The Genius Of Ray Charles

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.

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

Not the most original music but very relaxing

C’était agréable au gros soleil

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!!!

very good

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'

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.

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

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.

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.

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

cocinando il pesce col papo

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 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.

High quality voice and decent songs - solid 4

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

WWWW

Perfect balance of catholic and witchy

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.

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

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.

so good. classic. big band big sounds. highlights are Come Rain or Come shine and Let the Good Times Roll

Very chill. Smooth.

Mais um artista que cresci ouvindo falar mas nunca tinha parado pra ouvir.. A fama e o respeito que o Ray Charles tem não é a toa, Músico com M maiúsculo. Um discaço que faz parte daquela lista de discos que te levam a outra época, e que você consegue sentir a vibe de algo que você nem sequer viveu. É muito gratificante quando você consegue finalmente filtrar de verdade um gênero musical do qual tinha dificuldade em compreender.

345/1089 Aexander’s Ragtime Band is a BOP ooh this album is classy af, i’m feeling so zen and relaxed listening to it that was a really nice project, a little pleasantly surprised that i liked it this much tbf 74/100

One of the greatest

I’d never listened to Ray Charles on purpose before. This was really good.

they weren't lying about the band sound being big

Obviously have heard of Ray Charles but never this album. Not my faveorite version of good times roll but the production is really good. Definitely dated. It had to be and Alexander’s ragtime kind of blended together. Really good background tracks. Not the most memorable lyrics. Two years of torture is cool. I like it more than I do most slow songs. Good song writing. Again nothing really special with when your lover has gone and deed I do. It’s good songwriting and production but all kind of similar. Another good slow song with just for a thrill. Love the strings. Really cool outro too. You won’t let me go is just a little too slow. Not enough cool production to make up for it. I do like the harmonies tho. Good songwriting again. Tell me you’ll wait for me is a banger. I love the piano. Great rhymes. Just a well made song. Don’t let the sun catch you is more of the same but in a good way. Dude can sing and write. I can’t believe how good the production is throughout. Cool production again on am I blue. Come rain or come chine is another banger. Great strings. Great (but subtle) piano. Great way to close out the album. Awesome outro to boot. Really good album. No outright bad songs, none even were just ok. Pleasant listen. 4/5 stars.

Gives me good vibes from my childhood from the cartoons I used to watch.

Great old school music. Definitely feel transported to certain time

beautiful

Jazz

This was really sweet to listen to. Really easy music to wile away the afternoon.

Great instrumentals. Lyrics were pleasant to listen to.

What a humble title.

Legendary.

Another great Ray Charles album - more standards elevated. Favourite track: Deed I Do

Amazing collection of songs. My man has done it again.

Deuxième album de Ray Charles sur lequel je tombe. Il est très très jazz, mais aussi avec beaucoup de chant, ce qui est pas non plus ma facette préférée du jazz. Mais en vrai, c’est un album hyper énergique, hyper entraînant et Ray Charles est un chanteur hyper charismatique. Cet album me semble cependant aussi un peu plus proche des standards de son époque, là l’autre était plus gonflé dans son approche. Alors dit comme ça, on dirait que je suis mitigé, mais en vrai, je l’ai trouvé super cool et je me dis que vraiment, Ray Charles manque beaucoup à ma culture !

Unmistakably a genius

would pair well with a glass of whiskey

Have I listened to this album before No How familiar am I with this album Unfamiliar How do I feel about this artist? I like Ray Charles Pre-Listen Thoughts: Apparently this is more big band than his other stuff, but I don’t mind some big band so I’m sure I’ll like it Favorite track(s): Let the Good Times Roll Post-Listen Thoughts: Solid 4. Great stuff, nothing that I wanted to skip but nothing that makes me want to give it a 5 either.

Such a talent, maybe one of the greatest singers of all time. The production is a little much at times - but that is more a product of the era.

Yes! Ray Charles WAS a genius. Yeah. My stepfather LOVED Ray Charles. Hard to separate growing up listening to him from my evaluation of this album in particular. My husband was not impressed. But he’s not rating these, I am. 4 Boolean: True - some people were just sheltered and had musically empty childhoods

This is the stuff. One of the greatest ever. Could and did listen to this all day. Would highly recommend watching the movie about him. Pretty sure this album came around Georgia on My Mind, when he switched from his first label. Generational voice, timeless sound, a vibe through and through. Need to get him on vinyl too. Only point of criticism I have is that each song is maybe a bit too similar — they’re all very similar in arrangement and tempo with different lyrics. Even still, I love this kind of music.

enjoyed this

Completely justified album name

Very relaxing, I liked it

could listen to this for hours

there’s a sense of safety felt when listening to music. you almost just allow yourself to be swept away

Very nice

For some reason, I thought this would be slower and soulful and this was rock and roll and soulful.

Album title is pretty accurate

Jazz e Soul de qualidade excepcional. Um álbum muito rico nos instrumentos e vocais. QoA Adonis New.

He has a surprising number of albums with "genius" in the title. Seems a little pretentious, but it's really not. This album was great. I definitely prefer his old stuff (young voice) to the newer. Definitely worth a listen or two.

Solid album. Starts off with some big band American standards and resolves to American standard ballads on the second half. Probably a 3.5 because some of the stuff is only ok. Several very good songs though - enough to bump to 4 instead of 3.

He’s just incapable of making bad music I just can’t imagine the kinda person that doesn’t like this guy; it’s just a fundamentally solid album that basically doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s got an iconic voice that just makes your day better, great instrumentation, and most importantly just so much energy and soul behind every song. Not a whole lot of 50s albums on this list but the ones that made it on really stood the test of time; it’s just got such a nostalgic sound to it even though I’ve never heard this album before I don’t think it’s quite as good as Modern Sounds in Country, but I have zero complaints about this one. It doesn’t really have a a real standout like I Can’t Stop Loving You, though it has nothing I would consider remotely bad. I think the lack of real high end songs prevents me from raising this to a 5, but this is just a damn solid album all the way through, and I’m genuinely sad we’ve already exhausted all his albums on the list

Classic music uhhhhhh yeah i think if i had this on ata. dinner party id seem pretty classy

Exceptional album, Ray Charles lays it all out there. In an era where everything a black artist recorded was considered a "race record," Ray recorded this one and it had massive crossover appeal. In fact, this one was such a hit that the name "Genius" was attached to several other of his projects... The Genius Hits The Road Genius Loves Company The Genius After Hours The Genius Sings The Blues Genius + Soul = Jazz Solid stuff, including some classics. The added horns change the sound completely, making it bigger and fatter. Using Quincy Jones as an arranger can do that. Ray Charles would record over 50 studio albums and several complications. Prolific. Probably not his best, but so significant.

The Genius Of Ray Charles is certainly a really good album. It doesn't have a single mention of country music in its title so that means I can't sue the people who worked on this album 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.

Tam White & the Dexters introduced my to Ray Charles in the dark sweaty Preservation Hall, Edinburgh. Good times indeed but sadly the rolling did stop in the end. Tam’s version is on 😢 Anyway…back to Ray Charles. I prefer the first half by a country mile. His voice and piano are great.

Really great album. Loved the hits and some of his covers. Very glad I got to listen to it.

בהתחלה חשבתי mid ואז הגיע החצי השני של האלבום ובפרט don't let the sun catch you crying שגרם לי לדמוע קלות

Very good album. Very easy to listen to.

Flawed human? Perhaps. Musical genius? Most definitely. A great listen.

He is a genius.

круто!

I guess it was 959, but this had much more of a big band sound than I was anticipating. But I actually love that about it. It also previews elements of jazz and blues, the building blocks of rock and roll and what was to come. This is a great album to relax to, and there is something very soothing about Ray Charles's voice. I can see myself going back to this again.

Great listen, although the big band stuff can get a little much after a while

I really liked some songs on first listen ! “When your lover has gone” , “Just for a thrill” and” Am i blue” were my favorites.

Classic Ray

Хороший запис. Сподобалося досить багато пісень. Є дуже класні аранжування (наприклад, Квінсі на першій пісні дуже класно видав). Друга половина мені трохи менше сподобалося, бо занадто пішла в балади і майже мінорність. Я б на платівочці цей альбом іноді вмикав би точно.

Solid album from Ray Charles. With the sounds of Hank Crawford and the band, its a fantastic view of the mid 50's blues with a big band.

Ray Charles making Ray Charles stuff

This one didn't quite grab me at first compared to other jazz/soul albums from this period that we've had - the very loud mastering on the brass didn't help. Over its runtime, though, it really grew on me, to the point that my rating had increased from 7/10 to fully 9/10 by the time I was done!

ray charles is such a genius, it was 38 minutes of pure big band fun and charm, every player on this album putting 110% into making it a delight for the ears. plus his vocals are just so iconic

How good is Ray Charles and his incredible band? There are not many people at his time (or now) that could make something of this wonder. Such a great soul and jazz album that uses the big band in the best ways. No wonder he is a Genius!

Classics

Great listen. I enjoy some classic Big Band Jazz. I liked Am I Blue. 4/5

This feels like Ray in his prime. He was on there playing them keys like the virtuoso he is. It's crazy he has this full big band and he never gets lost in the sauce. The lyrics really blew me away too. Highlights: When Your Lover Has Gone, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'

Gran blues, me gusta. Muy movido por momentos, super chill por otros. Sería un disco que me compraría sin dudas. 8/10

So many good classic songs I didn't realise were Ray Charles - made me feel smooth and suave and fun!

Genius is not an exaggeration. 4.5/5

solid jazz album very relaxing and cool

4.0

I enjoyed it. Not my favorite ray but still good

This was good stuff. I really like Ray’s energy. It’s so far removed from today that it feels almost vintage at this point and I love me some vintage.

4 good stuff

Really enjoy music like this, so it's a soft spot for me. Enjoyed this album, was a fun listen. Would definitely listen to it again.

This is a great album. It has a timeless quality to it that I love. My Only criticism is that it is bit "big bandy"

great album, completely different from anything I normally listen to

Very jazzy. It combines soul with big band music and orchestra-backed ballads. It is a really good album and is one of Ray Charles' greatest works. Definitely for jazz people. Amazing album.

good albumn

Good stuff, big bands big horns big blues big rhythm. Ray Charles really knew how to do it. Let The Good Times Roll is such a great opener. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Let The Good Times Roll

Big band big fun, I can't remember the last time i wanted to chuck a Ray Charles album on, so i am glad this came up. It was jazzy and lovely and i will definitely listen again. Best Track: It had to be you

This is a great album. Charles' version of Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying is the standout for me and is just fantastic, but the whole album is excellent.

An album for all seasons, can just as easily sit next to a fire with a cup of hot chocolate as you could sip lemonade in a hammock. I guess beverages are the common denominator, but in any case it's a great listen. It's hard to tell which songs are standards like had to be you, vs which just have that similar nostalgic feel to them even hearing the first time, which in my opinion is a good thing. 4.5 rounded down bc Ray Charles has so many other songs I love not on this album.

One of the greats doing it all - ballads, swing, country, you name it.

It's Ray Charles, what else is to say. Great album, not all the hits but pretty nice songs.

Seria melhor se tivesse em outro momento

What a great album. Ray's voice is at its best. The big band and orchestra are perfect. Feel so blessed that I got to see Brother Ray.

Play those horns loud! Between listening to a band leader friend's views and my mum's friend's experience with Ray Charles' exacting practices, it's interesting to think about the discipline that goes into such a tight sound.

Great! I wish we could give .5's because it's a solid 4.5.

Pure class. Top song: Deed I Do. vibe: Rainy weather, Jazz Band, Warmth.

Ray is always great though this isn't my favorite album of his

Learned a lot from this one, plus Sue loved the big band

what a pleasant way to spend 35 minutes or so

There is something so nostalgic about ray charles and the sound of his music/voice that I cannot explain. I enjoyed the album thru and thru.

Aujourd'hui, on va parler d'un disque qui porte bien son nom, The Genius of Ray Charles. Rien que le titre, ça pose le bonhomme, car il faut quand même avoir une sacrée paire de baloches pour sortir un album en s'autoproclamant « Le Génie ». Imagine un type aujourd'hui qui fait ça, il se fait dézinguer sur les réseaux en deux minutes. Mais là, on parle de Ray, et Ray, il ne demande pas la permission. Il pose son cul sur le tabouret, il plaque trois accords, et il te ferme ta gueule. Cet album, c'est le moment où Ray Charles décide qu'il est trop grand pour une seule étiquette. Il veut tout, le jazz, la soul, le blues, et même les violons qui font chialer les ménagères. Et le pire, c'est qu'il y arrive. C'est énervant, non ? L'album est divisé en deux, comme un cerveau bien équilibré. La face A, c'est le côté « Big Band » qui te rentre dedans avec Quincy Jones aux arrangements. A ce moment, le mec n'était pas encore le producteur de Michael Jackson, il était juste un génie en devenir qui savait faire sonner une section de cuivres comme un peloton d'exécution. Ça swingue, ça transpire, c'est d'une puissance absolue. Quand les trompettes démarrent sur « Let The Good Times Roll », tu as juste envie de renverser ton café et de danser sur la table. C'est précis, c'est sec, c'est du travail d'orfèvre. Et puis, il y a la face B et là, on change d'ambiance. On éteint les projecteurs, on allume une clope (virtuelle, hein), et on sort les cordes. C'est Ralph Burns qui gère cette partie, et on est dans le pur style « crooner ». « Trop sucré », « trop hollywoodien », diront les pisse-froid. Mais écoutez bien la voix de Ray, elle ne triche jamais. Même au milieu d'une forêt de violons, sa voix reste ancrée dans la boue du blues. C'est ça, la magie du type. Il peut chanter n'importe quoi, ça sonne comme une confession. Cet album, c'est le disque parfait pour comprendre l'ADN de la musique américaine moderne. Ray a pris le sacré (le gospel) et le profane (le blues) et il les a fait baiser dans une ruelle sombre. Le résultat, c'est la soul. Et sur cet album, il pousse le concept encore plus loin en y ajoutant le prestige du jazz orchestral. C'est une démonstration de force. Je vais pas vous faire le détail morceau par morceau, on n'est pas là pour faire un inventaire à la Prévert. Mais prenez « Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' ». Si vous ne ressentez rien à l'écoute de ce truc, allez consulter. Sérieusement, c'est d'une tristesse magnifique, porté par une interprétation qui frise l'indécence. Ray ne chante pas la chanson, il la vit. On sent chaque goutte de pluie, chaque regret. Alors oui, c'est écrit « The Genius » sur la pochette. Et c'est pas du marketing de bas étage, c'est juste un constat clinique. Ray Charles est capable de passer de l'euphorie la plus totale à la mélancolie la plus crasse en l'espace d'un changement de face. Il maîtrise les cuivres comme un général d'armée et les cordes comme un poète maudit. Et son piano... bordel, son piano. C'est l'extension de ses doigts. Il n'a pas besoin de faire des démonstrations techniques de dix minutes. Chaque note est à sa place. C'est l'économie au service de l'émotion. Alors pourquoi "seulement" 4 et pas 5 ? Peut-être parce que la face B est parfois un peu trop « sage » pour mon côté irrévérencieux. J'aime quand ça gratte, quand ça bouscule et ici, c'est tellement parfait que ça en devient presque intimidant. Ce n'est pas un disque de révolte, c'est un disque d'affirmation. Ray dit au monde : « Voilà qui je suis, et je vous emmerde si vous trouvez ça trop ambitieux ». Dans la liste des 1001 albums, celui-ci est une pierre angulaire. Sans lui, pas de soul moderne, pas de pop orchestrale telle qu'on la connaît. Ray a ouvert des portes que personne n'avait même osé regarder. Il a abattu les cloisons entre les genres avec une élégance rare. Et il l'a fait avec un sourire en coin, derrière ses lunettes noires. C'est ça, la classe. Alors, si vous voulez vous faire une culture, posez-vous sur cet album de 1959. Écoutez la dynamique, écoutez les silences, écoutez la voix de ce mec qui a tout compris avant tout le monde. C'est brillant, c'est parfois un peu pompeux, mais c'est toujours sincère. Et la sincérité, dans ce milieu de requins, c'est ce qu'il y a de plus rare. Pour résumer : La face A vous botte le cul. La face B vous caresse la joue. Et au milieu, il y a Ray, le génie absolu, qui rigole. C'est un disque qui impose le respect. C'est de la musique, de la vraie, faite par un mec qui n'avait rien à prouver mais qui a tout donné. Note : 4 / 5. Parce que le génie, ça ne se discute pas, ça s'écoute. Et cet album est la preuve irréfutable que le titre n'était pas usurpé.

I recognize the objective quality of this record, and I see what makes it so beloved, but it’s just not my style of music. Clearly a huge inspiration on multiple other generations of music though!

Crisp

Great!

solid. really liked the saxophone!

Heerlijk album, iconisch

Love it

The birth of soul, the early days of an indispensible career with countless highlights. Everything's good, nothing's skippable, you'll not hear me say a bad word agin it. That said, I'm a heretic here and I prefer Sinatra's version of Come Rain or Come Shine from two years later.

Ray decides to mess around and pretend he's Duke Ellington. A genius, no doubt.

Wow, what a great Ray Charles album. Excellent music to kick back with.

Bold album name

Maybe Ray Charles' job was to almost make me close my eyes with his smooth jazz here. Or maybe I was just tired. There are better songs by him in his arsenal that aren't here, but it's Ray Charles, c'mon. I have to be fair.

I actually liked this more than I thought. I thought it would be a repetition of the upbeat songs but it was very diverse for different moods. There were songs that were upbeat eccentric sounding instruments, that would switch to a song with mellowed out, smooth-cool like instruments.

Blir overrasket hver gang jeg hører Ray Charles hvor mye jeg liker det, men så hører jeg aldri på han igjen.

Had a great time. Love the two halves.

4/5

Fav song: Let the Good Times Roll

Two days of back-to-back Ray Charles! Same catchy, trademark style as always.

I love Ray Charles' voice, stellar album!

8/10 Muy buen album, me encantó, música relajante y suave pero que no aburre

Actual Rating: 3.5/5

This is the album to put on after a long day at work

Did you know the somewhat obscure Beck song Deadweight borrows a phrase from this album? You do now.

I do not have too many words for this record other that it's good. It is some of the best ballads and blues of its time and the way rays voice lays the final layer of smoothness to the ballads had me mesmerized the first listen. I think if I had to choose the ballad side have the songs I go back to the most, but the more bluesy numbers still stick in my mind. The brass on this LP is great too. Fav tracks: It Had to be you, Dont let the sun catch you cryin', and Come rain or come shine

A good album to play when trying to relax or focus.

Sehr entspannend – ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass es mir so gut gefällt, nachdem ich das Erscheinungsjahr gesehen habe. Ich weiß jedoch nicht, ob ich es mir noch einmal anhören würde, weil ich es dann doch eventuell etwas zu langweilig finde.

There was a lot to love with this, I thought that it was a really interesting idea. The choice to split it into sections was pretty cool, I think it would be a little weird to mix the big band stuff with the slower piano ballads, but the flip side is that the second half didn't flow as well as the first. But still a really strong album, this is like some of the best male jazz I've heard so far. Favorites: Let the Good Times Roll, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Come Rain or Come Shine

Just damn there are some love songs on here that are certified bangers

Truly is genius!!

quite jazzy and chill and vibey

Very pleasant and Soulful. I enjoyed listening to. Don't let the sun catch you Crying is a fantastic song. 4 stars

Discazo para tener de fondo en cita o cocinando con un vino en la mano

would listen again

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