The Genius Of Ray Charles

chill 5/5

Listened to it all day!

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.

The title says it all. This is pure brilliance from start to finish. The big band swings, the strings swoon, and Ray’s voice glides over it all like velvet. Absolute genius.

Pleasant enough. Nice vibes but not much else. Probably won’t go back to this one.

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.

Great voice and playing, and I'm a bit shocked this is my review, but the album felt a bit more hollow than I expected. Ray Charles should be on the list for sure but I wonder if this is the pick.

I really do like his voice. The track lengths are great. It gets a little repetitive sounding. I enjoyed this, but I don't see myself listening to this whole album again.

Good quality Ray Charles

It's fine. I appreciate the artist but it's not my bag.

This is a good album. I like it for sure. 3 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.

Back to back sunglasses-wearing artists, what are the chances. Quite enjoyed the big band tracks, but overall didn't really get into the swing of things. Nothing memorable jumps to mind.

Back to back blind artists, what are the chances..... Very dated, but quite charming. I think I preferred the grander big band stuff at the start to the end of the album. Wont be rushing back. 3 as i preferred it to Stevie

Uncompressed real sound. Distorted recording but great music.

Nagyon basic liftzene, egy dal sem maradt meg.

great

I'd give 4 songs on the album a 10 if I could. Smooth, Sensual and Invokes memories of those loves gone wrong. Enjoyed every second of listening to Ray Charles.

3/6

Great horn parts on this one (Melba Liston!). Enjoyed it for sure.

Great voice, but the songs are all a bit generic.

Un clásico para conocer el Blues y el Soul inicial de América

I love Ray Charles but this was such an odd choice. Why not include albums with his own material? I don't really want to hear him do standards

It's nice but I probably wouldn't listen to it in any other way than background music

Semmosta hyvää perusrokkia.

Jep

Myöhemmät levyt ovat astetta rokimpia ja niistä pidän enemmän. Eittämättä äijä listalle kuuluu! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Da scaricare per il viaggio

Tell you what I say!

This wasn't bad.

no l'he acabat d'escoltar perquè és 0 es meu rollo pero s'ha de dir que mola, es animat i molen ses composicions

nice, big band - loud trumpets. Ray's voice is smooth as silk. Gem was the last track - Come Rain or Come Shine

3/5. Amazing voice and some excellent songs, but I’d like to see some more variety, especially in the second half.

Why does a blind man have 12 children by 10 women? How does he get so many women?

Adorei

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.

I do not question the the genius of Ray Charles but I do question the choice of listening to The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles before I die. Ray Charles + Big Band.... no thank you. He is force on his own. this album is crowded and seems to be the wrong format for such an amazing artist. Not for me.

3.5

A couple good songs, but too much big band accompaniment for my taste. Not exactly what I think of when I think of Ray Charles. 2.5/5, perfectly average album.

Pretty great

This 1959 album feels as though it could have been recorded in the 1940s (at least side one) with all those big band arrangements. Also, the sound quality was not as good as today’s recordings. Ray’s singing and piano playing are good as he covers some of the classics. For me there are better Ray Charles albums though.

Last Ray Charles we had, I was surprised he was around in the 60s. Now I learn he was around in the 50s! While reading about this album I learned a bit about the world of best-selling sheet music, as in the first half of the 20th century, successful sheet music(s?) sold millions(!!) of copies. I guess pre-radio people would, like, play hit songs on their own instruments?? That's some Jane Austen stuff. Anyway, Ray Charles didn't write these songs; most of them were decades old and have some very popular sheet music. Seems to have been a genius move on his part. I didn't particularly love the album, but I do like this style of music (aka "old") and I wish there were more 50s (or older??) albums on here! Highlights: 'It Had to Be You' (used in not 1, not 2, but 3!! Looney Tuneses), 'Am I Blue' (perhaps only in a single Looney Tune) Related queries: Where did the "deep (as a) river, high (as a) mountain" dual originate? Not 'River Deep – Mountain High', clearly, since it's in the much older 'Come Rain or Come Shine' here. Is that just a coincidence? Surely there are other natural features with measurements that could be paired together and aren't ("canyon so wide; valley so low", anyone?). There's an African-American spiritual called 'Deep River', but it makes no mention of mountains. There's a Bible verse that includes "go up on a high mountain", but no mention of rivers. Is the answer obvious? Or is there nothing to answer? Maybe future albums will shed some light.

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

This is the most Christmas sounding album without actually being about Christmas

beautiful album. I don’t have much of an ear for jazz/soul yet, but I’m going to add it for now.

Sure

musique de noël

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.

Pretty good listen, plesent, nothing too exciting but it hits the spot for sitting around and listening to it. Nice easy listen, probably will be liked by people much older then you.

Incredible high note in 'It Had to Be You' that he then goes on to TOP. Mostly pretty samey and dull though, like 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' was.

Good chill ass listen very big band sounds and beautiful ray charles voice

Amazing vocals from the man himself, starts off more uptempo and slows down as the album progresses but that doesn’t diminish it at all, it’s a very satisfying listening experience

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

So good.

3 only because I feel like I have to.

Meh

7/9/25. Loved this! Cool hearing Ray with the big band sound. Very danceable too.

que du classique, beaucoup de très beaux solos

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

First half is really boring and genric As soon You Won't Let Me Go hits it becomes a way better album

Excellent, no notes.

its alright. not my mood or taste rn.

It’s good, but not great.

love Ray, but the older slower 'whiny' stuff starts to all sound the same - just a consequence of what music was being made at the time. Still Ray though :)

Can’t overstate the influence but in today’s context just not very exciting to listen to. If I’m going to listen to Ray it’s his later music.

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.

talk about back to back 1959. Ray is more of a pop artist than Miles, but that bond with people is what makes his music timeless. i will say i dislike this title, but that's a small thing. this is his 7th record, so his stride is in full swing. like Kind of Blue, the pulse of the American spirit is on this album. Ray is pushing his style of jazz forward with songs like Alexander's Ragtime Band. there is music that defines places like New York and Las Vegas, this is it. he has a sense of humor that doesn't need to tell jokes. its hard to tell what his motive is, other than making songs he thinks are good. styles are varying and rounded. Deed I Do is actually a song that I've heard, and its very playful. with songs like Don't Let the Sun..., it shows the bigger and symphonic direction his music was heading towards. his identity of American culture is being woven into the minds of everyone at this point in his career. at 38 minutes, its crazy the depth this goes into. with songs like Come Rain of Come Shine, how we define soul with a gospel feel was brand new and ground breaking at the time, and you can tell Charles dedication to that distinction. he has a vision of what he wants and its evident in this album. 3/5 for such a memorable time before the explosion of the 60's would change the course for everyone.

⭐️ Come Rain or Come Shine

I only know of Ray Charles from The Blues Brothers so I was expecting an album like Shake Your Tail Feather from the movie. It maybe a tad unfair but since there was nothing like that on here I ended up feeling really disappointed with this one.

- You Won't Let Me Go - Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying

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

Not as good as I was expecting

My parents were big fans but I am not into him that much

Excellent album — compelled to buy the vinyl of it. My only complaint is the mixing on the first half (yeesh do those trumpets get blown out), but the piano ballads in the back half more than make up for it. The kind of music I’d like to hear while on a fancy date out on the town in the 60’s. Beautiful.

What terrible mastering, all the loud parts are distorted and over-modulated. Makes you understand how people could listen on super rolled-off speakers or phono cartridges and still think they sound good... Songs are good, rockin and rollin and reelin, good musicianship, will never listen again :)

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

Listened while on road trip. Mixed feelings in the car. Not something I would listen to often but respect for what it is. 3/5

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

thank god im not blind like ray charles otherwise i couldnt play fortnite

This is awesome

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.

Really solid first half but i wasn’t too into the second half. interesting listen, i did enjoy how half way through the album it flips genres, i thought that was so cool. i just found the second half to drag a lil bit, and i did not like the song “am i blue” at all.

I liked the second side with more piano. First half big band music wasn’t my favorite.

Some good vocal jazz, the album is bookended well with a strong brassy start and a softer ending. Loses me in the middle a bit. 6/10

Everything about this album feels grand- from the big band stylings on the front half of the album, to the swelling orchestra on “tell me you’ll wait for me”. However, all the theatrics are dull compared to the raw emotion carried in Ray’s voice. He brings life to the lyrics, and everything else is just there to compliment it.

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.

Jazz, Blues, 1959 -> 2

A few good tunes, definitely talented but not what I'm seeking in music (2.5*)

Pretty good for what it is just good older music

3.5 He is a genius. But the big-band style orchestration became such a standard after this. He is a brilliant interpreter. But he just pushed the limits with 'What'd I Say) (banned on many stations, but still a Top Ten hit.) A sign of things to come. Read that one both ways.

Good singer, decent music; just nothing really standing out.

3/10 Nope. The blasting if the trumpets is like the painful pangs of a migraine. The sickly strings are waves of nausea. I need to listen to it with my head between my knees to try and make it go away. I could probably tolerate it as background music, but then what's the point?

I was excited to hear a Ray Charles album, as my only frame of reference was his appearance in The Blues Brothers. Imagine my surprise when I prefer the more quiet back half of the album over the more lively front half. Charles voice is powerful, and all the moreso when he's playing a heartfelt ballad or a bluesy number. After decades of hearing how important Ray Charles is to R&B, blues, and popular music in general, this album is kind of a letdown. It feels very lukewarm and not a great example of why Charles is so highly regarded. Highlight: "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'"; "Come Rain or Come Shine"

Sounds good. Probably genius.

Great singing, great arrangements, the songs themselves are patchy in there quality - a few are standouts but the majority are unmemorable. Not Sinatra.

Not really my thing. A bit old fashioned and razzle dazzle. But there's nothing wrong with this.

I really liked this album! Listened to it in a square in Brussels on a Thursday evening and it was the perfect vibe. The many different instruments at the start of each piece were cool. The buzzy trumpets were a bit much in the first song but I liked everything after that.

Not horrible, but boring, basically the same song over and over again. Then again this was recorded in 1959, so you can't fault the sound/arrangements. 2/5

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

Excellent.

Is this the Charles I want to listen to? Not really. Big band arrangements in the first part, which sound corny no matter how good the vocals might be. And even then, what does Charles really bring to 'It Had to Be You' that a jazz singer doesn't? It's so straight and flat. The second side of ballads is much better for showing off his vocal chops and some nice soloing. 'Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying' is a highlight, with some fantastic string harmonies.

What's not to love?

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.

Mids. No complaints, no big highlights for me

Too much trumpet

So this stuff is over 60 years old. The effort in remastering that material must have been enormous. Excellent job in the arrangement of the instruments, but Charles' voice seemed to be a too difficult task. For the material itself: the first half is big band, the second half string arrangements, and a lot calmer. No real complaints here, but there was nothing I would remember because it was sung by Charles.

Amazing production

Brilliant artist. Album gets a bit repetitive with most songs sounding similar at first listen. Still. Really great listen

Good

Amazing music but sorry Ray no for me

He’s better than this

Incredible album. First half had so much energy and second half was beautiful slower songs. Very raw. Will add to rotation

Som en morgon läsandes DN med liite för bittert kaffe

That orchestration is tight but it just doesn't seem to fit. Love Ray but this one doesn't work for me.

[...] and Modesty [...]

7/10 This is the Ray Charles I know and love. 6-9-2025

Classic, iconic.

I mostly know Ray from his Diet Pepsi commercials in the 90’s, so it’s nice to get a better feel for his catalog. Really surprised that I didn’t get a copy of this album when I inherited my grandparents vinyl collection 15 years ago. All in all, an easy listen that I could see myself revisiting under the right circumstances (cocktail hour)

Good to listen to when coming down from a heavy weekend. I do like a big band. And a short punchy album. I did find it difficult to distinguish between some of the songs, but I was driving and concentrating more on the road. Enjoyed it though.

Eh, I expected more uptempo tracks like I got a woman or What I'd Say. Not that it wasnt pleasant, but I wanted something else and it wasn't this. https://youtube.com/shorts/GoqRYgAzjyE

6/10 surprisingly stale for most of it

Pre-listening thoughts: used to get this guy mixed up with Stevie wonder all the time. Now I know there’s a big difference between them but oops Post/during listening thoughts: this is decent vocal jazz/soul. He is very talented but idk it’s just not catching my interest. It’s all a little too mid or down tempo for me. I wish there were some more upbeat songs in here. That’s why I loved the Gershwin songbook so much. It’s sort of like that Billie Holiday album where every song sounds the same/is arranged the same even though the singer is really famous and talented. 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Alexander’s ragtime band Least fav tracks: I didn’t dislike any of this necessarily but I wouldn’t revisit this

A series of traditional pop classics that Ray Charles brings his own flavor to. Ray has a raspy, warm tone that flows over each lyric while his piano playing is engaging and enchanting at times. This collection of songs evoke feelings ranging from joy and wonder for the world down to despair over a lost lover. Fave Tracks: Let the Good Times Roll; When Your Lover Has Gone; Just for a Thrill; You Won't Let Me Go; Come Rain or Come Shine Worst Track: Deed I Do

Legendary again, these are great albums for a reason.

This was a nice album with a swing feel to it. I really enjoyed the first few songs but the album was a little fatiguing after that. Ray Charles has a really great voice and I enjoyed the arrangements and songs so I think giving it another listen would be worth while. I think I would rate it a 2.5 or 3.

63/100. Starts strong, but the middle section lost my interest a bit. Fortunately, the final few tracks bring it back with a charming finish. Considering it was released in 1959, it's impressive how well the sound holds up today.

Das Album The Genius Of Ray Charles wurde im Jahr 1959 in mehreren Studios aufgenommen, darunter die Atlantic Studios in New York sowie die Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Ray Charles, ein US-amerikanischer Musiker, war zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits für seine genreübergreifende Arbeitsweise bekannt. Das Album gliedert sich in zwei stilistisch unterschiedliche Hälften. Die erste Seite präsentiert Orchesterarrangements mit starkem Jazz- und Pop-Einschlag, während die zweite Hälfte vom Sound einer Big Band getragen wird, was an Charles’ rhythmischeren Rhythm & Blues-Wurzeln erinnert. Zu den prägnantesten Titeln zählen „Let the Good Times Roll“ und „Come Rain or Come Shine“, die beide seine Fähigkeit zeigen, emotionale Tiefe mit technischer Präzision zu verbinden. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Werk zwischen Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Soul und orchestriertem Pop. Es markiert einen Übergang in Charles’ Diskografie, da er sich hier erstmals von der rohen R&B-Produktion Atlantics hin zu aufwendigeren Arrangements bewegte. Das Album wirkt in seiner Anlage durchdacht und stilistisch ambitioniert. Es zeigt Ray Charles als Musiker, der sich zwischen verschiedenen Genres sicher bewegt und dabei eine neue Ausdrucksform sucht, ohne seine Ursprünge zu verleugnen.

Very much of its time. I suppose this qualifies as then 'popular music' but I can't really relate to it.

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.

Good stuff

That's some smooth jazz baby.

I had never listened to a Ray Charles album all the way through before. This was enjoyable.

Everybody knows Ray Charles, or at least they should do. This album shows why.

- ‘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!

Good

He was singing and vibing 6/10

Great, but not something I want to listen to a lot.

Very enjoyable - a lot of strong songs. 3.5 stars, but I’m rounding down. Like it but don’t love it.

Pas mal mais pas dans le mood d'aujourd'hui

Pa ono, kul je on, ali mi je ovaj album dosta dosadnjikav zapravo. 2/5, 4/10

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.

An easy going listen on a Sunday afternoon.

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

vier bis fünf

It's a very good record, I loved the big arrangements and how stylish they sound. It's interesting though that even though Charles' went in a more "swing" direction with this record, he manages to blend it with soul and his more R&B sound. Charles' voice is crazy good, his delivery is so powerful and stylish. The opening track, "Let the Good Times Roll", is so good, big and very energetic. The string arrangements on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'" are beautiful too, same for "Am I Blue". Overall, it was pretty good, easy listening, soulful and energetic at the same time.

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

Growing up, I had a Ray Charles Greatest Hits Album that I truly enjoyed. As I've grown older, I realized how much great music wasn't on there. Amazingly, NONE of these songs were on there. Thrilled to be listening to this. Let the Good Times Roll- was this song made famous by Ray Charles? It feels like an American standard, in the way that Stagger Lee and Summertime Blues are standards It Had to Be You Alexander's Ragtime Band Two Years of Torture- how much Black love has been documented in popular music, especially by an artist this prominent and in this era? When Your Lover Has Gone Deed I Do- I haven't mentioned the big band aspect of this album- was he inspired by Duke Ellington? I often think of Charles as a solo artist, but the band really shines on this album Just for a Thrill You Won't Let Me Go Tell Me You'll Wait for Me Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Am I Blue Come Rain or Come Shine I loved this- I will listen to it again. The best part about the entire list is knowing there is stuff out there you are missing and then finding a way to listen to it.

A great take on classic songs.

3.1 2x catch up 10/24

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.

I can see why this album would be on here. It's got great music and Ray Charles is a good singer and lyricist. What I couldn't get behind was that for the first half of the album every song started the same (loud, impactful fanfare) and the second half of the album every song started the same (softer, songs are clearly more solemn). It made the album seem less "Genius" and more repetitive. Same songs, different lyrics.

38 minutes and 32 seconds of shite. Also the dude's name is Ray Charles and he named the fufcking album "The Genius Of Ray Charles"!! Fuck off you arrogant cunt!!

XD The arrogance is deserved imho

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.

Did not like. Very dull. Just not my style at all.

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.

Terrific Ray, jazzy and swingy with a mix of soul. Would share with anyone

Legend. Was a fun listen

Great listen!

Respect

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

Love the late 50s vibe on this one, but not so into the big band brassiness. Still excellent though.

Concert band with jazz influence. Would listen again

Bello, ma dove è Hit the Road Jack

Let the good-but-not-great times roll.

this pretty much was amazing

Really enjoyable album. Ray Charles is a classic and the band is killer.

Ray is a genius, but these aren't my favorite Ray Charles songs.

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.

Splendid.

American dream, opa’s en oma’s dans muziek

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.

Off the cuff remark: Is "genius" a bit much? Big Band Standards? Seems a bit more sterile than the Billie Holiday I love, of a similar ilk. Standout Track: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Revisit?: I'd be happy to, and did listen to it twice, but not sure I'll be hunting it out.

Just great at what it does, and highly pleasurable to listen to. Those big horn wails maybe aren't for me, but it's hard to complain about it.

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

This is so cinematic. Soul over big band instrumentation is elite. Standout Tracks are: “When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Come Rain or Come Shine”

Great soundtrack for our Road trip.

Genius is correctly used in this instance.

Not bad but also not something I plan on revisiting.

The big band arrangements on side A are off-putting, but the orchestral arrangements of side B suit his vocal style better. This sounds like an attempt to mold him into a standard crooner, but there are much better singers for that. I don't think we get the real Ray Charles on this record.

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

Ray Charles and his band are at their best when they reign it in and let their natural talent speak for itself. Too often Ray alters the material to add a little extra flourish, and it changes for the worse. We all know the standards so it’s a bit annoying to hear someone consistently making new inflections and timing decisions here and there that make the songs worse. His talent is in singing not composing. Similarly the band sounds best when they’re playing it straight, but the more they push the bombast or the flourishes, the more strain gets put on the original material. But there is enjoyable musicianship under all of the extra layers.

Жалею, что поставил Фрэнку Синатре три. Потому что это лучше, но чувствуется на два. Лучшая песня - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'.

I liked the big band and upbeat tracks on this album. I felt like most of the sombre tracks sounded too similar to each other. Favourite Tracks(s): Let the Good Times Roll, Deed I Do Least Favourite Track(s): Tell Them You'll Wait for Me

More big band, but you can hear the soul coming through. Class act. Well worth a listen.

There is something about the soul in his voice and the orchestration of these songs that gets. A record i would like to own on vinyl.

Genius

114/1089 - Competent but samey.

Not my thing

The Big Band sound does not mess around! Let the Good Times Roll is such a slapping intro to this album from that first powerful blast of brass. The ballads work well, too; Ray's voice has such character that it is never boring or plaintive. This is a great album, maybe has a bit less character than some of his more successful offerings but is honestly a great listen.

Genius confirmed

Kinda boring cover album. Not terrible, but I want his hits!

Swing & Big Band

Something else I'm too dumb for - obviously amazing but I don't think jazz is for me

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'

Liked the band, really great. Ray Charles playing and voice were very mid.

OK it's not anything against him, this music is just really boring to me and the lyrics are soo basic. Also hate gospel music

See the thing is Ray has been labeled a genuis since inception and I don't think anyone can disagree. Beautiful arrangements, melodies seeped in dark blue meloncholy, but with enough hope to keep the audience entertained. Another album that makes me nostalgic for a time I've never lived in.

Big band sound! Really enjoyed this - very O’Farrell friendly

Great album, when I came back around to the beginning I just let it keep playing thru a second and into a third time. Awesome voice, great backing band/strings

Like the ballads lots more than the big band stuff. A good singer.

Adore his voice

"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.

Le tengo muchísimo respeto a las canciones de los artistas de esa época. Aunque no sea el tipo de música que escucharía todos los días, puedo reconocer claramente cuándo estoy frente a buena música. Este álbum lo demuestra. Me encantaron especialmente las últimas canciones; sin duda, volveré a escucharlas.

Good album. Not exactly my cup of tea. But there is no denying the genius of Ray Charles.

Charles shot rays out of his genius eyes

What a talent this man was. Just astounding to imagine. Good solid listen.

This was very pleasant and I enjoyed most of it! I almost gave it a four because I'm in a great mood. Had I thoroughly enjoyed every track, I would have.

Very much not my jam, but that goes for everything before 1960. Probably fine for what it is.

Who am I to argue with an album title.

#0032: Swinging Ray of Love This album made me believe in love again. I love music from the 50s for this reason. The arrangements, the swing-pop jazz, the vocals, and of course Ray Charles on the piano. This album immediately transports me to my favourite black and white films where love and romance were at its peak. Just makes me want to wear a beautiful sundress and dance in the rain. Or slow dance with a loved one late night at home with ambient lighting. As many already mentioned, the album has two sides. Side A has more orchestration with swing/jazz arrangements, while Side B is more somber and slow and intimate. And I enjoyed this flow. Usually lyrics tend to go right over my head, but perhaps it’s the way things were sung in the 1950s with that slight transatlantic accent, the enunciation, makes it easy to follow along, and all the lyrics just touch my heart in a romantic warm loving way. It’s gentle, sweet and beautiful. I really enjoyed the album musically and lyrically. Instantly, this album has become a classic for me that I want to keep revisiting. It’s short and sweet, easy listening. Perfect for a cafe, or just a romantic evening when it rains outside. It’s beautiful. Standout Tracks: “It Had To Be You”, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, “Two Years of Torture”, “Just For A Thrill”, “You Won’t Let Me Go”, and “Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’”.

I love Ray Charles singing

Does exactly what it says in the box - it's Ray Charles, he's a genius, here it is.

Chill album

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.

I was disappointed by his blues. I expected better. I guess I’m used to his older raspy voice. I don’t hear the genius in this album.

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!

I only knew of Ray Charles from his later career, had no idea about this "big band" era. Very nice! Showcases his incredible vocal range and style.

Beautiful, emotional, need more listens to truly fall in love

Bloody amazing

Excellent

This album lives up to its title! The Genius of Ray Charles is a fantastic listen from start to finish. It jumps out at you right away with bold arrangements and Ray’s unmistakable voice, pulling you in with every track. The fusion of jazz, soul, and big band energy is electric, and it feels like you're hearing a master at the peak of his creative power. Honestly, this is an all-time great jazz album, and a perfect example of why Ray Charles is such a towering figure in music history.

Espectacular. Me había salido en esta lista un álbum doble de Charles que me había parecido un tanto aburrido, pero nada que ver con The Genius of Ray Charles. Una maravilla que exprime lágrimas de mi dolido corazón.

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.

i told my self i would be sparing with my fives, but this is already my second one.. i absolutely love this album, i think its more than deserving of it tho-- banger after banger after banger!!! i love playing this era of jazz/ big band stuff but ive never quite gone out of my way to listen to it/ never knew where to look for it. the answer is here!! and im so glad i found it. i genuinely believe that this is a perfect album. every single note! chord! tone! are so thoughtfully written/ played and i find it so incredible and genius how it slowly moves from big band ballady pieces to mellow orchestral stuff. ive been recording all the songs i think are real 10/10s to save them for some kind of big function one day. wedding? who knows. i can't even pick a top 3 this time, they're all insane. 🥉come rain or shine, when your love has gone🥈'deed i do🥇let the good times roll

Ray Charles was a treasure. This is a great album and should be listened to everyone.

I could play Fallout to this.

for as ubiquitous as Ray Charles is in culture, i've never really spent much time with his music beyond a small handful of his biggest hits. this record is a treat, he's really flexing his vocal chops and making it sound easy. for 1959 when most pop music felt like aural bubble gum, Ray's really dripping with a raw emotion here that was rare for the time, especially in the back half once the choral and string arrangements get thick and hearty on the run of ballads he knocks out.

nerotkin voi erehtyä sanon minä. se että esim.erkiksi osaa vaik soittaa pianoo ja sillee.. ei se tarkota et niinku. oonkohan mä sininen?? siniverinen ainakin.. ruotsalaista verta. mutta sehän on pinkkiä. pinkkiverta. suomalainen veri valkoinen veri. tämä on tylssä, vittu tylsä albumi. 50-luvun poppipaskaa, mitä tapahtui tässä?? onneksi alettiin ottaa vähän roolia ja tuli myöhemmin vastuullisemmin tehtyä musiikkia. tässä ei ole vielä mitään erikoista, no radicalism... misssä hurjapäinen rallatus? tulevaisuudessa. neuteroitu tässä, pallit leikattu. myöhemmin liimattu. let the good times roll

For those peaceful times when you need jazzy background music.

Pretty much exactly what you would expect, good old soul by the legend Ray Charles. A bit too old for me to really get into it but obviously a classic. Favorites: It Had To Be You, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'

i'll just start by saying i know absolutely nothing about this guy. i know he's famous and he's blind but that's about it. i also don't have very much interest which is why i put this album off until the end of the day but here we are. let's see if my views are changed TRACK BY TRACK 1 LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL. honestly ahead of its time for 1959 but to me it's still generic big band/soul, albeit like 5 years before its time. i probably wouldn't return to it but it's feelgood big band, nothing bad. 7/10 2 IT HAD TO BE YOU. pretty much the exact same as the first song. this kind of album is my total weakness to writing because it sparks absolutely nothing interesting for me to say. not the music's fault, it's just that kind of music. 7/10, it's fine 3 ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND. it's alright. old-timey composition with slightly newer big band elements. the bad mix is making it slightly noisy in a olatunji kind of way, which makes it unintentionally a bit more enjoyable. still 6/10. 4 TWO YEARS OF TORTURE. personally pretty boring. it's that 50s jazz pop sound. easy listening to my ears, which to my ears isn't easy listening. what? 5/10 5 WHEN YOUR LOVER HAS GONE. i like this one more than the last because instrumentally it sounds like a more restrained mingus, just with charles (different charles) over it. it's literally the same as every track. 5/10 6 DEED I DO. it's incredible how much more generic each song is getting. i understand this guy's impact, i really do, but not only is this incredible inoffensive, it's also the exact same song. 5/10 7 JUST FOR A THRILL. the backing vocals are pretty ethereal so there's that. bumps it up a bit i guess. this definitely helped develop soul but it's still in its primitive state. 5/10 8 YOU WON'T LET ME GO. so inoffensive. so bland. ethereal backing vocals should be at the forefront. 4/10 9 TELL ME YOU'LL WAIT FOR ME. i do see the appeal but this music just really isn't for me. it's loungy, it's soft, it's accessible. i don't know what else to say. 5/10 10 DON'T LET THE SUN CATCH YOU CRYIN'. try developing industrial hip hop instead. 5/10 11 AM I BLUE. i genuinely cannot give these songs a lower score since there's nothing particularly wrong with them, but nothing pushes them in my favour either. i'm sure he's a genius he's just not my kind of genius. 5/10 12 COME RAIN OR COME SHINE. i like this one more because it gave me a picture of it playing during some scene of a movie where everyone dies with this playful soul ballad on top. i don't know 6/10. is he a genius? i don't know but judging by how much i wrote he didn't make me feel like one. it's inoffensive and it's light, i can see the appeal but it really isn't for me. i understand why it's in the list, i'm glad i listened to it. that's the point of the list after all isn't it? i've widened my horizons. 5/10

What a talent, couldn't keep my foot still the entire ride.

Sorry...too dated for me

Ray Charles' voice is amazing. Truly one of the all time R&B singers. I just don't really care for the big band sound. That said I can appreciate this as a bridge between the post war big band jazz sound and what Motown would do in the following decade.

Classic

I didn’t know a single song off of this record, but it was a vibe and consistent the whole way through.

OG goat, good vibes

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.

It is fine for what it is, but I just don't really care much for the 'big band' sound

I love Ray Charles’ voice but I really struggle with big band music. if you’re a fan of the genre I can see that it’s considered a Classic and man that guy can sing!! Lille of the quieter songs I liked like Just For The Thrill. So not for me but I can see why it’s revered.

I so wanted to like this. Just couldn't get into it at all.

Some real nice music to listen to here. What else would you expect from one of the greats.

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

I do like Ray Charles. I don’t really care for American Standards in general, and there’s stuff on here that feels like we’re firmly in the land of cheese (as in cheesy music, not as in France). Still, Charles’s voice and piano are strong-the musicianship on this album is also solid. It just feels like a lot of cheese to me. Properly a 2.5; I don’t think I’d revisit this, but also feel like an ass if I gave it less than a three.

Ray Charles man

Genius is apt, I think, even if it comes across as a bit staid to me, 65 years later. I prefer the big-band bombast of the A-side to the other half's sentimental balladry. I indeed feel a pang of recognition with much of it, particularly the great standard It Had to Be You.

No soy fan de Ray, no puedo dar una reseña objetiva.

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.

To long

To oldie worldy for me

Oh, this music is soft as silk.

Nah

I don't care

Quite nice, but not something that will make it to may regular listens.

Not my cup of tea

Wistful and sweet album