Reviews (page 7 of 13)
Classic album marked by great craft in the waiting and arrangements, as well as the genius of Ray Charles.
Very nice songs
I love Ray. He has better records so not giving this a five though. This was back in the days when the record company named the album but it makes me laugh imagining that it was Ray himself who came up with the title.
Very strong four.
да гений, че тех кому не нравится старый соуловый джаз и это не зайдет Кто не знает чарльза - пожалуй хороший альбом вкатится Алкоальбом: виски 20-летней выдержки и петь песни с Синатрой
Immer wieder schön ...
Very "Big Bandish".....interesting.....nice album.
Enjoyed. Not an all time favorite album though
the balls to call it The Genius of Ray Charles gets it a point, if you like your horns loud, you will love this. what can I say, Ray is a legend for a reason. just maybe lower the volume a bit.
The songs are great but those horns are a little loud Ray! You might be blind but I don’t want to go deaf
I love Ray Charles, this was a decent album Top tracks: Let the Good Times Roll
Ray wraps me up in a feel-good, cozy embrace. Listening to this album with snow falling outside the window was a perfectly serene match.
Classy old school
Yum! Thoroughly enjoyed my entire day with ray Charles. You can put this on, any occasion, and it just enhances everything. This is going on my Spotify Wrapped for 2024, for sure, because I had it on repeat for the entire day. Legendary voice. Not much to say other than I loved it! I'm not sure if it's a "I need this before I die" album for me. More like a pleasurable comfort food. 4/5. If I had to pick one of these 50's pop artists, it would be Ray Charles.
Awesome…Ray is a gem
Really a Genius singer. Did not know these old tunes that showed his origin in jazz and blues.
Ray Charles' genius is undeniable, but the songs failed to leave an impression on me. Personally, I enjoyed the ballad half of the album more than the big band half, which was just a bit too much. The last three songs are an especially big mood.
Ray's Stimme mit Bigband-Sound! Yeah!
I mentally catalogued this in the 'yeah great another timeless classic' pile. I think this list is spoiling me slightly
Really solid stuff. This is the exact kind of thing that comes to mind when I want to listen to jazz. I love how energetic the first half is, and how it mellows towards the second half, keeping you on your toes while listening to it and offering a great diverse selection of sounds
Really good album, will definitely have to add some Ray Charles to my music collection. Had me tapping my foot listening to it. Would give it a 4.5 if I could.
Great classic!
Ray Charles in incredible, as a pianist and as a performer. Makes this a lovely listen, although sometimes the big band arrangements are not all that needed, which is why I enjoy the ballads on here more
du bon petit soul blues jazz très relax mais très agréable 8/10
Buen disco
A classic
Lovely album. I feel like I've heard this before throughout my life, and by various artists, but not done nearly as well. What I mean by that is the melodies, licks and vocalizations done on this album were so solid that between its release and present day people have been inspired by this. A very tight 40 min that wastes no time, bringing great track after great track. My favorites were: just for a thrill and am I blue
Loved the soulful vibe. What a classic sound.
Enjoyed it, very chill and relaxing to listen to.
Excellent performances. Ray Charles is a great, emotive singer. He jazzes up these songs in a way that sounds very natural and organic. Great piano too. Very easy, pleasant listening this morning. Love that big band sound too!
This is a solid classic album. Spotify play counts (if they are good for anything) are surprisingly low though? Of course to further prove that Spotify play counts don't mean much, I think one of my favorite tracks on this was "Tell Me You'll Wait For Me", which had the lowest playcount by over 50% fewer plays than any other song. It's a slow, lumbering love song. The final 4 songs of this album are really amazing. I'm so glad I didn't breeze through this album because this is one of the better ending albums I've heard in a while.
gorgeous
For a thrill liked best, 3.5 but kinda better then remain in Light
cool
Ray Charles is amazing but this album just isn’t quite for me or I guess the something I would just put on to listen to through. Still a fun listen. Amazing musicians!
Still Energieunternehmen
Self-proclaimed geniuses rarely live up to their own mythologizing, but the proclamation tends to ring true when you’re one of the most prolific purveyors of popular music in the 20th century and beyond.
8/10
Great proto-R & B album!
G-ray-t
Lots of brass.
Genius is right!
Listening to this on 1st December was absolutely perfect, banger of an album
Not my typical genre but it was an enjoyable listen. Definitely would be really good in the right environment
Like liquid caramel being poured into one's ears. Tail end of the nineteen-fifties, and this still sounds sensational through a good set of speakers. Charles' voice - a beautiful mix of smoke and silk - is just about the standout here, but everything on this album is sheer class. The quality of the arrangements, song choices and performances doesn't dip even once. Damn, in some ways this feels like a relic of its age - but in others, startlingly forward-looking.
Ahh. This is nice. This is refreshing. It's like the Sprite of this week's list.
I think a little better than his last album
Jazzier than expected
Classic!
More of this please. Love the voice, the horns, the grooves.
Good stuff, surprised I haven’t heard any Ray Charles before.
Decisamente molti ottoni, mi è piaciuto il fatto che fossero vagamente ordinate per mood, ma nessuna mi ha fatto innamorare. Contrabbasso intrigante, dovrei provare a imparare qualcosa
Heel fijn album, maar het heeft net niet goed genoeg de tand des tijds doorstaan voor 5 sterren. Maar 4 is ook meer dan prima.
Awesome...
It was my first time listening to Ray Charles. It was like a time travel into the past. Lyrics are simple but effective. I will definitely put it into a loop when im feeling blue.
Big band. Classic. 3.8
I had no idea Ray Charles started out doing big band standards. Wild
Awesome! Hou van dit soort oude muziek, en ook perfect rond de kerstdagen. :)
Quite calming and timeless!
I haven’t really enjoyed the RC that has come up so far. Couple of songs on this were really nicely put together so deserves a 4 I think
Very strong beginning and end. A classic
Relaxing, splendid. Highlight: Just For A Thrill
i fucking love ray charles
a good vibe
I'm finding this a bit middle of the road. The vocals a good. The orchestra is good. But it isn't knocking my socks off.
What a great, varied album! Plenty of upbeat swingers and lots of slower moving songs. I just wish it was balanced a little bit better! The man can sing like the greatest and he has great performers behind him. 8,5 out of 10
Bop. 8/10
Fifties Ray. Pre-HTRJ.
An album where you just have to sit and listen. So good and full of emotion.
I enjoyed it. I knew a few songs on the album so it was cool to hear the reset of it and get an idea of the entire story
Lowkey a fan of this style/genre of music solely because of Fallout (which is kind of cringe, but whatever). This is a pretty good album. His voice is so iconic, and the presence of a big band backing him is great. I really like how they loved to use muted trumpets all the time in this era. The shitty tin can microphone quality also added a lot to it. A low 4/5
Classic soul shit. Impossible to dislike even though it's not really my thing. Incredible singing obviously, great piano and sax solos throughout. The big band backing arrangements on side one get a little hard to differentiate across songs (a little samey/repetitive), but it's never bad. Side two is preferred for me with the more orchestral arrangements. Really a go to album if you're in the mood for that 50s jazz club atmosphere. Favourite songs were "Just for a Thrill" and "Am I Blue".
The genius of Ray Charles is evident in this album. Sad that there’s so much distortion in the recording but doesn’t take away from the brilliance in songwriting and harmony you get to witness. All the warm feelings associated w beautiful heartfelt vocal melodies have come to me and swept me off the floor on this hazy November delhi afternoon. The string section is masterful, absolutely transporting these songs to another level. I made the stank face many times 🥴🥴🥴 Definitely going back to this album to be the soundtrack to a cold moody day
Holy shit his voice is incredible. I felt like I was transported to a speakeasy bar in New York or Chicago just drinking a whiskey on a Thursday night and it's snowing out after I've spent all day working and I'm weary. It seems very Christmas-y I'm not sure if this because of how cold it is outside or because of just the warmth in the songs? Or the instrumentation? Overall really enjoyed this. Easy listen, and went through it a couple of times today. Just left it on and felt no reason to switch it out. The only minus here (and it's pretty big when you start noticing it) was the distortion from the audio quality(?), I didn't mind it too much initially but at some point I couldn't unhear it and it got annoying. I wish there was a remaster or something. Standouts: It Had to Be You Tell me you'll wait for me
I mean come on.... who doesn't like Ray Charles? Hahaha need I say more? Big band swing and his style
A great album almost a 10 out of 10 it helped t fall asleep so I guess it was soothing. I'd have to say it has to be you was a highlight track.
That's a bold claim you're making there Mr Charles, but goddammit if you're not spot on. Reminds me of the music I'd hear my grandparents playing when I was a kid
SO FUCKING GOOD, soul music FOR REAL, the sax, his voice, the whole theme of the album, so so chill and mellow and pleasant and also, the arc felt kinda relevant to me lmfao idk, would listen again from beginning to end
It's like good Christmas music that isn't about Christmas. First half of the album the horn and big band accompaniment can distract from Charles, whereas the second half string and ballad-y feel better suits and highlights his singing.
Personally, great winter album.
Am I Blue is wonderful as is Come Rain or Come Shine.
Love me some Ray Charles. Smooth classy easy listen
The title of this album sounds like a biography or a documentary; it's funny that he named it himself. Big brain stuff, Ray. This is nice pleasant album to listen to with practically zero flaws. That being said, it was a steady level of high throughout this album, but no real peaks that especially resonated with me. This album sniffs 4.5 stars for me, but didn't quite do enough for me personally. Good listen for sure though.
a genius alright!
Jaaaazz
people maybe dont know this about me but i really really like ray charles 'you wont me go' aaaaaw fuck man :'
good, but the mixing and quality of the music leaves a lot to be desired
Very beautiful album! 4/5
This is enjoyable. Not something I'd be likely to put on by choice but I'd be lying it isn't a good time.
Fuck wat een bangers. Tijdloze classics, geen andere woorden voor. Dit album nooit geluisterd echter nu baal ik dat ik dat nooit heb gedaan. Rock and roll, jazz, it’s all there. Een aanrader!
Incredible voice. What an absolute great album!
Side one is fantastic. Ballads on side 2 get a little samey and a little over-orchestrated for my taste.
Funky, bluesy, and authentic. Ray radiates energy and charisma!
Objectively really great, but not something I’d throw on all the time. Great rainy Sunday morning music.
Clearly really good even if classic slow 50s
Love Ray. This was all very fun and light. Nice background music while doing errands around the house lol
Great songs, low 4, high 3
Not really my jam
Easy listening, makes for good breakfast/dinner music at home.
You can't see me
Ray Charles with his timeless beautiful voice runs through a range of songs with ease. There is always time to listen to Ray Charles.
Simply Ray. Can't mistake him for anyone else. Man got his style in 1950s and nobody really got close to his level of performance in that genre of music.
Me ha gustado mucho mucho mucho. Don't let the sun catch you crying Ray Charles 🤝 Arctic Monkeys
nice to experience ray charles voice - different to what I expected. very varied album. side B preferred, smaller intimate sound, and his voice comes through. a different pace altogether. but mostly its background, atmosphere, as oppose to deeply moving, for me.
I confess I am a bigger fan of Ray Charles' more gritty Atlantic sides, which are more blues/r'n'b/soul than this. This was clearly engineered for cross-over appeal with white pop audiences, and it certainly achieved that. I don't mind Quincy Jones' side 1 arrangements, which are tight and powerful. The strings side, however, is a bit schmaltzy for my taste, truth be told. It feels like pandering to the middle of the road. I'd like a bit more flavour. That said, Ray's singing throughout is just wonderful. I don't feel like he compromises his tone or phrasing to pander to the intended audience. And the song choices are mostly excellent, drawn from the best of the great American songbook. So, four stars for Ray Charles being generally excellent, even in a middle-of-the-road outing such as this. (Minor note; is it just me, or are there some weird recording artefacts on this record? Some of the horns and louder vocals seem a bit distorted and harsh.)
Ray Charles is a legend for a reason. Enjoyable record with excellent musicianship behind it. Added to playlist: Come Rain or Shine
What a voice! Beautiful record. Favourite track: Let the Good Times Roll. Other than that, the whole thing is just a super lovely listen.
Ray truly was a genius
Genius might be a bit much, but he was definitely a classic
a good album, and I like the novelty of having each side dedicated to either swing or ballads, but I personally prefer soul music pioneer Ray Charles to pop crooner Ray Charles favs: It Had to Be You, Just for a Thrill, Alexander's Ragtime Band least fav: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
Genius record. Hit after hit on this one. The energy is so high from every member that the feeling becomes infectious (Charles is always gives the perfect energy). The writing and production are both good, for the time. I’ll listen to most of these songs again. 4/5
Wonderful stuff here back to front
Not my favorite Ray Charles album but still good. 3.75/5
a little slick
Beautiful
Great voice, this guy oozes soul. What a legend
For some reason I was shocked to see that Ray Charles put out an album in the '50s, I thought he was a much more recent talent. Well considering his last album was put out in 2004 I guess I'm not that crazy, this guy was just prolific! We all know and love Ray Charles, but hearing him here felt new because I just didn't know he had the sauce some 70 years ago. Really love his voice, the emotion with which he sings. Of course, his piano ability is renowned, but damn, just the way he sings is really special. The phrasing of things on "Let the Good Times Roll" really stuck with me, just meandering around and cramming syllables anywhere he pleases in that chorus. Great stuff. Favorite tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, Just for a Thrill, You Won't Let Me Go, Come Rain or Shine. Album art: Definitely an oldie, old style framing and font, but it works. Ray obviously looks younger in this picture than I remember (seared in my mind is that cover from the 2004 album), but considering this picture is 45 years prior to the other, the guy aged tremendously well. 4/5
Ray is just oodles of fun, this was a good time here.
Incredible performance by Ray, no shiners for me but a solid R&B/Piano Pop album nonetheless.
Very enjoyable.
4.5
Ray Charles is a friggin beaut. Super talented dude with a great band - this kind of music always makes me feel like I'm in another decade which I love.
I love big band music, what a great album. If I had one wish for contemporary artists, it would be that they experiment more with horn lines because it adds so much power to a song.
A solid album with some bangers
Ray's got a great voice for getting your feet and heart moving, but this album doesn't quite wow throughout
Genius indeed! Magnificent voice and feel good music
Top tier jazz album.
Smooth and soulful. Ray Charles at his best in my opinion.
Can’t really remember… not as much piano as I thought there would be
Such a classic
Loved the sound of this album though critics make some good points
If this album were just big band or just ballad, I might give it 3 stars, but I enjoy having both options. Sort of trivial, but enough to make me give me 4 stars. I believe this is as good as Ray's studio albums get.
Just a beautiful record. Gorgeous arrangements and just a delight to listen to. Ray is awesome.
Lovely love songs.
Love the big band sound and it's made even better by the sounds of a great artist, I definitely enjoyed the listen and would listen again.
Enjoyable, but not my favourite of his albums
A great selection of classical songs. Ray's delivery is one of the best. His voice carriers so much - it's not just an instrument but half an orchestra. I rate it four stars because while it is great it's just another selection of standards.
Very nice, smooooooth album.
A soulful album. I enjoyed the accompanying orchestra that was on most tracks. Had highlights and lowlights. Good for a 40 minute mixup in genre.
Usually not too big of a fan of 'big band' but c'mon, it's Ray Charles. Such a good album to get on a beautiful Sunday in May. The final two track are such an incredible ending to the album. 4/5
I remember seeing the Ray movie a few years back and thinking it was pretty magnificent what he was able to do 60+ years ago. Big saxy sound, played with feeling
Almost perfect for what it sets out to do. It's vocal jazz, it's soul, it's big band, it's power ballads, it's so much wrapped into one, and each song executes on its intentions very well. The first half is big band, the second half is more somber, string and backing vocal led ballads. Not often do you see a double album that doesn't take 4 years to get through, but Charles does it. Let the Good Times Roll and Just For a Thrill, the two sides' openers, are the definite highlights. The only downside are that at points the production can get a little bit too full of itself, and it can feel like I'm listening to technically good music, but not necessarily what would be best for the song. But that's a minor nitpick. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for old(er) music.
nice
Awesome album. Ray Charles has such a great sound.
very enjoyable music and voice
Really quite nice. No wonder he's so famous.
The first half is big band jazz at it's best !!
thoroughly enjoyable listen. my favorite songs were the more classic big band jazz numbers but every song was pretty good
It feels like the recording is limiting the dynamics of his voice. Tons of range and emotion. Definitely hits its stride in the second half.
Good. He makes even the sad songs kind of upbeat.
Ray Charles just oozes fuckin SWAG. Two years of torture is sick Bro really interpolated pop goes the weasel on ‘You wont let me go’ that’s a coke head move for sure Pretty much was into every track on this, could be a little slow or repetitive at times but RC is one of the goats 👍:you wont let me go/ two years of torture 👎:Alexander’s rag time band
Top album
Ray Charles was a brilliant musician, and his talent is evident here.
The Genius of Ray Charles. This album is like a shot of musical adrenaline straight to the heart. It's got everything: soul, blues, jazz, and enough energy to power a small city. From the opening notes of "Let the Good Times Roll" to the soulful rendition of "Georgia on My Mind," Ray Charles' talent is undeniable. He's like the lovechild of a piano and a saxophone, and he's got the voice of an angel with a side hustle as a devilish bluesman. Listening to this album is like taking a time machine back to the golden age of music, when people knew how to really belt it out and make you feel something. If you don't find yourself tapping your toes and swaying to the beat of "Hallelujah I Love Her So," then you must be legally dead. In conclusion, The Genius of Ray Charles is not just an album, it's a musical experience that will transport you to another world. Ray's voice is like a warm blanket on a cold night, and his piano playing is like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. From the upbeat "What'd I Say" to the heartbreaking "Drown in My Own Tears," this album has something for everyone. So, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Ray's music, do yourself a favor and give this album a listen. Your ears (and your soul) will thank you.
Time spent listening to Ray is always time well spent.
Great listen! Ray Charles is definitely a genius.
- Never listened to a Ray Charles album before - Pleasantly surprised, didn't think I would enjoy this but it was really good - Not something I ever would've listened to on my own - Very bold to call yourself a genius in your album title but I guess he can pull it off - Fav songs: Let the Good Times Roll, Alexander's Ragtime Band, When Your Lover Has Gone
It was honestly surprisingly good and I did enjoy this a lot
Great big band record. Can’t believe it was recorded in 1959. Ray Charles has a great voice and the band plays super well together.
Very enjoyable fun music to listen to. If there is a music I'd describe America with, it'd be Ray Charles. My only complaint is that after around 7-8 songs it's getting a bit repetitive to me because of the style of music. 4.5/5 but I'm giving it a 4. (p.s. my twitter account @AlbumsChallenge got hacked today and I won't be able to get back my account according to twitter support. I am sad to see my account go, I loved to write my little reviews there. I didn't even reach 50 albums yet...).
O disco entrega precisamente o quê o título promete, a genialidade dele.
Genius is not an overstatement here.
Nice
I really like the big band songs in the first half of the album. Still feels fresh
Bluest, jazzy, it's got piano, strings, and horns, and most importantly Ray Charles. Great singer, this album shows the genius of Ray Charles.
This was great, so smooth and I felt so relaxed
Le génie de Ray Charles réside principalement dans sa capacité à se rouler en boule pour écraser ou aplatir ses adversaires. Il peut également tourner sur lui-même comme une vrille pour écraser la terre afin d'y plonger.
first listen amazing big band
Chillig, aber bissl altfatrisch. Gute Musik, aber not for every day
What a voice and what interpretations of some classic songs.
Genius was the right word. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. Must remember to play this loud whilst pottering round the flat one Sunday morning, especially if the sun is shining!
This is nice Saturday morning listening. I will be adding Ray Charles to the rotation.
I liked this album. I was surprised how many slow songs there were, I was expecting this album to be very high energy and high tempo, but I enjoyed the songs nonetheless. Favorite song: Let the Good Times Roll Worst song: It Had to Be You
The title is somewhat annoying and the heavy-handed arrangements get in the way here and there, but otherwise this is a pleasure to listen to. The masterly interpretations of the standards are the highlights – ”When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” are the highlights. No doubting this man's ability to sing a song up to (and often beyond its value) and satisfy an audience with his considerable talent, and bringing such soul and joy into the bargain. Hard to believe only 20 when delivering this.
It's a bold album title, but the album is good enough that it doesn't feel too far off the mark. It's a solid album - no one track stands too far above any other, it's just a very good album all the way through. His voice sells anything. I'd buy a timeshare from that voice.
What a voice! I've never listened to Ray Charles properly, and only know the hits really. The change in style on the second side was welcome I thought, by the halfway mark I was starting to find the big band songs a bit repetitive.
It’s very good.Nice change of pace.He has a beautiful voice.It kinda sounds like how I remember old Disney movies.
Solid soulful crooner album. Unique voice.
I'll always be such a sucker for jazz. Great album from a legend. Favorite track: Come Rain or Come Shine
This is a great nostalgic album. I love the big band sound at the beginning and smooth jazz feel with full orchestra during the end. I love Ray's voice and piano playing. This is not a record I'd play at a party or on a road trip but I love the compositions and full instrumentation. I'm amazed at the great sound and production knowing what they had to work with in the studio back in the day. This essentially a live performance and I love it.
This is great. Interesting to listen to a black performer recording in 1959 on MLK Day. It had me thinking about what life might have been like in 1959's America and how this music fit into the social fabric of the day. Of course, the fact that this is pre-'60s has its stamp all over the album in terms of the recording quality and the arrangements (I cheated and read a little and learned that Quincy Jones arranged the first six tunes on the album). Those details did ultimately serve to detract just a little from my enjoyment. I found the arrangements were a little too predictable after a couple of songs — maybe the song order didn't help by stacking the horn section numbers and the ballads with the backing singers. I also thought the sax player was a little too wound up. Charles sounds great, vocally. He's dynamic, but not overly so. Another limitation — I'll also chalk this up to the times — is the lyrical content. Lots of lamenting a lost lover, or an impending loss of a lover, or a long-lost love. But yeah, good stuff. I did have to ask myself, if anyone put out an album today titled "The Genius of ... " would I think he's being a pompous asshole? (A: Yes.) I didn't think that of Mr. Charles, though the title did make me chuckle. Sets some seriously high expectations.
Nostalgia for me having grown up listening to Glenn Miller. What a trip to remember how influential Charles was!
Muito bom. Alguns backing vocals lembram musical dos anos 50
It's not necessarily a genre I would choose for myself but it's really a beautiful album. Some major standards here, and all beautifully composed.
Good songs, great performances, solid arrangements but I find the big band sound takes away a lot from what could be an amazing small band performance. The choral arrangements come across as hokey to me, and that’s not even specific to Ray, as it is all over pop music at this time that has a “big sound”. This is an aural meal that is too rich to be really enjoyed as nothing is left to ask for, but somehow I am still left mostly unsatisfied.
This is a pretty glorious album. I’m most fond of the slower, more orchestral B-side, even though the big band A-side is also quite nice.
Ekki alveg minn stíll af djassi en auðvitað góður
Very good, but maybe falls just short of "genius". Not by much though!
I enjoyed the minimal jazz approach, solid song structure and writing. Much more enjoyable than I was anticipating.
Fantastic Pop, Rock and Soul album rolled into one, effortlessly cool.
High Quality Big Band! What's not to love! It had to be you in the only song I recognize, and not this version, but it's great!
Sehr gutes Ding!
Great listen.
Great
Charles plays crooning ballads and standby's on this album highlighting his more soulful side. While it may be lacking some of his more quick-paced songs, it is still a solid representation of him as an artist that created a catalog of love songs that would stay in the collective consciousness for years.
Love the big band sound. Never listened to much of Ray but I find it fun to listen to
favorite tracks - two years of torture, deed i do, dont let the sun catch you cryin, come rain or come shine least favorite tracks - n/a Not really a fan of the big band style, but fell in love with Charles's talent and personality.
i feel sexy listening to this fav tracks: ‘it had to be you’ ‘two years of torture’ ‘deed i do’ AM I BLUE !!!
Beautiful of course
Calling your album ‘The Genius of …’ is a big call but man it delivers. Such a fun sounding album. I’d really only heard some of the songs of best of albums etc. Never listened to any of his albums from start to finish. Not sure if I’d go back again though.
silky smooth wistful easy listening orchestral jazz for waxing nostalgic. surprised that Georgia wasn't on this record. 4.3/5
Lovely, soulful renditions of jazz and pop standards. Not a bad song on here really, but Charles really shines on the ballads. There are better versions of many of these songs out there, but this is pretty excellent. I would expect no less from Ray Charles. Fave Songs: Just for a Thrill, You Won't Let Me Go, It Had to Be You, Come Rain or Come Shine, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Let the Good Times Roll, Am I Blue
What a voice! And some nice big band songs and ballads. Best song, Alexander's ragtime band
Ray is a genius! Love the record, Ray Charles is like his own subgenre and I'm never upset about indulging in it.
I was taken aback by the Sinatra stylye big band arrangements. But wow this album is good. 4 stars
Ray Charles sings 20s, 30s & 40s standards in his own R&B Bluesy way. It is outstanding. Singles: ----------------------------------------------------- Let the Good Times Roll (#78) Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' (US #95, #17 US R&B) Just for a Thrill (#16 US R&B) Come Rain or Come Shine (US #83) Standouts: Let the Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Alexander's Ragtime Band, When Your Lover Has Gone, Just For a Thrill, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Am I Blue, Come Rain Come Shine. Rating: 4/5
One of the better swing albums I've heard. Ray Charles is the star, playing both rampant and romantic roles, and his piano pulls the strings to control the mood behind the power of the big band accompaniment. The recording's pretty harsh but gets better as the album progresses and calms down. I found the third quarter to be the weakest but his piano is best highlighted here. Favorites: It Had to Be You, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Come Rain or Shine
Good songs but always have trouble thinking of anything before 1960 as a cohesive album
This was very good. Charles managed to shout a refreshingly ace set of vocals, despite the lyrics giving away a heartbroken man. “When you’re alone, who cares for starlit skies?”.
Classic Ray Charles. Always a good one.
wouldve been five but Ray charles is an awful person
A good set of songs, very well done. These aren't your usual Ray favorites.
Ray Charles broadens here and it’s only 1959 when he recorded this. So much music from so many places came through that man.
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I liked it, but it was a little repetitive with his style of song writing. Most were about a vague love interest. Loved the backing band though. 6.5/10
ok
Great instrumentals
22nd September 2022 Listened in the morning while working from home and getting ready for Chris’s wedding. Soho house in the evening with Seb and Jen. Genius! It’s soulful and slick and played by a maestro.
Album title doesn't lie - he really is a genius. Great album with a mix of Big Band and Soul styles. 8/10.
Great to listen to on a relaxing Sunday afternoon
Split between crooning and swinging songs, full band present on half
Just a solid collection of soulful, big band and jazz adjacent music. Favorite tracks: "Deed I Do", "Just For a Thrill", "It Had to Be You"
While I prefer hearing Ray with a small combo instead of an orchestra, his passion is unparalleled and his soulfulness shines.
A soulful and swinging Ray Charles backed by a big band and orchestra adds another classic album to the greatest year in jazz, 1959.
Loved the big band and the second half was great too. Insane that its from 1958. Harsh not to give it 5/5.
Lot of Big Band Jazz and maybe Standards on this album. Not sure what to do with that… Can’t listen to too much of it at a time. Two Years of Torture, now there’s a good song.
This definitely makes me feel like I'm in a mid-nineties Meg Ryan movie, which is probably unfortunate. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE me some Sleepless in Seattle or When Harry met Sally - but I think the inclusion of this genre of music in all of these films has probably whitewashed it somewhat. I'm guessing this was pretty hep cat stuff at the time, but we'll never know because to our generation, it's walking through Central Park with a pumpkin spice latte. What I do think is really cool is that it's really at the transition time between Big Band and Rock - and you can definitely hear that it's riding the line, and that something different is about to explode on the scene.
Joya.
Got me snapping my fingers, a real great album
I preferred the first half of the album with the full band to the string-only back half, with one exception being Come Rain or Come Shine, which might be my favorite track from the entire album.
4, makes me feel old and young
Listened Before? N I'm a man of few words today but this one was good. Nice and mellow. I enjoyed it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Come Rain or Come Shine
it's good!
the genius of ray charles indeed
Missing "In the Heat of the Night"
An exquisitely curated collection of standards, back with a big band and anchored by Ray Charles’ sprightly piano and emotion-soaked voice. Melancholy, but in a way that doesn’t leave the listener feeling drained.
Definitely liked this better than Country and Western. The arrogance of the title of this album feels earned.
Not bad for someone who can't see what he's doing.
Blissful, classy, the vocals are amazing both in the lead and on rge choruses, the lyrics, not as much, not bad, sometimes pretty good and most of the time they speak about love, not as poetic, pretty straightforward, though th
I really enjoyed this! Not my typical music taste but this would be wonderful music to have a relaxing morning to!
quite calming music, all of the songs sounded pretty much the same but overall the experience of this album was very good.
a complete vibe. loved the saxophone
8/10 Fave: Don't let the sun catch you crying
One of Soul's progenitors, Ray Charles, did a great job on this album. I wasn't really fascinated with the album's beginning, but it did grow on me as the minutes passed. I particularly enjoyed Ragtime Band and Just for a Thrill. One thing I can say is, although I really appreciate the musicianship here (and Charles is a great pianist for sure), a lot of the songs just didn't capture my attention much. All I can say is; great album, just need to get used to the sounds more.
Really lovely music. If you don’t like mid-tempo stuff, I can see you getting bored. And I’m usually like that, but I think Ray did it better than nearly anyone. A-
Come Rain or Come Shine by Ray Charles was our wedding waltz so it has a special place in my heart. This is a blend of big band sound and then the B side with some sweet ballads and lush strings. Ray had the ability to hop genres and his voice and fabulous piano are timeless
I know Ray Charles is a genius, and I'll increase my rate here to four-star based on that information. The album itself is ok, a lovely piece of music. Nothing much more
This was highly enjoyable. I preferred the first half of this album but the second half was great, too.
Bien fait, très cool.
På tide med et gjenlytt av musikerane til Count Basie. Merke at eg e ein sucker for gode blåserekke
This is such a great mix of what Ray Charles does best. There’s also hints of big band and standards coupled in that give the album a unique spin in Rays discography.
Genius is fair.
Marvelous album. Great jazz in general. A couple of amazing songs, like "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'" and the opening with "Let the Good Times Roll"
Some nice old timey pop. 50s must be my highest rated genre now for some reason
Great stuff.
High Energy and swinging as it gets. Classic.
Grayt
Jazzy
I was surprised how jazzy this album is. I actually liked the second half better than the first, even though it was more laden with strings and 50s style pop production which I don't usually like. The songwriting in the second half (side) seems stronger to me. A quality album. 4 🌟
Vanha soul ja rythm and blues kyllä iskee meikäläiseen. Enää ku olis loputun määrä röökii 4/5
Mestari. Eipä paljon muuta sanottavaa kuin todellinen klassikko, 4/5.
4/5 genius indeed.
It was fun to listen to and very mood setting. I think “deed i do“ was my favorite song in this album
Absolutely fantastic (8/10) FT: Come Rain or Come Shine, Tell Me You'll Wait for Me
It takes a pair to call your album "The Genius Of"... yourself. But for Ray Charles it is well deserved. His voice is wonderful, and the songs are timeless.
Awesome stuff. It loses one star because the blaring horns really started grating on me.
Ray Charles is always amazing. Doesn't matter what he does. I didn't give it five stars because of the lack of hits. But I could certainly listen to him all day.
real musical genius
Greatly preferred the latter half...
Really nice mix of classical Ray Charles, top music with some really smooth lyrics. Love it!
Opinions are based off first listen, notes are in order of tracks. Track 1, Let the Good Times Roll, had a very good backtrack and vocal performance. It’s definitely from the late 50’s, given that the trumpet is so present in the mix. The lyrics have a good message, and I overall enjoyed the song quiet a bit. Track 2, It Had to Be You, was a very pretty baller type of track. You can hear the Sinatra influence, but it has its on flair of uniqueness. This track had an even stronger vocal performance and the back track was much more to my liking. Track 3, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, was a very lively track. Not much to say lyrically, but the music makes up for it 2 times over. It’s very basic 50’s music, definitely above average, but it’s something I’m not used to. The new change is very welcomed and appreciated. Track 4, Two Years of Torture, once again followed the same formula. However, the formula works for this style if music. I’ve yet to get bored of the blaring trumpets and bellowing of low notes. I enjoyed the pause near the end of the track and the last verse, it was a nice way to wrap up the track. The lyric performance also took a step up in this track, but still not amazing. Track 5, When Your Lover Has Gone, was a beautiful track. Although I can’t relate to the lyrics of my lover being gone, it’s a basic message that anyone can relate to. The trumpets continue on in the background, and the vocals continue to stay strong. The vocal performance on this track however, was much more soft, which was a nice change. Track 6, Deed I Do, had a nice transition from the last track. The instrumental and vocal performance didn’t stand out much. Overall a good track, and it continues to show the artists talent. Track 7, Just For a Thrill, was another quieter song. Good vocals, instruments and lyrics. Overall brings the same energy as the last tracks, but adds the first incorporation of something new. The use of piano and a choir in the background was a nice touch. It made the track stand out in a sea of trumpet. Track 8, You Won’t Let Me Go, continued with the piano and back choir. Another balled type piece with a strong vocal performance. Very enjoyable listen, but nothing stand out about this track. Track 9, Tell Me You’ll Wait for Me, had nothing too special about it. Not much more variation from the last 2 piano incorporated tracks. Overall another good track, showing the artists consistency on this lp. Track 10, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’, once again followed the pattern observed in the last couple of tracks. How we this track had much more use of a string instrument, likely harp or violin. This made the track a little more interesting, but still not much of a standout. Track 11, Am I Blue, once again was the same thing. It’s starting to get a little bit repetitive, and I’m enjoying the pattern less and less. I would not be able to tell the last 5 or so tracks apart from one another. That could be because my ears aren’t trained to the sound, but it’s the way I feel about them. Track 12, Come Rain or Come Shine, was Boring. It sounded the same as the last tracks. Good way to close the track, but ruined by the respective nature of the tail end of the lp. The second half of the lp started off strong, but didn’t change much of anything as it went on. This caused the album to get very boring. However, the change from the first half to second half made the lp quite dynamic and interesting. Overall, the album was a fun listening experience, it just left much to be desired. I’d give this album a 7.5/10.
The seventh album from Ray Charles. Ray sings standard songs from The Great Amercian Songbook (early 20th American jazz standards, popular songs and show tunes). Apparently, this is his breakout from Rhythm & Blues to a bigger, broader musical stage. The songs on Side 1 are backed by a Big Band and are more of that style. Side 2 songs are backed by a string arrangement with more emphasis on Ray's piano. The singing of Ray is outstanding throughout. I liked the Side 2 songs better with the string arrangement background since the focus was more on Ray's voice and the songs seemed more soulful. Not that the big band style completely buried Ray's voice though. For sure, the highlights of this album are the last three songs, "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'," "Am I Blue?," and "Come Rain or Come Shine," where he takes his soulful voice to a whole other level. I thought this album might sound too dated for me to completely like but with repeated listens, I really enjoyed it and appreciated the music and the genius of Ray.
Ray Charles is definitely a genius, but this is not really the album I'd use to demonstrate that. This is great music for listening to while wallowing in a nice hot bath. Not something that rewards close listening.
Love songs,
Grandma and grandpa’s house.
MUSIC FROM WAY BACK. GOOD ALBUM
Oldschool, swingy big band, blown out horns, badass.
One of the better singers of the history. Great to hear him. Hope to listen more of his works soon
To chill and relax! Melhor música: Come Rain or Come Shine
Charles is top-tier in this album, and some of the beautiful performances I've heard from him are on this album! Especially "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Am I Blue"!
Timeless
elegant
Nice soulful voice. The album was an enjoyable listen. Not my usual genre of music bit did enjoy the album. Will most likely listen to some more of his work
Buen álbum de Jazz
Great album
far better than I was expecting.
Legend!
Piano man
Good stuff.
Georgia
Classic und schon echt gut
Nice little bit of easy listening style jazz. Fave track - toss up between "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Come Rain or Come Shine"
Ray Charles delivers an excellent vocal performance. However, in the wake of what was happening in jazz at the time, his big band backed vocals sound a little dated. His piano playing is bluesy and is often subtle. Overall, a wonderfully coherent album if not a bit samey.
Classic
With most of my knowledge of Ray Charles having been gleaned from watching him in The Blues Brothers, I wasn’t expecting an album of swinging big band American jazz numbers backed with a selection of seductive, smoky ballads. I wasn’t disappointed though.
Very enjoyable album with some great classics.
Enjoyable album, I especially liked the first few songs. Unfortunately his version of Come Rain or Come Shine does not come close to Billie Holiday's version, so I almost docked some points for that, but in the end I still really enjoyed almost all of the album.
Just a fun album to listen to.
I've been getting into "older person" music more recently (because I am becoming an old person) and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Maybe a little much in the horns and strings department, but this seems to be the norm in the day, and I'm actually getting use to it and enjoy it. Anyways, a classic record from old Ray!
This was good. Easy listening. Sounded like most music from the 50s