Reviews (page 5 of 12)
A couple songs in I wasn’t really feeling it. I love soul but not the big symphony upbeat soul if yk what I mean. But gradually the album got sadder and more chilled out. I absolutely loved this idea turning you from happy and dancy to in your feels. Now I do have to discredit the upbeat songs still not being my favourite but cmon I can somewhat get into it. My favourite songs were Am I Blue and Just for a Thrill. Overall great album and would listen again so I’m feeling a calm 8.2/10 4.1/5
Genius is right!
I thought the early songs were upbeat and energetic and fun and the slower songs were just beautiful and really gave the space to show off his voice. Struggled to pic a favourite as I think it would be so mood dependent whether I would prefer a slower or more upbeat song. Not sure when I would reach for this as an album though as I think if you’re in the mood for one part you’re probably not in the mood for the other. Fav song: Let the Good Times Roll - also liked Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying Least fav: Tell Me You’ll Wait for Me
Quite enjoyed this album. The backing music reminded me of the incredibles. Love that. Not a huge fan of the slower ones Specific rating - 4.1 Fav song- Alexander’s ragtime band Least fav- tell me you’ll wait for me
Veldig deilig
I enjoyed the big band sound but I found the album became a bit too monotonous for me.
Great, but some songs get boring at the end
Old school big band rhythm and blues. What a time! Oozing with musical inspiration.
Don't like it as much as Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, which is fucking astonishingly good, but I listened to it four times in a row, so it must be pretty damn good too.
Lovely orchestral arrangements and a beautiful soulful voice. Not every track fully grabbed me, and it erred towards schmaltzy in places, but still a fun listen. A low 4.
Real humble album title
he really was goated
Imagina ter ouvido esse na época em que foi lançado? 🤯🤯🤯
scho uuu viel glost. let the good times roll isch soo geil. arrangement vom quincy, sini stimm. it had to be you au fantastisch. es tönt halt alles so wie e sehr gueti big band söll töne. d blöser tätsched, d drums swinged, dynamik stimmt. two years of torture soo geil wiener plötzlich ine tüfers register goht. when your lover has gone wieder viel intimer, blöser so fiin soo cool. die zweit hälfti isch mit striicher hä. ah und wunderschöne backing vocals. you won't let me go findi gad fantastisch. die "aaaaah"s. huii und er spielt scho saugeil klavier. schluss vo am i blue isch fantaastisch schön. hm ich glaub s lauft uf es starchs vieri oder es füfi use. s einzig wo mich vomne füfi abhaltet isch dass etz nöd die allerbeste ray charles songs do druff sind. aber denn binen mit sich selber am vergliche well en bessere big band sound oder traditional pop sound findsch susch nienets.
RAAAAY let the good times roll schomal en banger vill liebeslieder, surprise!! aso d big band lieder hemmer sehr gfalle, wenn au mengisch chli langsam, jz chömmed d ballade! jaa han bis jz nöd vill meh z sege ussert "schön aber au chli langwilig", s klavier findi uuhuere schön han leider chli meh erwartet, es knapps 4i? d ballade simmer chli z langsam und ah let the good times roll chunnt nüt anne
Beautifully recorded. Undeniable greatness. Smooth and easy listening.
I listened to this on the train and I really liked it, very chill and interesting sound and the songs had enough variation where it wasn't purely boring. Made me want to look into more of his music.
Very good for its time, let the good times roll definitely the best upbeat song, am I blue best melancholic song.
Just when you start getting tired of all the loud brass he breaks out the mellow piano ballads. Genius.
C'mon now ... it's Ray Charles!
Really great album. I think viewing from a modern lens the more mellow songs in the second half stand the test of time more. Highlights were Let The Good Times Roll, Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me, Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’, and Come Rain Or Come Shine.
delightful! big fan of Alexander’s ragtime band <3 big band jazz isnt usually my main thing but ray charles is really good so this was fun
This was a solid album listen for me! I’m not sure if I’ve ever listened to a Ray Charles album in full before but I had a great time doing so! This album was full of soul, jazz, and blues vibes. I would listen to this again depending on my mood!
Got me coming over all romantic, heartbroken, and I may have let the sun catch me cryin'... Well recommended, just for a thrill... ;)
Didn't have a chance to really digest this one, but I did give it a listen. The big band songs are so bright and lively, really steeped in infectious joy, and the balladry is earnest and sweet. This is just incredibly pleasant, Ray Charles is a fantastic presence, whether crooning or providing some real energy, and the band here really knows what they're doing. I enjoyed this a lot, even though it was kind of a blur, and I'd say I am feeling a 4.
#1 - This album was a pleasant surprise since it was different to what I've listened to in the past however it was great. It felt like I'd stepped back in time
Can’t fault Ray Charles.
Wasn't in the mood for the album, but reluctantly started to listen, and was pleasantly surprised. The opener wasn't my cup of tea, but the rest really was able to sway my mood. What more can you expect? 4/5
One of the greatest to ever do it. Side one is hirns and side 2 is strings. Big band and orchestra. Vintage.
Typ hela genren låter likadan men det var vibe
And a genius he was! What a great album.
Very pleasant listen. Easy to listen to. Good background music.
I respect Ray Charles, but have never gone out of my way to listen to his songs. Reading about this album ahead of listening, I was not looking forward to it. I don’t like big band. I’m not a huge fan of “standards.” However, this is very well done. He put his emotion into the singing and it was about the best version of things I don’t enjoy that it could be. A very pleasant surprise.
At one point, the blaring horn of the train I was on synchronised perfectly with those of Ray Charles’ band. That moment was the closest I’ve been to literally shitting myself since the time I drank 12 pints of Guiness in 4 hours. Anyway, he’s a legend. I don’t listen to enough big band stuff. Probably should have listened on speakers as the audio quality in headphones wasn’t the best. That’s no shade to Ray though. He gets 5 stars.
Didn't know Ray Charles did big band stuff! First few tracks were great, very Sinatra. Also enjoyed some of the slower bluesy stuff too, though there were a couple of tracks that were a bit stuck in the middle, not big and exciting or cool and laid back. Lots of these tracks were great and I should listen to Ray Charles more.
Uncompressed real sound. Distorted recording but great music.
great
Un clásico para conocer el Blues y el Soul inicial de América
Semmosta hyvää perusrokkia.
Olihan se laatukamaa!
Relaxing, nostalgic, beautiful. It's a gem I'd really like to own as a record and play it back on my old player. My grandmother used to really love this album, so it brings back some memories too.
Tell you what I say!
Feels like 2 mini albums stuck together! Good stuff though
I know who Ray Charles is, I can identify his voice, but I honestly don’t know if I be listened to an album or know his “hits”. I was not expecting a big band on the opening track. I love this so far. I’m so disappointed I didn’t know about this album before. This is amazing. Loved this album.
i prefer modern songs in country and western music. a little less orchestra? but ray is always great, no matter what’s playing alongside him.
This is the most Christmas sounding album without actually being about Christmas
Using any standard, a great album. However, for Ray Charles, there’s several other albums in his discography I come back to before this one. What a talent.
Unlike Newman, I like big band stuff. I think the album starts great, then peters out a bit. It's not my fave Ray Charles album (that would be the self-titled/'Hallelujah' one) but still, it's Ray fukken Charles. This is in his prime and really good. Top Tracks: "Let the Good Times Roll," "It Had to Be You," "Alexander's Ragtime Band"
A great listen! The big band stuff is wonderful, his voice and keyboards are nearly unmatched. It doesn't have the hits from later on (where was the Pepsi jingle????) but you can't really do better in the genre than Ray fucking Charles. Don't even try.
--Let the Good Times Roll...big band stuff --It Had to Be You...never liked this song but I like Ray singing it. Don't care for all the extra instrumentation --Alexander's Ragtime Band...fun --Two Years of Torture...nice and cool --When Your Lover Has Gone...this one is great. I just need the other musicians to get out of his way! Let Ray do his thing! --Deed I Do...Big Band stuff --Just for a Thrill...mostly Ray. Which is a good thing --You Won't Let Me Go...very nice --Tell Me You'll Wait...this shit calms my soul --Don't Let the Sun...keeps the mood going --Am I Blue...wonderful --Come Rain or Come Shine...Thank you, Ray
7/9/25. Loved this! Cool hearing Ray with the big band sound. Very danceable too.
A beautiful voice and timeless style. He's better suited to the quiet, intimate arrangements rather than many of the big band tunes here.
Good album. I consider this basically an extension of era frank Sinatra and just as good if not as iconic. Added to my list
Liked it
The king don’t miss
His voice is incredible and coupled with a band…a powerful combination. Each instrument shows up but it never becomes noise.
The voice is in fine form. Highly listenable. But lacks the visceral impact of earlier sides. All covers that are mostly elevated in his hands. Orchestra swings as much as an orchestra can. And the man can sing sing sing.
Very fun beats, I can tell this is good music but it is still just not my taste :/
Seems a bit pretentious to call something The Genius of Ray Charles, but I guess it worked out. Another great album, and just a nice listen.
Chad
Let the Good Times Roll - 5/5 It Had to Be You - 5/5 Alexander's Ragtime Band - 4/5 Two Years of Torture - 3/5 When Your Lover Has Gone - 4/5 Deed I Do - 4/5 Just for a Thrill - 5/5 You Won't Let Me Go - 3/5 Tell Me You'll Wait for Me - 4/5 Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' - 4/5 Am I Blue - 3/5 Come Rain or Come Shine - 5/5 Average score: 4.1/5
Beautiful voice and music. Everything about it felt silky smooth. It did feel more like dinner party music and the slower tracks were a bit more suited than the big band tracks.
soothing and energetic at the same time
not bad for a blind guy
Quality listen. The backing band can sure play. Wish it had more hits and fewer ballads but I'll revisit again. Ray Charles is a legend.
The perfect way to listen to this is walking down city streets. I did that my second time through and it brought the music to life. All of the Ray Charles richness is on display here: we start with big band and then taper down into the sultry crooning as we round the corner into the second half. Let the Good Times Roll, indeed! That track and Am I Blue were my faves.
Great album! Ray Charles is so talented and this album did a good job show casing. The songs were the perfect length, didn’t drag on. Short and sweet
A beautiful album, really hit walking along the Chicago river and later looking at the royal wedding photos.
Just Ray Charles
I'd never heard this album before. It's not my cup of tea but it is very good and, for me, a pleasure and very easy to listen to. For sure, I'd happily listen again.
Pretty good for what it is just good older music
Sounds good. Probably genius.
I really enjoyed this. Truly beautiful music.
Best Song: It Had to Be You This is good, but like a lot of music in this era, I just don't see any opportunity where I will throw this on again.
Doesn’t overstay its welcome, doesn’t need to prove anything
Never heard this album before today. It's a quick listen and gets right to the point. Very nice music and he is of course a legendary singer. It's very chilled out with the songs being a bit slower, not in a bad way though. It works really well and I enjoyed listening.
Great stuff as always from the incomparable Mr. Charles.
Brilliant artist. Album gets a bit repetitive with most songs sounding similar at first listen. Still. Really great listen
Incredible album. First half had so much energy and second half was beautiful slower songs. Very raw. Will add to rotation
[...] and Modesty [...]
7/10 This is the Ray Charles I know and love. 6-9-2025
Classic, iconic.
Legendary again, these are great albums for a reason.
Good stuff! Big claim to call your album genius but I think he’s done well.
Great voice and a great listen
I waiting for him to start playing ‘The Long and Winding Road’ but it never came.
That's some smooth jazz baby.
- ‘Just for a thrill’ is incredible - the lyrics on tell me youll wait for me are absolutely just the prettiest thing youll ever hear, breaks you the fuck down
Nice!
Great, but not something I want to listen to a lot.
Ray Charles rules.
A bunch of jazzy early numbers from the Genius. Solid tunes. Nothing really challenging for the era they were released, but inarguably great performances all.
Approached with caution having listened to Ray Charle compilations in the past, but this was very pleasent surprise. Top track: It had to be you
8/12
Not a massive fan of Ray Charles, just not one of my guys. Hard to fault the album and there’s some cracking tunes but won’t be rushing back
The absolute legbag
A great take on classic songs.
Beautiful record with the unique charm that only Mr. Charles can bring. His voice and the band provide a wonderfully rich experience that resonates throughout the entire duration. This is a really nice one.
This album had some great instrumentals and vocals, it was a nice chill album. But I really liked how it started off really energetic and it gradually got more emotional and deeper.
While I don't listen to it very often big band and swing is still a genre I really enjoy. When the mood strikes there is nothing better. Ray Charles is a master at this so its easy to enjoy this album throughout.
makes me wanna grab an apron and sweep around my partners apartment while they’re reading books on the couch… occasionally glancing back at one another but never locking eyes. a testament to admiration.
Love Ray Charles but I wouldn't say this is his best - it feels like two mini albums with the split of big band / ballads but still enjoyed it. Songs added to playlist: - Let the good times roll - You won't let me go - am i blue - come rain or come shine
Bello, ma dove è Hit the Road Jack
Really enjoyable album. Ray Charles is a classic and the band is killer.
Oof. Big band brass, swing, and blues all come together here to make a really great album. Despite this being over 75 years old at this point, I would not hesitate to give this one loads of more spins.
Because of the radio my mum listened to when I was growing up, this kind of thing will always be ‘Sunday Roast Music’ to me. This is no bad thing. I really enjoyed the big band sound - I’d never knowingly heard the album before but it was all cosily familiar. I’ll definitely listen again. Probably on Sunday.
Very cruisey. Not his best work, but a taste of things to come.
I prefer the uptempo jazzy tracks more than the ballad-y ones but it’s overall a great album
Great soundtrack for our Road trip.
Genius is correctly used in this instance.
One naturally frowns on such a self-serving title, but there are suggestions of genius, sure, especially for such a young singer. The heavy-handed smatterings of strings complicate a few cuts – they weren't necessary or at least it would have been nice to see what a lighter touch might have sounded like. Mostly this is pleasant. ”When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” are one's faves.
holy shit those horns are so loud theyre peaking this is very fun and a good balance of high energy and ballads!! 4.5/5
Genius
Genius confirmed
Swing & Big Band
Favorite Track: Let The Good Times Roll
Whenever I hear Ray Charles' voice it makes me smile. I haven't heard this before and it's so Jazz/Big Band influenced. The only thing I didn't like was the occasional cheesy strings and backing vocals. Liked Songs Added: Two Yeaes Of Torture Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
Big band sound! Really enjoyed this - very O’Farrell friendly
"Patrolling the Mohave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter" I am a sucker for this era of music, love me some horns and walking baselines, very much enjoyed this album
I have a newfound appreciation for Ray Charles. Earlier mixing and mastering sometimes leave something to be desired, but his music here is so vibrant and full that it doesn’t matter.
Charles shot rays out of his genius eyes
What a talent this man was. Just astounding to imagine. Good solid listen.
Liked his version of it had to be you. Liked the big bandy -jazz sound and soulful vocals while getting ready for work this AM. I've only ever associated him with his up beat vocal range so it was nice to hear the more moody/slow style as well.
Jamie Foxx is such a great singer! I do love his voice though, and it was nice to hear songs I had never heard before. Good for listening to while cooking or dinner!
Beautiful, emotional, need more listens to truly fall in love
Bloody amazing
Excellent
Impressive stuff from a master.
Very solid, enjoyable album.
I loves me some Ray. But not all of this one. I like jazzy, flowing Ray. This had too much weepy music. Am I Blue? I don't care. Stop whining. Can't you see...[The AI for this app detected a probable blind joke and deemed it to be potentially offensive to those who read it. Therefore, it has been interrupted. I am a bit.]
This is just great. It's an album you play on a day you have no plans and just want to sit down, read a book, and relax with your partner. It's what cozy sounds like to me. Ray is just smooth, the band both adds to, and compliments his voice. This could play in a small bookstore or coffee shop and at least three people would ask if they could buy it. I had forgotten how much talent Ray Charles had. I need to listen to all his stuff now.
Wow Ray Charles did not play. I love big band music can we have a resurgence right now (I need more hsc material). If we are bringing back yearning let’s talk about When Your Lover Has Gone and It Had to Be You. AND THE TRANSITION to Alexander don’t play with me. This album had me feeling pretty jolly. Deed I Do feels like a play on scatting, and if that’s what it is I highly appreciate that. If you can’t have them crying, have them dance I say 🤷♀️.
let the good times roll - i feel like james bond listening to this. do not play whilst in car. it had to be you - mr ray charles i think ive heard this one before. a slightly more original rendition may have been in order. piano solo goes very hard tho. i like the final section. alexanders ragtime band - randomly good transition from it had to be you. i do love a good piece of music about music. never fails in my books. im getting a little tired of my ears being blown out tho. okay so I was going to rate all the songs? but I ran out of time. I felt that was the only way to really do the album justice since it was more a collection of songs than a story. whilst I have a large amount of appreciation for mr ray Charles' voice and his piano skills (especially since he's blind), the very loud big band kinda put my off after a bit. I prefer quieter jazz/blues. I give it 4/5.
Ray Charles was a treasure. This is a great album and should be listened to everyone.
Classic
I didn’t know a single song off of this record, but it was a vibe and consistent the whole way through.
First song( let the good times roll ) The sharp and gritty sound in the trumpets and his voice immediately hooked me in a refreshing way, I don’t hear that type of engineering in most of what I listen I too. I didn’t mind the the upbeat style unlike I usually do. I can tell this will be a good list and this is gonna be a good first album. Second song( it had to be you) feels great having a slower tempo to take a break from the action in the first song and I felt more at home with the riviera paradise-ish tempo, good song for sure With the third song( Alexander’s ragtime band) I really get that feeling like I’m in the 50s-60s, downtown listening to ray exciting the crowd Two years of torture feels like a snazzy masterpiece In the class of blues about your woman and the the slower tasty licks from the trumpets, drums, saxophone and piano are what make this song my favourite of the album so far. (When your lover has gone)Uh oh we have another another song about a love lost, that’s alright with me though because this side of the love lust is the wholesome one, not the ratchet songs talking about infidelity. Anyway this song is much similar to the third in the album. Deed I do , indeed I do! This song feels like a medium tempo between the other songs on the album and it’s good and once again I like to hear the wholesome lyrics and might be cheesy to someone who hasn’t been in love. But I liked this song I’d say 2nd best I’ve heard so far (Just for a thrill) is about being used just for the other persons enjoyment. I like the serenading drums and this is the first song that that showcased a couple more noticeable piano licks. This has to be the favourite of the album so far and feels like it’s gonna be hard to beat. (You won’t let me go) I really like the the lyrics and the sound quality is the best I’ve heard on the project this song will have to be up there with just for a thrill
Quite old, but also quite good.
Not my fave but like yea its good but i think im gonna start being less generous with my stars idk why my middle is at 4 naturally i just think everything is pretty good? Maybe its only good music on this list that does make sense i guess i can givem 4 whatever its good
Very nice music 😎
hmmm hmmm hmmm, on se régale en compagnie de Charles
Ray Charles man
If there's an 'album for making Sunday breakfast' this is it. I grew up on Ray Charles, hard to be objective on this one.
Oh, this music is soft as silk.
Classic for a reason. Just nice to listen to.
Thoroughly enjoyed! Unfortunate that record companies forced artists to pump out albums! What these songs would sound like if the had some time to breathe is something to ponder
way jazzier than i expected. less blues. pretty fun album, slightly cinematic.
Ah, Ray Charles. What is there to say about him? I've listened to so much of his music but never this album all the way through. It's a pretty classic Ray Charles album and an enjoyable listen.
I think that "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" is a better album, but this is still a solid 4.
Superb.
Great mix of half of the album being arranged by a Big Band Orchestra and the second half more soulful and relaxing songs. Amazing record, will listen to it again in the future
i suppose having the A side be All firey swinging pop songs and having the B side be All silky orchestrated ballads counts as impressively Intentional album construction in 1959 but its fairly wonky as a listening experience for obvious reasons. otherwise uhhhh cant rly fault this HFJFHSJSF ray charles was a rare combination of a once-in-a-lifetime creative innovator and a once-in-a-liftime magnetic and multifaceted capital p Performer. this record shows him venturing into songbook-style pop with a ton of verve...despite the unideal listening experience i love both halves almost equally somehow. A side btw features arrangements by quincy fucking jones, which kind of illustrates ray's boundryless approach to music...he didnt totally leave jazz behind for greener commercial pastures, he just reconfigured it into a new series of strengths. should be no surprise that despite the huge arrangements, his piano always rings out the most powerfully. the record on the whole feels like a minor miracle, but the more i think about it perhaps its a major one instead...
Ray Charles was an excellent piano player, and that's illustrated throughout this album. I only wish it had a little more variety. Favorite Track: "It Had To Be You".
Hell yeah
Great listen, very accessible, just a good time.
Great album. I enjoyed both the first more big band leaning first side and the more mellow ballad side. I bet this would be amazing to hear live!
Listened in the car. Easy listening!
Ray Charles is a gift, and his talents are in full display here
My first full album from Ray. I enjoy the bombastic first half and the slower second half equally, and both conjur vivid moods. I can imagine reaching for this quite regularly. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Simpatico, convincente.
Love it. Favourite track is Let The Good Times Roll 4/5
The record sounded somewhat old and dated, but how can it not, as it was released 1959, more than 60 years ago. I do like the Big Band sound though, that Ray Charles provides, and his singing and playing. So despite the age issue, this record was quite enjoyable.
Good album, not really my style but a nice listen all the way through.
This album is split into two distinct sides: the first half features Charles backed by a swinging big band, while the second half leans into orchestral ballads with string arrangements. The more familiar I become with Ray Charles, the more I realize I really enjoy his orchestral ballads, where he leans deeper into soul and R&B. I know his big band side deserves just as much credit, but to be honest, big band and swing music have never really been my thing. It’s not that I dislike it—it’s just there for the sake of existing.
I like how different the two sides are but they still work together. Love some Ray
Fun, full o classics would recommend
It's Ray Charles!
Genius is right. What a pleasure to listen to. 4/5.
Ray could sing a grocery list to me and I’d be enraptured. Last half of this album is gorgeous.
Love the big band horns here. Great tunes. Reminds me of high school.
this was a fine listen 4/5
Good stuff, very easy listening
Good vibes. Simpsons: Yes
Nice and relaxed album, enjoyed it.
Solid stuff Ray, close to a 5 but not quite
This album made me feel beautiful inside
Easy listening to a tee.
Nice horns and big-band sound.
This was a great listen!
Easy listening. For the time and place I see why he got so big. Good grooves. Me likey
Honestly when I hear his name, this is the kind of music I associate with him... In fact most of the material I've heard sounds like this... I think the movie Ray highlighted the more daring aspects of his singles, but not the balladeer that he actually was. I like his style and I love hus phrasing, but it's not as exciting as the single "Hit The Road Jack", "Hallelujah, I Love Her So", "I've Got A Woman" or "What'd I Say?". The opener "Let The Good Roll" is about the only track on here to capture that magic. The more up beat side one is more to my liking than the ballad laden side two. But there are few nice touches on that side especially the closer "Come Rain or Come Shine" 7.9 ★★★½
Very nice, but has a strong easy listening vibe that is a bit too strong. BUT, it is Ray Charles so it’s highly tolerable. 3.5 stars but I’m bumping it to 4 on this site because I’m a nice person.
Good fun!
Day404 - there’s not enough big band jazzy albums on here so it’s a treat to hear ray charles
Classic tunes from a classic artist.
Hell yeah
Ray Charles - The Genius Of Ray Charles This album has some of the most beautiful lyrics I have seen in a long time. It's a coincidence that I got to listen to this days before valentine's. Combining that with jazz and blues, which is a heavenly combo, makes this a great album, something that a 2000's pixar movie would put on as a soundtrack. Honestly, this is great! 1.- Let the Good Times Roll = 8/10 2.- It Had to Be You = 8/10 3.- Alexander's Ragtime Band = 7/10 4.- Two Years of Torture = 9/10 5.- When Your Lover Has Gone = 8/10 6.- Deed I Do = 6/10 7.- Just for a Thrill = 8/10 8.- You Won't Let Me Go = 8/10 9.- Tell Me You'll Wait for Me = 10/10 10.- Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' = 10/10 11.- Am I Blue = 8/10 12.- Come Rain or Come Shine = 9/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.2/10
Pretty standard swing. I enjoyed it but liked his other albums more
Shortly before he finally transformed rhythm & blues into soul, Ray Charles appeared in 1959 with this crossover hit repertoire, half in full big band regalia and the other half embedded in Hollywood-esque string arrangements. Maybe not Charles' best or most relevant album, but a relic of an era when Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee still ruled the so-called pop charts and Atlantic Records contributed to the de-segregation of American society with records like this. What remains today is the recognition that Ray Charles could make any music his own.
Good background music
3.5
Ehh I'm not that big on jazz Edit: changing to a 4 on Oct 5 2025, I like jazz a bit more now
Me likey le jazz when le man sing
I mean, the title speaks the truth. It's goddamn Ray Charles, motherfucker. Whaddaya need, a road map?
It was fine! a little too poppy
His playing is excellent and singing is iconic. I didn’t love all the song selections and the big band sound covered his actual genius at times. All in all very good tho
The first half is great. Exciting songs with incredible vocal range. Let the Good Times Roll is an all-timer, but maybe not as good as some of the other Ray hits. The second half takes on a sleepy/romantic lounge vibe, which is pleasant but unremarkable.
Good Ray Charles album. Wish I could have paid more attention to it. Willing to give it another listen.
Marvelous
Ovo je vrhunski iako nikako nije moj đir načelno
Excellent.
not my cup of tea but a good album
Front half big band stuff is decent, albeit outdated . The ballads are phenomenal, especially the final number
Favorite track: Just For a Thrill Saved songs: It Had To Be You, Just For a Thrill, You Won’t Let Me Go
good album
acho que tem músicas dele mais marcantes; bom de ouvir, mas não é tão "rock'n'roll" como outras músicas dele posteriores
good
Impressive, but I tired of this album about 2/3 of the way in.
Some good jazz
Il genio di Raggio Carli di Raggio Carli
There's definitely better Ray Charles albums out there, but this was pretty damn good. It's hard to find a Ray Charles song that isn't a grand time.
What does it say about an artist when something as beautiful can exist and it's not considered one of their best albums? Maybe not his most memorable tracks but still a wonderful time nonetheless. The 2nd half has an immense bittersweet feel to it
https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExbnk2NDYyd3FtdHhsYzJ3d2dlODN3Z2szNnYweGhyemh6a3owN3YzZCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/DyYdtGo72J0zq8erhj/giphy.gif Great time with Ray Charles. Heroin users really do make some bangers. Album flew by and had such good variety of songs and sounds. Am I blue is a stand out for me out of all the songs on the album, first time hearing it outside of batman singing it in the Justice league show. 4/5
Maybe it's major depressive disorder, but I find the second side of this album goes a lot harder than the objectively more upbeat and lively first side. While the first side isn't bad by any means, it just does feel to me like a very talented artist (and supporting musicians!) going through the motions. Charles' voice shines in the slower songs, the lyrics hit hard with his vocal style, the instrumentation has more of a dreamlike atmosphere that gels a lot better with me than the bombastic-ness of the first side. Very pleasant to also have an artist know when to cut a song and how to tightly pack an album. This is a lean album with a lot of personality on both sides, a joy to listen to. Highlights: When Your Lover Has Gone, Just For A Thrill, You Won't Let Me Go, Am I Blue, Come Rain or Come Shine
What a wonderful album, and honestly, shame on me for not knowing let the good times roll came from Ray Charles (or before). NOT a great album for walking, but going to put it on the list for relaxing at night. What a vibe.
Clásico
Really good top quality album
Great to hear.
Really enjoyed Ray’s big band Nola jazzy style album. I’m adding Let the Good Times Roll to the playlist next time I’m heading to New Orleans
Good and enjoyable, if rather one note. It’s a good note, but still.
Always feels like a party when Ray Charles sing.
Was I Blue?
Closest I came to giving a 5. Really good but the slow ones were a little short of 5 territory for me.
Not sure if this is a R&B or a Big Band album, but if you can’t feel the soul oozing out of every track then something is wrong with you. I’ll bet this album would have been an even better listen in a dimly lit room, with a 7 & 7, and a fresh pack of unfiltered smokes instead of behind a desk, looking at insurance claims, and drinking a cup of coffee.
Fucking awesome
Nice album
The Genius of Ray Charles Not massively au fait with Ray Charles, but I know he has a bit of a peripatetic back catalogue, and even though he was right at the vanguard of soulifying jazz I wasn’t expecting the very pop big band swing of the first side, but there’s something really interesting about the very Sinatra-esque arrangements with his raspy soul voice and phrasing, particularly on It Had to be You. The ballady second side is also full of charm, and feels like a dfifferent album, but is equally successful and an equally great listen. He might be the epitome of ‘he could sing the phone book and it would sound great, there’s just something ineffably fantastic about the timbre of his voice, that elevates eveything on here, just slipping it into a 4. 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ Playlist submission: Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’
Ah Ray Charles! Ça s’écoute comme un charme. Quelle voix! Et quelles orchestrations avec les trompettes, puis les violons, dans la grande classe! Bien que je connaissais un peu son répertoire, surtout ses nombreux succès populaires, je n’avais jamais entendu aucunes des chansons de ce disque. C’était donc un beau cadeau, car j’aime beaucoup tout ce qu’il a fait. Tout est beau et bon goût, mais j’ai eu quelques petits coups de cœur: les douces « Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’ » et « Come Rain or Come Shine » et les plus rythmées style big band « Let the Good Times Roll » et « Alexander’s Ragtime Band ».
Enjoyed on a dark night in December with a fire.
Good Christmas tree decorating music. Very laid back and very enjoyable.
Good party background!
A perfect wake up call - big band jazz with a bluesy twist centered around the voice and piano of Ray Charles. He was just 25 years old when this was released and this was his seventh album in just two years. Side one is bright and brassy, and the flip side is laid back and cool. My highlight is the reflective Am I Blue. Genius? Yes, I think so
Oh yeah, after a series of meh albums, it's cool to hear some good quality big band/blues. The first half is upbeat and really entertaining, the second half is more laid back but rather pleasant and not boring at all.
This album is a mix of the pop swing music and some soulful piano ballads. I do wish the album did a better job of mixing those track styles up, so it didn’t feel like a tale of two halves. The album gets you grooving, but soon relaxes it down and never comes back to the initial energy. I felt like this caused the album to start blending together at the end. Overall a great album.
I'm not sure that this is his best album, but his worst album is twice as better as most everybody's best. It's a great introduction to the man for sure and would probably send people off to explore his catalog. So go do it already.
Mir gefällt der zweite Teil des Albums besser (Swing ist dann doch irgendwie too much), und ich mag die Stimme von Ray Charles sehr.
Der grosse Meister zeigt wie es geht. Grossartig!
I like the high at the beginning and half way in it shows the blues influence. His Smokey voice is really whiskey/ cigar vibe
It’s a very bold album title but it’s not undeserved. Charles is a ridiculously strong performer and just sounds amazing all over this
Tremendo el arranque, un poder la voz de Charles. Un blues sincopadeadito con frases de negro excelente. El segundo un jazz más melódico, cantado, orquestal, sinatresco y toques de blues en el piano (se le escapaba el blues por las manos a Ray). La tercera canción la más movida y bailable, un rag para mover las cachas con una sección de trompetas muy muy buena. La orquestación excelente, sacás a bailar a tu novia con esto sí o sí. Two Years of Torture, arranca genial, lamento por una mujer y sensualidad de la orquesta y uf tiene una sección de instrumentos muy buena con impro de Ray, papáaa! Deed I Do es el más intenso volumétricamente y orquestísticamente, está bien. A esta altura ya se captaron los giros del disco, son algo contantes no hay tanta variación es más de lo mismo. Just for a Thrill es más melosa y melódica, muy linda. Se escucha la típica voz de Ray como en "Georgia on my mind", la siguiente sigue la misma línea pero más melancólicamente. La siguiente también va en la línea, con aportes mucho menores de la orquesta. Las últimas siguen una línea más balanceada entre solo de Ray (voz y piano) y orquesta. Excelentísimo álbum, aunque no es un 10 porque tiene eso de la repetición, le pongo cuatro estrellas.
Classic sound and voice. Incredible for his time. Easy listening today
When this popped up today I had a slight trepidation as wasn't in the mood for what I imagined a whole album of Ray Charles would sound like. I was in for a lovely surprise. Gorgeous orchestration dancing around beautiful piano and a velvety voice. The second side was extremely string heavy which caused the eyelids to drop which is both a plus and minus. Easy 4
Big band crooner delight. Too bad the album doesn’t end as bold as it starts, it gets a little sleepy. Overall it’s a nice listen.
This album is cool, some good Ray Charles. It doesn't have any of my favorite songs on it, but it's a solid R&B album 4/5
Yeah! The groove tails off into sentimentality too quickly, but what a groove!
Enjoyed this, but don't ask me when one track ends and another begins, it all seemed to blend into a single stream of good background lounge vibes.
Very nice.
I really love this music. It makes me feel good. The horns are amazing on the first half and the piano ballads are nice on the back half.
Classic sound. It's all the elements of modern music. Blues, jazz, soul, classical, rhythm & blues. Interestingly though, it's not really *any* of those things. At the time, it was kind of something else. This sound is essentially the sound of any old movie that I grew up, its the sound of every classic Christmas song, its kind of that classic old time American sound.
Genius he was. This is an enjoyable album, with lots of classics, and Ray's music and arrangements.
An excellent record from Ray. Just pay attention to his vocals: he was such a soulful and skilled vocalist. The record sounds great for its time, and captures Ray’s playing and singing clearly.
Solid album. Good songs and good energy. I enjoyed the listen.
Smooth and great for background music while cooking
Let the good times roll~ A solid jazz album for when you wanna let the good times roll~ Just don't listen to it too loudly with in-ears or you'll be surprised by the burst of horns 🎺
Very nice listen.
Amazing stuff
Just the perfect 50s alvum. Gorgeous singing, beautiful piano melodies. Hits right in the feels
The big band side is fantastic—those swinging horns really bring the energy. While the string-backed side does highlight Ray's voice beautifully, the background singing at times just doesn’t work for me. I wish I could remix this album. My father loved Ray Charles so it get's an extra bump.
Indeed pure genius
Big band Jazz classic
Classic Ray Charles album. Very good of course.
A combination of big band and ballads, both very convincing. What a singer and musician!
great album, deep lyrics and amazing piano playing. Best Song: Don’t let the sun catch you crying
Class,very mellow and easy listening and “am I blue “ is on that album so I enjoyed it
I definitely agree with others that this is a lovely chilled out listen - 50s albums have a timeless, yet 'of the time' feel that maybe boosts their rating a bit on here. That, and the fact that there aren't about 300 albums included from this decade. I've realised I enjoy albums with distinct halves in terms of style, having just had two of these in a row.
What a classic artist. I truly dig listening to 50's soul r&B. This album is so good.
This was absolutely delightful. First half was rowdy and exciting R&B Soul with wonderfully blaring horns. The second half was soulfully peaceful piano ballads. A fantastic listen.
Great album from Ray. Much more enjoyable than the country one on this list.
This is definitely split into two halves, and I have separate thoughts on both. The first half is definitely higher energy, big band, and very fun. These hep cats were surely outta sight. Musically I really enjoyed this section, but from a production standpoint I found it left a lot to be desired. The horns were often clipping so bad that they distorted, and the vocals suffered from a similar problem. “‘Deed I Do” stood out as my favourite groovy track here. The second half of this record was really something else. Half a dozen truly beautiful piano ballads. Sonically I felt this half was much more enjoyable, and from a production standpoint it was far better. I struggle to pick a specific favourite track on this half, but “Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me” stood out for a lot of reasons. I enjoyed this album, and it was a fun switch once the second half started. If I could rate them separately I’d give the first half a 3 and the second half a 5, so I think the mean of the two is an accurate rating. 4* will be listening to the second half again.
As the sun set on the 1950's - the decade that birthed rock and roll - one of the new breed rose up to honour the past while reaching gently toward the future. "The Genius of Ray Charles" ties together jazz and swing standards with traditional pop ballads, all connected by a magnetic vocal presence: it's not a revelation by today's standards, but it has remained infinitely listenable. The only album of Ray Charles' that I'd heard before was his landmark recording "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music". Released three years earlier, "The Genius of Ray Charles" is lighter and pithier, finding Charles embracing his roots as a big band performer. It's his seventh album in a little over two years, and now seen as his breakout recording. While "Modern Sounds" is sequenced so its differing styles alternate track-by-track, this one's a distinct album of two halves: six tracks with the "Ray Charles Band" on the first side, and six more with a string orchestra on the second. The big band accompanying Charles in the first half are a real treat, used to the strongest effect in rollicking tracks like "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (tremendous fun) or when showcasing individual instrumentalists (the saxophone in "Two Years of Torture" is superb). The worthy arrangements here were actually written by young upstart Quincy Jones: he and Charles had been close friends from the ages of 14 and 16, and were frequent collaborators throughout their careers. By comparison, the second half does sink slightly into a drowsy syrup, with lagging tempos and some pacing issues. That's not to say the overall effect suffers, though: individual numbers like "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" are stunning, and the arrangements remain gently moving. All in all, it's an engaging listen if not an essential one.
Such smooth, easy listening. Great music for a rainy fall day, love it
Very good album
Loved this, I only usually listen to this kind of music around Christmas-time so it was giving me nice cosy festive vibes, very relaxing but also moving music. Super skilled as well. Very enjoyable.
I thought this was excellent. Beautiful music. Very moving
Yeah it was cool, really enjoyed it. Was exactly what I thought it was be but nothing wrong with that!
Good had some hits on it. Big band type pop for first half. Recording quality was bad for first half of album.
I like
Pure genius for sure. An easy four stars. Why not five? Only because this is not a music genre I typically engage with, I am unlikely to listen to it again, and I won't be adding it to my Tidal collection. But nobody can deny the magic of Mr. Charles' voice and genius on the ivories.
What's not to like!
Rich and full, solid use of piano and vocal accompaniment.
Could listen to this all day
Not my favorite of his, but really good.
Great opening track! Let the good times roll! They rolled for while but slowed as the song turned from jazz to blues.
Ray Charles is just legendary! Great listen!
I listened to it while on the way to the city for a meeting. Whimsical and cathartic at times. Gave me a lot of nostalgia, and the songs were strangely applicable to issues and feelings I currently have at this stage in my life.
The algorithm fed me two Ray Carles albums in one week, and I've got absolutely no problem with this.
It Ray Charles man, homies a legend and will always be a legend
Ray Charles singing jazz standards - what could possibly be bad about that?
The big band sounds of Brother Ray! The guy can play anything. Outstanding
I love the confidence/arrogance of somebody naming an album “The Genius of…” followed by their own name. I’m certain that there must be some Ray Charles songs that I know, but none were found on today’s album. The sound reminded me a lot of cosy nights playing Fallout, as this music is exactly the type used in those games. I do love a bit of big band, so the tracks that allow this side to flourish would be my personal favourites here. The music definitely sounds dated, but that just adds an extra charm for me.
I will always be in love with Ray Charles and his music. I usually listen to his quieter tracks not featured on this album, so the contrast pleasantly surprised me. This album is full of big bands, brass and vocals which you can't NOT love when Ray Charles is in the mix. He is him.
banqué 👏 me gustaron mas los temas lentos (la segunda mitad del disco) q los mas movidos pq eran... todos iguales. q se yo. igualmente estos tipos tienen ese no se que en las venas que es tremendo!!! aunq sospecho q la mitad de las canciones estaban todas en la misma tonalidad #LAM jeje. pero la instrumentación? los coros? 10/10 very demure. mi top 3 es just for the thrill, am i blue y let the good times roll. la abuela yeta tiene taste (lastima q le pegaba a la mujer) (creo) (seguramente). 3.5(4)/5 ☆
didn't think ray Charles sounded like this, kinda Sinatra like. silly me.
Classic and a master!
fine album highlighting Ray Charles great voice and some classic tunes. I prefer the songs that have a bit more r'n'b about them than the smoother numbers and ballads
Recently listened to this, and rated it a "3". Listening to it again I'm enjoying this a lot more. His unique vocals, subtle piano, and the backing (big) band works for these classics.
let the good times roll! Mix of a few big band tunes and a lot of nice slow dance love songs. Especially lovely orchestration in the last track "Come Rain or Come Shine". I can picture a million black and white first dance wedding scenes. Not an album I would seek out but clearly an influential classic. 4/5.
7/10 very jazzy i liked it!
He might be famous for influencing later piano men (Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Harry Connick Jr) but none of the instruments sound virtuosic here. It is Charles' soulful voice that surpasses the piano, big band, and string orchestra on this album and turns the blues a bright sunny yellow. Three-and-a-half octaves vocal range: 3.5