs on side 2 of 'The Beach Boys Today!' flowed together, no; they just kind of make you wonder what makes **this** big band song different from **this other** bang band song. What really makes 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western' work as well as it does, besides any commentary about a black artist doing country music, is that it **mixes the styles together**. You get some big band here, some strings there... And you never tire of one sound too quickly. That's why 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western' stuck with me over 'The Genius Of Ray Charles'. Ahh... But still... It **is** Ray Charles. You can't knock his voice, even if it's not as good here as on 'Modern Sounds In Country And Western'. And having a better understanding of this record's presentation, and taking a break between sides instead of playing it all at once like I did back then... Yeah. It does play a **lot** better. And no matter what, like I said, Ray Charles **is** a genius. Maybe the stylistic segregation dun' did him a bit wrong... But the fact remains true, no matter what. And this is still easily a record to check out if you wanna understand why. Certainly it's better than the biopic was, anyway. Seriously, all I remember about that movie is Jamie Foxx launching himself over a table at a guy... And that's it. Funny moment, for sure, but don't speak too well on the quality of the film. I mean, you speak about something that needed some genius, goodness...
Dude, I love Jamie Foxx. But seriously, this is some good stuff. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
Perfect Sunday morning vibes
This album of mostly swirling, 1940s-style orchestra arrangements is not my favorite style, but Ray Charles just adds magic to everything he graces with that voice and performance.
Quintessential Ray Charles. Big band pop up front, with string ballads in the back. Fun to start and relaxing to end. Great listen.
Part of the genius of Ray Charles is the way he navigates these songs in a way that feels effortless. So good!
This was just really nice, what a legend.
with ray charles, you're getting iconic singing, and fantastic musicianship from him and his band. this album is no exception. it's got that classic sound from yesteryear. i just wish i liked the selection of songs better. they're not bad, but i find i tend to like ray charles' stuff when it's more r&b and this is way more standards focused. like i said, it's not bad, just not totally my thing. still, it's a solid listen.
Yeah, it does seem like he was a genius m, another really good album. 4 stars
Legenda
Very high 4 this one, great tracks throughout. 1959 is the best year for music
Yep...good stuff. Ray Charles did one thing and he did it better than anyone. I never really understood the "Genius" moniker, though. Did he create something entirely new or somehow transform music in a totally unique way? I don't see it (no pun intended). I am open to hearing a differing opinion, though. Plus one half-star for his iconic appearance in one on my favorite movies, "The Blues Brothers".
Great piano, vocals, and lyrics the whole way through. Easy to put on and listen to over dinner or a time to relax
8/10 Some of the best songs of the 50s. A bit repetitive to give it a 9/10 in my opinion. Faves: Alexanders ragtime band, Let the good times roll
Solid, though the first track set high expectations it didn’t quite maintain throughout.
Eğlenceliydi, kendimi jazz barında viski içiyor gibi hissettim. Biraz gürültülüydü ama dans edilebilitesi vardı. Sakin şarkıları daha çok beğendim. Am I Blue çok tanıdık geldi
Jazzy classics from Ray
Sounds like the end of pink panther episodes. Very nice smooth jazz. Excellent brass licks and stabs.
How can you not like Ray Charles?
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!
Great album, almost a 5! Lost its way a little as the album went on.
7/10… soul / big band / jazzy
realmente, ray charles era um genio bom d+
bão demais esse aqui tem muito o que falar não. ray charles mandava muito. cabuloso.
I mean, it’s Ray Charles. Genius is a pretty appropriate label. Two Years of Torture, Come Rain or Come Shine, and Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying were the standouts. 7/10, 4 stars.
A bit too gentle
Pretty good. Excellent music all around.
Spoilers: for this listening note you will see many jokes based on puns related to looking and seeing. visually impaired people may not find it (or *see* it) funny so i apologize in advance. like how i approached Innervision, i entered this *blindly*. as always, i tried to keep my *eyes* sharp on judging albums, but also to keep an open mind since i havent *seen* anything. it *seems* that this album is not something that i would actively find and listen to as far as i have *seen* because of the blues-adjucent music present in the first half and the jazz adjecent thing in the second half. but its decent though, really make me *see* things from a different light. 4/5
Only Ray Charles can call his album "The Genius of Ray Charles" Yeah, he is absolutely right Need to listen to it at least once more to fully appreciate it
Smooth mood
L’ego du gars Mais c’est sympa très cool en vrai
Pretty neat, this is one of the records that flows so well and is so easy to listen to I can’t find much to say
1959! Wow. Very pleasant listening. Much of what came after him sounds similar, even was reminded of Amy Winehouse and the like at times. Brilliant.
I can always listen to ray
Let the good times roll: 4 It had to be you: 5 Alexander’s ragtime band: 6, I mean Two years of torture: 4 When your lover has gone: 3 Deed I do: 4 Just for a thrill: 4 You won’t let me go: 4 Tell me you’ll wait for me: 4 Don’t let the sun catch you cryin: 4 Am I blue: 3 Come rain or shine: 5 Really missed out by working while listening to this instead of playing any fallout game.
Smooth and relaxing to listen to. Ray Charles was certainly a pioneer.
I like his voice but I get the book's comments on how what made this a commercial succes is a pulling at the strings of the mainstream. So the subject matter of the songs is rather safe. This is still very much worth a listen. I watched a sunset from a train to this after a particularly strange weekend. And it felt like a simple pleasure.
great
Tällaisessa on vaan niin paljon sielua, ääntä jota on mielekästä kuunnella
So smooth, how was he doing this in the 50s?? Also I love jazz 7.5/10
Absolute genius.
This album is great. Ray Charles’s music is so cool. For a long time this was an album I could put on with company over and be pretty sure it would land with everyone. It’s not quite perfect, but pretty damn good.
Superb!
Great album
Such a lovely morning vibe
More like "The Atomic Mr. Basie" from a week ago than I think most would expect from a Ray Charles album. This does indicate his range and clear intention to fuse all the music he was exposed to as he rose to stardom. I got tired of the blaring horn section, but still a good slice of Americana.