Reviews (page 8 of 12)
En todelt plater med swing på første halvdel og ballader på andre. Likte godt swingen, balladene ble litt kjedelige. Men ei ok plate som vrikker seg mellom 3 og 4. Lander på en sterk treer.
A solid album. Curious as to why this one made the list, where it seems like Ray Charles has so many albums.
This is very different from the Ray Charles I thought I knew. I dig the big band backing him. It's a good album but not something that really hit for me. 3.5 stars.
it's a nice album. it's all covers tho. i suppose modern sounds was too, but i preferred that album. the flow is weird - would prefer big band and ballads mixed throughout.
Background noise but like really good background noise
I like Ray. This was a nice collection of songs, though there are several I like more. 2.9/5.
Not my favourite Ray style!
7/10 - Great to have in the background, you know what you're getting with Ray Charles
Ich glaube, das ist mein ältestes Album hier. Der Blues von Ray Charles ist aber zeitlos. Unterstützt von einer Big Band, viele Balladen. Angenehm zu hören. 3/5
Album #73: The Genius of Ray Charles Genre (W): Swingin’ pop, traditional pop, rhythm and blues Singles: Let the Good Times Roll, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' I have listened to this album before. Thoughts?: I like a lot of the arrangements for the songs and Charles’ vocals. However, the volume, while great for some songs, is too loud for others, which creates an ear piercing listening experience. Favorite songs: Let the Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, ‘Deed I Do, You Won’t Let Me Go, Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me, Am I Blue, Come Rain or Come Shine
En gammel legende som jeg har til gode å sjekke ut. Vocal jazz. Romantisk og melankolsk. Stort sett en snorkefest, noe som ikke overrasker med tanke på utgivelsesår, men langt fra elendig. Top 3: Just for a Thrill, Let The Good Times Roll, Come Rain or Come Shine
Really enjoyed the string arrangements, but the rest of the album did not draw me in too much.
This was good! I wouldn't listen again, because this isn't the type of music I keep in rotation, but I appreciate it for what it is.
An enjoyable record, though one that never fully settles into a clear identity. The first half leans into vocal jazz and big band arrangements, while the second shifts toward a lusher, more string-driven take on the R&B and soul style Ray Charles is better known for, giving the album a somewhat split personality. Both styles work well enough on their own, but the contrast can make the overall experience feel a little uneven. One pleasant surprise, though, is the production — despite being an early stereo release, it avoids the exaggerated channel separation that dates so many recordings from the era.
Despite clearly being a very good album, it loses marks for the jumpscare at the start that instantly put me in a bad mood. Also, it really isn't a good one to listen to after having been through a big breakup; all the love that Ray Charles describes just makes me feel sick. That being said, I can appreciate the artistry despite it not being quite for me. Favourites: Just For a Thrill Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
good, not great. Not my style but obvious talent.
Blind album, know the artist. I was always impressed with Ray Charles, as well as many other musicians on this list. This style is not something I would go out of my way to listen to though.
This album presents the same problem as many other vocal jazz records I've heard: it is very monotone. I must clarify that the record starts pretty nice, with "Let the good Times Roll" and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" being incredibly fun and cheerful songs. The voice has a nice attitude and the band sounds loud and full of life. Other tracks from the first half also sound great, like "Two Years of Torture" and "'Deed I Do", but the rest have a very slow and sentimental approach that I'm not a big fan of, and that carries on trough the whole second half, making it quite tedious and stale. However, I still going to give it a positive score, as I think there is a lot of passion coming the artists and band that makes the songs enjoyable enough for me.
Always like a bit of big band, jazz and blues style music. Liked this album but I’ve always had a problem with Ray. Charles’ intonation on faster songs - but appreciate it’s what he does. Love his piano playing and his passion and emotion in the slower my moody songs - eg just for a thrill
Let the times roll: OMG las trompetas. Its so groovy !! so mmmhg yeah !!! and his voice!!! love it already. Feels very movie like for me (maybe it IS used in movies??) and very 50s. It is from the 50s lol. The quality of the audio isn't that great but that's no one's fault but technology. But it's the only thing so far that makes me kinda uncomfortable. I have to listen sith the volume on almost the lowest cause if not it saturates my headphones (and they're not bad headphones!!) It had to be you: the scratchy and the voice breaking is so ugghh. the piano, the drums. Love love. Kinda reminds me of my grandpa, but that may just be the jazz. Alexanders ragtime band: I'm really loving how the songs are all strung together, although that's to be expected in an older album. They really dont make music like before. I'm not really listening to the lyrics cause 1. i dint want to get disappointed and 2. can't really make out what he's saying Two years of torture: the song's name caught me off guard cause. I was thinking how this qould be perfect to have playing in the living room, while having some wine and petting my cat, just listening to music. maybe with some friends. Then i listened to the lyrics and it really just is a lovesick man with a broken heart. when your lover has gone: his voice has a really nice rasp, along with some vibrato that i really like and think pairs very well with the trumpets. (just saying whatever. honestly why do i act as if i knew anything about music) I would REALLY want to listen to this in a woman's voice. a nice mezzo, or even an alto, with a very warm and clear but rich tone. Deed I do: now it feels like one single song, to be honest. The whole album I mean. I like it though. It's mainly because of the drums. And at the same time. Isn't that the point of an album? and of jazz in general? to be one cohesive thing and at the same time every song and melody is unique? (again. just hooting and hollering over here. What the hell do i know about music? nothing!) Just for a thrill: oh this is very romantic. st least the start. like. the violins? (or are they violas? or cellos?) the backup singers? stunning. I love this one. I really feel like I'm in my couch having a drink and just listening to this, the low lights on, everything a very orange-y warm tone. His vocals are so nice in this one too. Love it, really. You wont let me go: like the start. still got that calmer vibe since the last song. He doesnt have that big of a range, but he makes it count, I belive. It doesnt really matter, the songs dont need crazy ups and dons for it to be good. Tell me youll wait for me: starts a little more creepy, more mysterious. Suspicious, melancholic. His voice sounds more strained at times, or maybe more like strangled. Could be emotion, could be the high notes. Who knows. I really like "youll wait for me" little riff? melody? Dont really know what it is. Its a nice passage. Dont let the sun catch you cryin: this intro really reminds me of some brazilian songs. Which ones i dont know. Tom jobim, probably. Yeah. Something like that. His voice is so raspy. (Ray charles', not tom). It really feels like an old disney movie song sometimes. Probably the saturated audio and the strings + the choir/backup vocals in the background. Am I blue: oh nice strings intro, very nice. It somehow makes it feel older. The flute too. Pretty melancholic. MAes sense by the title, honestly. And the whole style so far. What I think is the best, is how with the same instruments, with the same everything, he can give us both a dancing happy song and a sasd ballad like this. Love the ending piano repeating into the distance. Come rain or come shine: feels like coming back home half drunk, with the sun getting up. You're tired and heavy and your head is splitting and yet! The sun is so pretty and everything looks so peaceful and it's summer, so you may as well just stay up for a little more. MAkes me remember rio, for a reason. The streets leading to ipanema. Or something of that sort. Warm mornings, even after a full niht of no sun. Could be the global warming, the about of concrete and machinery on the coty. And at the same time it could just be that that's how it is. Overall, it's a really nice ending for the album. Give a little closure with all the buildup to the abrupt end, so it doesnt feel abrupt. Really love it. My fav has to be just for a thrill or dont let the sun catch you cryin
Næs plata. Hægt að hafa hana í bakgrunni við hvað sem er örugglega.
This is quintessential Ray Charles. With a stringed orchestra. None of his biggest hits appear in this but all songs will get your toe tapping.
Classics that I enjoyed listening to, but I don't think I need to own this album.
2.9/5
He is a genius but the big band sound feels so dated now. I really enjoyed "Just for a thrill" and the rest were great but it just isn't something I would listen to regularly.
mja weinig te zeggen. lekker gezongen, dat wel
I like
Not his best work
When to listen: want to feel a pep in your step. Enjoyed the album but didn't read too much into it. I think better Ray Charles albums are to come...
Pretty enjoyable but not memorable.
Decent album. Love Ray Charles voice and great band but no really memorable songs.
Another nice vibe but nothing really stuck out
big band feels - lots of covers i cant listen to this whole album in one sitting. maybe for the boomers or silent gen types
It takes some courage to call an album “The Genius of” your name. It is a solid album though.
meh
Mid
Enjoyable listen with no obvious standouts. Half big band, half piano ballad, all good vibes.
beautiful ballads. awesome vocals. good stuff. i wouldnt go back to listen but i really enjoyed it for what it was. beautiful melodies man. don't let the sun catch ya cryin' was my favorite song. 7/10
Two things sprang to mind listening to this: 1. When did that trumpet sound (using the mute) first go from big band staple to ‘sexual connotations’? I’m thinking before some nob gag in the Naked Gun films? 2. Calling an album ‘The Genius of…’ in one’s own lifetime is quite the arrogance. Posthumous ‘Best of..’ album maybe. I mean, not even Prince or Jedward tried that one. As for the album. While it’s heyday of helping a young lad tit a girl up at ‘the dance’ is long gone. It does have a lot of class about it, and is pretty chill and listenable. Better than the other one we got given in here.
A super solid and consistent soul album from a young Ray Charles. Very classic sounds and Ray’s vocal performance seem effortless. 3.8/5.0
Orchestral R&B and soul-jazz built on lush big-band arrangements, piano, swinging rhythms, and rich, expressive vocals unfolds with elegant control. Listening feels like sitting in a grand, velvet-lit ballroom where every note is carefully placed and nothing is left to chance. The result is refined and emotionally resonant. Unfortunately its only ackground music for me because of this.
Very abrasive first half, good songs behind an awful recording. 2nd half great
Not for me good tho
I did it right. Martini in hand. An enjoyable listen, but I really don't know enough about the history of jazz to speak on its importance, nor do I have the time right now to conduct the research. I wish i did. My listen make me wish I still smoke because a stinky ass room would have completed the aesthetic experience.
It's outside my genre, his kind of music is what I periodically listen to at mellow times. His instrumentals reflect his era — that of jazz and blues, and his lyrics speak of love, sons? and you know, hyping himself or something else up. I haven't looked into the history of this entire album yet. I never had the time to. But, yeah, it's great. Im not good at writing music reviews yet. I like his vocals in Come Rain Or Shine ^<^
Love Ray Charles but didn't find this anything more than "nice." The arrangements are good, but not great, the songs good, not great. I think Ray's a compilation guy, unfortunately. Still a good listening experience, but I'm looking for his great stuff.
Swing achtig, rustig trompetje en piano
A really good album by Ray Charles, I liked Let The Good Times Roll and Come Rain or Come Shine the most.
Joo tää on tämmönen. En oo hirveemmi kuunnellu souls musiikkii nii ei hirveesti oo sanottavaa. Välil tuntu et oon vanhassa musikaalissa ja välil et oon family guy cutaway:ssa. Sorry not sorry kaikki kuulosti aika samanlaiselta. Arvosana jotain 2,5/5. Paras biisi oli ehkä: When Your Lover Has Gone.
Please could The Genius Of Ray Charles please lay off the big band and allow the genius of Ray Charles to comes through a little more?
11-Mar-2026. Never listened to a full Ray Charles album before. Enjoyed the big band-esque intro track (apparently known as Jump Blues genre). I can appreciate the talent, but wouldn't listen to it regularly.
A wonderful mix of smooth jazz, big band, and crooner, accented by the warm and dulcet voice of Ray. As the album title promises, Ray was undoubtedly a musical genius. I'm in awe of his piano playing, but this album has become such a cultural touchstone that it didn't offer any surprises to me.
This was fine. Not really my jam.
I'm not sure why but I don't generally love the big band sound. Ray Charles has an incredible voice, but I was kind of bored.
3/5 - Great vocals, but the constant big band sound wore me down after awhile
Beautiful
His voice is incredible, just don’t find any of the songs to be that memorable
A genius!
Gör vad det ska, mysigt och antagligen viktigt för musikhistorien, men inte mer än så för mig.
Geni? Visst. Kul att lyssna på? Ganska.
Det här är självfallet inte dåligt, men just detta album tycker jag saknar schwungen som finns i hans andra alster. Men man blir ju helt klart sugen på att skaffa en svart kvinna. aå: tro inte att du får en femma bara för att du är blind!
It was nice, but a bit too slow for my liking
Big fan of Ray Charles in general but NGL I thought this album was gonna better than it was. The second half in particular was very slow. Obviously the playing and singing was beautiful but I found the album as a whole a bit of a slog and a little dated.
Never listened to a full Ray Charles album before, only familiar with a handful of his more popular songs. Jazzy big band songs on the first half. His voice is great. Has a timeless sound to a lot of this. This is the kind of music that’s very easy to listen to. It’s all very fun. Back half is a lot slower, which seems to highlight the piano and voice more. I think I prefer these ballads, as fun as the first half is. They’re very good. Overall, hard to rate something like this. Wouldn’t normally want to put this on, but did enjoy listening to it. And it makes me want to explore more Ray Charles. His voice is so great and the back half really lets it shine, but the more big band stuff is kinda forgotten by the time you’re at the end of the album. Feels like a solid 3, not sure it did enough for me to get to a 4.
This album sounds amazing and really showcases Ray Charles’ talent with his singing and ability to play the piano. I enjoyed the softer ballad filled second half more than the big bad style first half. With that being said, when I think of Ray Charles, it’s not him singing pop ballads and doing Frank Sinatra impressions that comes to mind. It’s the way he fused jazz, soul, and gospel music that I think of. This album is good, but it’s not the Ray Charles that i’m going to play when I tell myself I want to hear Ray Charles today.
I liked this more than the generally beloved Modern Sounds in Country Music, but I still think his music is better when it is not drenched in genius syrup. When guy can play piano and sing like Ray Charles, why do you want to add anything to it?
I can’t really fault anything — the playing is tight, the production is smooth, Charles sounds good — but outside of a few moments here and there, this just doesn’t do much for me. It’s too gussied up in big band and late-50s production trappings to move me. Where is the soul?
Like that Frank Sinatra record, except less sad and square.
Low-key kind of boring. Not my jam. But after a while the tunes were flowing and it was nice.
Love the vibes of the album, just feels a bit repetitive by the end. Ray Charles has a lovely voice with so much soul, and the instruments are groovy.
First half of the album is Ray Charles imitating Sinatra. The big band sound is tiresome after one song. Second half of the album is better with Ray doing what he knows best: playing piano.
6.5
I love Ray Charles voice. This album starts out pretty swinging in the first half, lots of big band. But then quiets down in the second with mostly piano ballads. Ray’s voice is crisp and the highlight here but the songs tend to blend and lose their punch towards the end. No mega hits here but “let the good times roll” is my fave. Solid but likely not his best work.
It was pretty good.
2.9 stars. Cromulent.
I mean it’s good for what it is. Extremely vibey, as most of this oldtimey big band stuff usually is. Started to sound a bit samey as it went on though. A second listen might do good.
Objectively good, but I got bored listening to it all the way through
Ray sings big band singles. What’s not to like?
Always struggle not to think of either Christmas or the Fallout games when I hear old music like this. It’s okay, nothing is particularly interesting to me once you get over the novelty of it being old.
Fun and Soulful. Interesting that at this point a lot of people weren’t writing their own songs. Not the later sound he would fill in to, but a good beginning. Highlights: It Had To Be You, Come Rain or Shine From Musicboard (OG 1/18/26 [#31] Imported 2/26/26)
A gorgeous listen from start to finish. The title of the album does not give Ray Charles enough credit. There is not a song on the album I did not enjoy. I would not listen to this frequently, but would not complain if it was queued.
Big band jazz? This is a massive band. Choir, strings, and horns all accent the compositions beautifully. I like how minimalist the piano plane is, likely to make space for everything else, but he inserts piano licks as a call and response to his vocals, which are pretty good as well. Still there was nothing truly unexpected or out of the ordinary, and one thing curious about this kind of jazz is it's pretty restrictive stylistically. Jazz is interesting. That way because improvisation invites creativity, but the framework is strict. Anyway, this is great stuff, but I'm having trouble giving it a three or four. I'd say 7.5/10
When this album first popped up, I was excited: Ray Charles! R&B deluxe! Eh . . . not so much. This is slick, formulaic, and schmaltzy. Ray's voice is still great, so I guess I'll give it 3 stars just for that. Maybe this is a generational thing: this seems like music for my grandparents' generation, but, to me, just slick, predictable, and not very exciting or interesting.
The recording can barely contain those horns. Wow. I think the second half is stronger though. First half is kinda forgettable and not my preferred style of Charles. It is the great Ray though, and his brilliance shines through
Habe irgendwie den Vergleich zu Sinatra im Kopf, da gefällt mir das insb. stimmlich doch etwas besser.
Das klingt alles nicht verkehrt, könnte als entspannte Dinner-Musik fungieren. Wirklich fesseln tut mich hier allerdings nur ganz wenig und die Balladen sind in Summe ziemlich austauschbar. Aber schön anzuhören ist das schon.
Da sind jetzt nicht die Songs drauf die ich mit dem Mann in Verbindung bringe aber trotzdem ist das schon ganz in Ordnung.
Old standards feeling, big band swing, what a voice!
#119 I know, nobody dislikes Ray Charles music, I don't dislike Ray Charles music, your mom doesn't dislike Ray Charles music, your dog probably wouldn't dislike Ray Charles music if he weren't a dog, but most of the songs on this aren't that great really. Ok, Come Rain Or Come Shine is great admittedly, but I don't get the high ratings on this, it's fine, it's acceptable, but there are awesome jazz albums on this list not getting the love they deserve!
The Genius of Ray Charles showcases Ray Charles’ strong and expressive voice right from the start. The album carries an old-school ballroom atmosphere — it feels like suit-and-cocktail music, with big band arrangements and a polished sound. There’s a clear contrast in moods throughout. Some tracks are lively and upbeat, while others slow things down into bluesy ballads, especially “Two Years of Torture.” The second half, with its string-backed ballads, was surprising and at times a bit too slow. Overall, the album feels old-fashioned, and while the big band style doesn’t strongly appeal to me for repeat listens, the quality of the performances and songs is clear.
Enjoyable album but I’d rather listen to one song sprinkled here or there.
Liked the big band tracks but found the romantic songs a little tedious
First listen
Having never really listened to his music, I can see why he was the standard during his hey day. A commanding voice and tight band behind him. Sound was just a bit... Old fashioned for my tastes. 3.75 ⭐
Timeless voice, good for what it is, but I got tired of listening to it and annoyed after a while as it was all sounding the same. (3)
There are a couple I just love
I remember when the sun caught me crying. So embarrassing! Songs are good but I’d prefer to not have Andy Williams style production values and background carolers.
Nothing was bad but nothing really grabbed me
Notablebtextzeile: It's just the bestest band, well, damn, woah, honey lamb Das sind musikalisch solche Standartsachen (geworden?) das mich da wirklich gar nichts dran überraschend. Musikalisch als auch textlich nicht sehr abwechslungsreich. Aber halt auch wundervolle Stimme und perfekt arrangiert. Für den Vordergrund aber echt zu gleichförmig. Hätte hier gerne halbe Sterne, dann wäre es 2.5.
Kann man so machen. Muss man schon sagen. Aber auch nicht immer, und am besten sonntagvormittags.
Nice little album. Not my thing but it’s fun to hear him sing. Some good stuff towards the end.
Very good, jazzy versions of pop standards
Ray Charles é um nome de peso, mas o primeiro disco dele que peguei na lista (Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music) não me entusiasmou, achei ele entediante e esquecível até, minimamente passável (dei apenas 2/ 5). Contudo, devido ao seu renome crítico, vim a este disco com expectativas reiniciadas, pensando que eu simplesmente não estava no humor certo para o álbum, e etc. Infelizmente, novamente o trabalho do artista não me impressionou. Inegavelmente este é um disco bem completo, com faixas arruaceiras e animadas acompanhadas de algumas baladas mais sentimentais e lentas. A voz de Charles é bela, e gosto bastante de seu liricismo. Mas ao todo, foi um apenas mais um disco de música popular. Não notei nada aqui realmente marcável ou tão memorável assim. É mais do mesmo, bem executado é claro, mas ainda assim, nada que poderia elevar o disco para além da normalidade. 3/5
It was lovely and we listened to it on the underground on our way to pick up the doggies from Uxbridge. Perhaps a little too soft at times for me, misses the punchiness i always look for. But it's Ray Charles, so can't really fault him yaknow.
Jazzy Good vocals Love songs
Jazz, repeterande, trivelig, gøye tekstar! Høyr gjerna igjennom detta på ny - var litt distrahert mens eg høyrte på da slik at eg ikkje fekk heilt album-følelsen!
Croon-y Ray Charles is not my favorite. It's not terrible, but this sounds heavily sanitized.
Had a fun time listening to this one.
#4/1089 --------- Since I loved Stevie Wonder's work I had expected to like this as much since it's around the same genre but it seems not. It kind of feels like every song is trying to be the same. Favorites: Just for a Thrill, It Had To Be You Least favorites: Deed I Do, Alexander's Ragtime Band Rating (out of 10): 7/10
The style of 50's Big Band swing-pop on Side A is really far from my favourite style of music, I enjoyed the opening track quite a lot, but very quickly grew tired after that. the shift into side B's slower string backed balladry was a welcome change, and really showcased Ray Charles' vocals however started feeling quite samey after a few tracks. It's undeniable though that Ray himself put in a fantastic performance here, enough to elevate this from a lower score, but I feel there are other records that better display his undeniable contribution and influence on the world of music Fav Track: 1 - Let The Good Times Roll Best Three Track Run: 7, 8, 9
It’s fine, I guess, just a bit samey after a few tracks
Second half better than the first. I've heard better Ray Charles albums.
Des arrangements qui incitent à la violence. 2.75 étoiles
I like the soulful songs more than the big band songs.
Big band gets boring very quickly
What a 180 from the Smiths yesterday. Listened in the car on the way into work.
A little too big band-y for me, and the actual recording wasn’t great. It was a decent album.
Great!
I mean, genius probably does sum Ray up. Easily listening, but not a genera I gravitate to. It worked here on a Saturday afternoon with a cocktail, but I'm not going to listen to this in the car, at work, working out etc. so a good, solid album.
I didn't like this album as much as his others, because it was too "big band" style in many of the songs.
I like Ray Charles but this was a little too 'big band' for me.
Previously rated: #849 - Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (4/5) ******************************************************** Album #1,028 I don't know if I'd call it genius, but it's pleasant enough. He's got a folksy style mixed in with the big band sound, eh...it's ok.
I was playing fallout new vegas so it was fine
Hard not to love Ray Charles singing Jazz! Good album all-around!
Good... But there are better versions of most of these songs imo
Let the good times roll - 3 It had to be you - 4 Alexander's ragtime band - 3 Two years of torture - 3 When your lover has gone - 4 Deed I do - 3 Just for a thrill - 4 You won't let me go - 3 Tell me you'll wait for me - 3 Don't let the sun catch you cryin' - 4 Am I blue - 3 Come rain or come shine - 3
Pretty good B side way better than A
It's a great album, just not really my style.
I dunno man, it's Ray Charles singing pop standards. I liked the swing half a lot better than the string half. I liked the blues numbers on the swing half best of all. At its high water marks I want to give this a strong 4. What gets me is that this is on the list rather than his debut (technically a compilation) with all of his early singles on it. Like, I need to hear Ray Charles playing a bunch of standards for Frank Sinatra fans to go "hmm yes" to, but I can die having not heard I've Got A Woman or Hit The Road Jack? I've never really cared for the whole "soft jazz singer" pop crossover bit either, and I probably like swing considerably less than the next jazz fan (though, again, I thought the swing side was pretty good). Part of me really wants to thumb the scale because there's like a dozen jazz records total in this entire list, but don't think this sustains a 4 through its runtime for me.
It's a beautiful album, immediately put me at ease and made me feel like sophisticated gentleman in a dimly lit basement bar. Not something that really gives me big feels though and it's just not my personal taste but I appreciate it! Grew on me after the first listen.
I had a review from before the group started up so I'll copy and paste it: "This music feels so closely associated with scenes of old timey people partying in Las Vegas in the mid 20th century that I almost can't see myself really listening to it except in that context like as background music in a film." This is fine but I think there will be better music from Ray Charles. I gave it a 3 then so I'll keep that.
Not bad at all really, but not my kind of thing. Ray Charles does have a great voice and a clearly accomplished grasp of the instruments at his disposal, but with these big band jazz types of albums, I never really feel the urge to revisit.
Nice, realistically won’t revisit
Enjoyed a couple of songs and the big band.
It's soulful, it's jazzy, it's a good time! You can't go wrong with Ray Charles!
Not my cup of tea but can appreciate it for the era.
Obviously it’s Ray Charles. The man could sing. Prefer the second ballads side to the big band stuff. Overall good but there are better Ray albums I think
Nice. I enjoyed the second half more than the big band stuff in the first half. I think there's other stuff by Ray Charles that would appeal to me more, I should seek it out.
Really nice listen, probably missing a lot of time / cultural context as to his genius, but for 70 year old tunes they hold up nicely
not Ray's best (but i'm not typically a fan of these big band arrangements unless they're by Duke). However, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is absolutely sublime. the ballad side is the stronger side ("just for a thrill? "am i blue"? c'mon!) with "come rain or come shine" rightfully heralded as an eternal classic i hope ray's modern country soundz is on this list. that is some great stuff
He was hilarious as the bus driver in the movie Spy Hard
I like Ray Charles but he was of his time and it doesn't resonate with me as much, still an iconic voice and style
If the rest of this album was as great as the first 2 songs I would have said 5 stars. Don’t get me wrong the other songs are still good, but I enjoyed the upbeat songs more, 3+ stars but I’m not going to round to 4, perhaps I would have on a different day
Is it weird that I always think Ray is a blues combo guy and then get surprised that he’s really a big bang vocalist? Great voice, no issues with this one. Call it 3.5 that I’ve rounded to to 3
Fav song: Don’t let the sun catch you cryin’
Good voice vary romantic
Great for lounging and drinkin fine drinks
Good listen although I don’t typically listen to jazz or blues
Ray Charles, one of the pioneers of that early R&B/jazz style, suffers here a bit on the first few tracks with the big-band brass tending to overshadow both his singing and piano playing, but then the album settles more into piano based balladry which soothes the soul. Hard to believe this album is 15 years older than me, but it still stands up well today. 3/5 for me, could've been more if there was a bit more subtlety to the first few songs.
Cute
fun to hear Ray Charles leaning more into full pop music and the "side A big band"/"side B ballads" idea is interesting but a part of me wishes the album committed more to either choice.
Dude can't see shit
Favorite Song: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Least Favorite Song: N/A I can't choose a least favorite song because... they kind of all sound the same. But in this case, it isn't such a bad thing because the entire record is consistently lovely.
jan 14 2026 im finally getting off my ass and listening to this FIRST LISTEN BTW [before listening] i know literally nothing about this man im so serious. I feel silly saying that [on it had to be you] you know what i love? i love the horn section on this album so far. i know im only two songs in but whoever they got on the horns here are putting their whole hearts into this
I liked the first half more than the last half, but generally I'm often not too impressed with the albums from this era though they have been hugely important for shaping music as we know it, so props for that Standouts Let the Good Times Roll Alexander's Ragtime Band 3/5
Meh, great voice but songs/arrangements arent great. 6.5\7 ish
I’m surprised that this is only the second album I’ve encountered on the list that isn’t on a streaming service. The other one is Captain Beefheart. Ray Charles is better.
It feels like very generic Jazz, I couldn't pick it out of a lineup of other jazz I've heard. It felt like a movie soundtrack to me. I fully respect that this opinion is probably based on inexperience with the genre, and potentially the result of modern jazz coming from this as a primary influence.
Didn’t finish listening the album because it’s not quite my style of music so in terms of preferences i’d say for me it’s a 6/10 but considering it in general i think it’s an 8/10
I had heard most of it before. Nice soul and jazz tunes. You can't go wrong with Ray Charles
Ya like jaaaazz?
Never been a huge Ray fan
Craig: good, not great. Good singer, but not his greatest work. Courtney: I’m not mad at it and it was a good way to start this process—a great singer performing an assortment of great songs.
Wow brass. Fav song tell me you'll wait for me
it’s good, just a lot of the same
ray can singggg some songs are great, others don't resonate with me
A tale of the halves (or rather two sides): the first side of the (original vinyl) album consists of a number big-band R&B / Swing / Pop arrangements, while the second side consists of a number ballads accompanied by a string orchestra. The album doesn't feature any tracks written by the Ray Charles, but nonetheless, it still shows the brilliance of the man.
good album of jazz/soul for when you’re in that vibe, would make great references for people on this path musically but not a day to day album for me.
not my cup of tea necessarily but a legend regardless
Very fun, not the sound I think of when I think of Ray Charles
yes
Super duper soothing. The horns are beautiful. I love the vibes of a warmly lighted dinner restaurant in a big city with people slow dancing to the music. This is that music.
Discovered I love slow 50s jazz And started a new playlist
The Genius of myself gives this Album 3 Stars.
3.5 No estoy en el mood pero un jefe de jefes
Primera vez que lo escucho a pesar de ser tan reconocido, definitivamente un virtuoso musical 3.5
Ray Charles is an absolute legend. My first reaction after starting the first song was that it was neat to hear him with a big band behind him. Unfortunately I realized very quickly every song is the same with just different lyrics. Overall not a terrible album but just mostly boring.
My 1st note here 🎶 I appreciate the value and legacy of soul music, but the improv and discontinued melodies are just not my thing, never were :) Still a good way to open this project, challenging myself to listen to something I would have never listen on my own accord 👂
Nice and relaxing. Felt as if I was in a swanky jazzy bar, drinking in a booth.
As primeiras músicas me trouxeram desconforto pois são muito brilhantes devido aos metais agressivos. Nas últimas faixas a coisa muda de figura e o som fica relaxado. A voz é incrível em todas as faixas
Big band r&b, classic voice
I don’t feel this shows Ray at his best. It’s very subdued somehow, lacklustre. He needs to be given room to let loose and show us what he’s got. This just ain’t it, he deserves a better choice than this one
GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Driving FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3
Favorite Songs - Let the Good Times Roll, Just for a Thrill, You Won't Let Me Go, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Come Rain or Come Shine
Beautifully composed and orchestrated, it's a wonderful deep dive into the era, however I feel it hasnt aged well foe the modern ethos and fits more into a niche catergory of preference today, a preference I sadly do not fall into. I can appreciate an incredible talent however.
Ray Charles doing what Ray Charles does.
Some nice jazz but it has a lot of uninteresting parts, still pretty good though
So it turns out I am definitely more a fan of his more upbeat work. This album just kind of bled into the background. Favorite track was tell me you will wait for me
I love Ray Charles' voice and piano playing but I'm not a huge fan of big band. I do really like the jazz chord progressions but would prefer if they weren't being absolutely blasted into my ear holes by a thousand horns. Just not my thing, but I can appreciate it. Highlights: it had to be you, just for a thrill, am I blue, come rain or come shine (so, the less big band ones)
Slower, more ballad-y songs about love aren't my usual go-to. Ray Charles' voice has a lovely raspy quality to it I really enjoy though. Good music to put on in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee. After 2-3 songs you will have heard everything this album has on offer though. After a while I get sick of hearing lovesick ballads. Who hurt you Ray? 6/10
Need to relisten, have heard many of these before. Frantic at times and chilled others
Like I get it, but I think big band just isn't for me, really
Some songs where really fun and enjoyable for me. The ones who had lyrics and who where not to long, I liked those, other where for me personally too long
Good one. Classic of genre. But i have to be in mood for this kind of music. All songs seem quite similar. It is 6,5/10
Nicely sung - I do prefer his funkier songs from the 60s
Pas vraiment mon truc Etonnamment, certains morceaux me font penser à des musiques de films Disney (Am I Blue)
This was cool to discover and listen to. He really was talented, and this record showcases his genius.
This was ok, but I don’t have very strong feelings about it. Found myself getting a bit bored by the end of I’m being honest.
No
This music feels so closely associated with scenes of old timey people partying in Las Vegas in the midcentury that I almost can't see myself really listening to it except in that context.
I can see why this is seen as one of the best albums ever made. However, I think I am just not a huge fan of this genre. I mean I can appreciate it and definitely see why it was so influential and iconic, but I wouldn't necessarily listen to it on myself.
Starts strong but kind of melts into the background over time.
The definition of easy listening. Pleasant, yes, good vocals, yes, but exciting it is not.
Even the great charismatic force that is Ray Charles could not save this album from repetitive big band irritation. The more laid back tracks on the b side without constant horn blasting are actually quite enjoyable. 6/10
One of those albums that feels difficult to relate to others. It's Ray Charles!
Good, but prefer Ray Charles' R&B songs over this big band swing style. Still, his voice carries this album. Song choices were a bit strange, with the entire second half composed of just ballads. Solid record, but kind of generic Standout Tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, Tell Me You'll Wait for Me
I'm nearing the last 50s album of the project, aren't I? Oh wow. How interesting. Anyway, this album's good. I do prefer the other Ray Charles album on the list, but this one's good too. As is the case for many other 50s albums, I do feel that this album is very "of its time," but it certainly could've aged worse. Ray's vocals are solid. I like the character that he adds to these songs. I think the instrumentation for this one could be better. The horns are honestly a bit much. I normally love horns in music, but these ones feel a little overbearing. They draw attention from where it should really be, that being Ray Charles himself. The album feels a little samey for me as well. There are strong tracks for sure. "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Come Rain or Come Shine" are great openers and closers respectively, but the middle kinda blends together. The two sides being so different does create an interesting listen experience to an extent. This album isn't bad at all, but there are definitely other albums of this style that I personally prefer. Solid 3/5.
Band was in full swing, but I found the album a little plain. Boy was he sad.
7.3/10 pretty good a classic
Easy listening, great background music
I enjoyed it, but I feel like I'm not knowledgeable enough in the genre to fully appreciate it.
Rhytm and blues. Han er en af de største som har inspireret samtlige fremtidige kunstnere. Jazz og swing var ved at miste deres dominans og nu var RnB på vej ud af nichemarkedet. Han arbejdede sammen med count basie orchestra (dem har jeg allerede hørt faktisk) og quincy jones som jo også er en legende. Der var også stor raceadskillelse i industrien på dette tidspunkt og alligevel valgte han at køre noget jazz pop? Han tog en masse hvide popklassikere og blandet sort sensibilitet ind i det og lavede noget som mindede om proto-soul. Så stevie wonder, sam cooke osv. det er virkelig charmerende og romantisk og storslået på samme tid. Jeg kan rigtig godt lide lyden af det, men det vil være til et meget specifikt humør. Jeg tror ikke bare lige sådan at jeg sætter det her på whenever.
hard one to rate, but I will go with a high 3 instead of a 4 after revisiting this album. Just too many songs I would skip after hearing them in my playlist for a while. Still love the album.
The Late Great Ray Charles.
Lubię Raya Charlesa, ma niesamowity głos i wyczucie muzyki. Ale ta płyta była bardzo monotonna, jak jeden bardzo długi utwór. Nie poruszyła mojej czułej struny, a szkoda. 6/10
for ray charles being the father of soul, this didn't have much of a soul feel to it. it wasn't bad, but this big band swing and string composition was not what i was expecting. glad i listened, but overall could take or leave it. give me some actual soul from the man, and then we'll talk
Low 4 Stars/High 3 Stars (3.5 of 5 stars) When I first listened to this, I found the big band hits and shots in the first few tracks kind of abrasive and cheesy, but as I listened to them (and woke up a little more), I started not minding them too much. It's definitely part of the sound. But, whenever an instrument gets a solo (like the sax solo in the first track), the hits just seem to disrupt it imo. That being said, Ray Charles' voice on a lot of these are definitely great, especially on tracks like the closing track. Speaking of the last few tracks, I feel like I definitely enjoyed those a lot better. I guess I'm just a fan of more sparse instrumentation when it comes to jazz, blues, and soul. I really enjoyed the solos in "Let the Good Times Roll," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," and "When Your Lover Has Gone." However, I still prefer the slower and sparser tracks from the B-side of this album. I love how in a lot of them, the strings, voice, piano, and light horns all come together to create a really warm sensation. The best examples of this being "Am I Blue" and "Come Rain or Come Shine." What holds this album back for me though, is the feeling of repetition that is evident across the full length of it. The album is split into two opposing sides, the Big Band A-side and the more mellow B-side. But, it feels like within these sides, the instruments, lyrical content, and overall ideas seem to be very similar, without much development across the tracks. In my opinion, you could get away with listening to both the intro and outro tracks, and get a pretty good idea of what the rest of the album sounds like. Nevertheless, it's a pretty good (and timeless!) sound, and Ray Charles is amazing, but if you're looking for more variety, this isn't really the album, and I'd point you more to his self-titled release. Fav: Come Rain or Come Shine Likes: Let the Good Times Roll, When Your Lover Has Gone, Am I Blue, Come Rain or Come Shine.
Fun listening and good vibes. Not much to say other than I just very much enjoy this era of music
Similar to Frank Sinatra, this album is sensual, smooth and romantic. I loved the sultry feel with the orchestral elements but I didn’t find it super interesting.
Band was too big
Fun listening
He's that guy. Monumental achievement in modern American music. 3.5/5
Too many slow jams.
Oldest album that's come up so far. It was fine but I might say slightly disappointed, a lot of this is just ballads and mainly covers I think, which I have heard done better before. Not sure if he writes any of the songs on this album. Nice voice great pianist etc and some good arrangements but nothing memorable enough to hit 4 stars or higher. Essentially there's a lot of crooning here and he doesn't do it as well as others of the era
A slightly curious, stitched together mix of big band swing standards, and piano-led ballads that Charles would become known for throughout his career. The recording quality is not good - yes, it's 1959 but it should've been better than this - and the arrangements throughout are pretty well by the numbers. But that Ray Charles voice overcomes.
мид
premda načelno dobar nije me baš sad oduševio
Ray Charles being Ray Charles. It’s nice but I don’t have too much to say about it.
A bit of big band sound never did anyone any harm. I worked in a ballroom in the early 1980's where they had a big band on once a week and I always enjoyed that. The same is true of this Ray Charles album - I enjoyed it. There's something about the beat of the music, the melodies and the vocals that's chill out relaxing from long before the ambient house chill out of the late 1980's to 2000's. I don't go out searching for big band music when looking for something to listen to, but I don't skip it if it's suggested and hopefully having listed to this album I might get a few more suggestions in future.
The horns on this album are like all or nothing.
Decent 3,5
First listen. 3 This album was pleasant enough, but I feel like this probably isn't the most interesting material from Ray Charles. Much of it sounded like other crooners I've heard.
classic
It was okay. The pacing of the album was a little bit odd with one half containing upbeat songs and the other half containing ballads. The ballads should have been in between the faster paced songs.
time travel to 1950s smoky late night jazz lounges or dinner parties.
I can tell it was quality but not really my cup of tea
79/100 Good Soup Didn’t listen intently enough and need to relisten
3.5 enjoyable!
Koji kontrast između strana albuma, prva je puno više za mene a druga je baš spora i uspavana. Začudo, ne sviđa mi se ni njegov glas nešto posebno.
Golden oldies your Nanna will love⭐⭐⭐
It was okay. Not really my thing. A bit jazzy and meandering. Enjoyment two stars but it's clearly better than that.
I like Ray Charles, especially with country ballads, but I didn't enjoy this album much. 3 stars or C-.
Great collection of tracks here. 5/10
He could sing with passion for sure, and I enjoyed some of his piano licks. But overall this didn't grab me. Give me Nat King Cole.
Ray Charles is a musical genius - Eddie Murphy could’ve just as easily chosen Charles as Steveie Wonder for that old SNL chestnut. This man can play the shit out of a piano and, man can he sing! But he’s just not the consistent songwriter that Stevie is. There’s a lot of middlin’ (do I say ‘mid’ now?) songs here, which can’t do his talents justice. So, let’s twist it around a bit : ‘love the artist, ‘meh’ the art
Not the ray charles I love but the album is pleasant enough. If I was having a dinner party in the 80s or going through a breakup in a romcom, this would be my soundtrack.
Prefer his later stuff but some nice tracks on here
I feel about the same as the last ray Charles album.
Ray sounds great, the songs are pleasant. But I don't see myself coming back to an album like this. But I also wouldn't turn of the stereo if any of these songs popped up. 3.5*
Really enjoyed this.
6.5/10
Makes me smile rather but doesn't quite excite. A harsh 3
ray charles is not the same as stevie wonder
The Good: We are in the company of genius… The Bad: We don’t know why… The Ugly: Well, I guess you could say that this is, yet again, an album title referring to the artist, which isn’t genius A little swing, plenty of big band, some great classics… it's an excellent album. Yet, I can’t get myself to grade this higher than a 3* Not that there aren’t plenty of reasons to give this album 4-5*, however, not today. I would rather listen to his other album on this list and if not, just find an excellent playlist with all his greatest hits. Sorry Ray, but this album is not genius...
Welcome to Jazz Club. Niiiice. 👌
it’s inoffensive
Rad album. Never listened to a Ray Charles album before. Love that classic sound and really love the production. The drums always sound so good on these old recordings.
Some interesting tracks but generally quite samey throughout and didn't really grab me. Definitely has a place for a certain mood though and some obviously great musicianship throughout.
Good, but I feel like this doesn't pack a punch as strong as some of his other stuff.
Charles' performances on this album of pop, jazz and blues standards are exceptional, even when he's up against ill-chosen material ("Alexander's Ragtime Band", really why?). Competing against him on the first half of this record are the overbearing and corny big band arrangements, the stiffness of which runs directly counter to the natural ease of Charles' voice. The effect is jarring to the point of distraction. Side two is a vast improvement in that the blare of trumpets and trombones is replaced by strings and backup singers, allowing the intimacy of Charles' vocals (and his piano playing) to actually be heard. The beauty of side two's tracks is they have a timeless feel to them, whereas side one's cuts are now unlistenably dated.
*1959. *Pretty wild to call an album "The Genius of [your name]", but it's warranted. *This was interesting because yesterday's album was also big band style (Count Basie & His Orchestra), and this was infinitely better. *Really good and fun to listen to. Would happily listen if someone else were playing it, but wouldn't flip it on myself. RATING - 6.5/10
He has a great voice, and I enjoyed side one quite a lot, but I found the tempo of side two less compelling.
• 3/5 • Like how the selections highlight his voice • Much prefer his rock/R&B work to the swing and orchestral pieces on this album
Happy und Blues. Perfekt für die Weihnachtszeit
Enjoyable, but sounds like background cafe music.
I would think that an album titled The Genius of Ray Charles would include original songs by Ray Charles. Instead, we are treated to The Karaoke of Ray Charles. Do not get me wrong, Ray Charles is really, really good at karaoke. However, an album like this feels like a purely commercial endeavor to sell music to the elderly.
Nice
Second half smoothed me over.
6/10 Bit of a funny one this. I really enjoyed my time with it, but I also don’t feel like any of it was particularly memorable. There’s not really anything in the way of a hook or melody that’s really stuck with me after listening through a few times, and it all felt like a bit of a vibe wash, rather than an engaging collection of songs. Looking at the two sides of the record, each side was very much of a type, and it did feel like one song just sort of ran into another without a vast amount of change happening, like these we’re all songs written to guidelines rather than anything more personal. It almost felt like you could drop the needle anywhere on the side and it wouldn’t be appreciably different from anywhere else. His voice is fantastic, and there is some really great playing here, with some of the little solos and bits of flair, often from his piano playing on side two, which did provide some standout moments here and there. On the flip side, the recording was not great. I kind of got over it after the first couple of tracks, but every now and then something would clip and I’d kind of wince a little at it, which did hamper my enjoyment a little. Overall, while this was a very pleasant musical world I was happy to inhabit for 40 minutes, and I did enjoy it as mood music, I don’t really feel like any of it really got its hooks into me and is likely to stick with me now that the album has ended. For me, I much prefer his more driven, up-tempo work and I’m more likely to spin that than come back to this any time soon. Let The Good Times Roll - Great swing. I love the freedom that he sings with. It flips between creamy smooth and gritty at will and it’s so good. The recording is a bit of a letdown as this would be really good to hear without the distortion, but it’s a quality start otherwise. It Had To Be You - Leaning more on the smooth side of things now. There’s some really nice, subtle piano playing in here that just seems so easy and cool. It’s just butter for the ears. Alexander's Ragtime Band - This is a bit more bombastic, which is a bit more affected by the audio fidelity. There are some fantastic moments in this, but I don’t find it to be the most interesting of compositions. It’s a decent, enjoyable listen, and there are some really cool little solo bits, but it also doesn’t feel vastly memorable. Two Years Of Torture - Some more quality vocal work here, along side some quality soloing from the sax. It’s just cool. This is all vibe and that smoky jazz club vibe is always a good thing. When Your Lover Has Gone - More laid back, buttery goodness. The dynamic is great. Some lovely, chilled and subtle bits that are punctuated with the big band blasts. Deed I Do - His vocal here is so good. Some of the work is so subtle that it’s almost not noticeable, but that dynamic control he has and the little bits of vocal fry are just glorious. This is just a warm blend of quality playing and singing. Lovely stuff. Just For A Thrill - A flip to the second side and the big band has been given the boot in favour of a string section. Again, this is lovely. Beautiful piano playing in the second half and things just swing along nicely. You Won't Let Me Go - More solid work, particularly in the vocal department. He drops to some great deep tones in places here that are so good. I’m glad the piano is getting a bit more of a workout on this second side. Tell Me You'll Wait For Me - There’s a lazy quality to this. Super smooth and laid back. It’s a bit too Disney, but there are little bits of flair in the piano that really pop. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' - Ah, this is great. There’s just something a bit more engaging about the composition here for me. It’s still a bit Disney, but the way all of the instruments work with his vocal makes things gel better. Am I Blue - It’s still good, but it could also just be the previous track, there’s not really much to differentiate things at this point. It’s a very nice experience, but I doubt I’ll be singing any of these songs this evening. Come Rain Or Come Shine - Some really nice vocal and piano playing again here. It’s all lovely, and everything, but it also just blends in with everything else here, if I’m being brutally honest.
This is an okay vocal jazz album. Ray's singing is great, but the album feels very dated. I don't like those blaring horns on the first couple of tracks.
The 50s might not have known it, but they were the waiting room for the 60s.
Great big band sound
Heard some of the tracks before, big late-50s pop. I imagine there is a better Charles album out there. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? Yes Owned: No 17/1001, 17/66 (25%) Will I get? No
Not Ray at his most dynamic, but a pleasant listen. There are far more interesting Ray Charles albums to hear before you die.
Overall this was a pleasant listening experience, but I'm not sure there was enough here to grab my attention, let alone keep it. This would be a perfectly good album to have in the background playing at a dinner party, which is a vibe - but not a 4- or 5-star one.
in reading about this album, I wonder if my lack of enjoyment comes from the limitations of my own listening devices in hitting the bass notes that may make the treble wailing of the trumpets much less harsh. it feels, to my ears, like a normal cover album, which I don't associate with a musician as skilled as Ray Charles.
Hard for me to rate as it’s proper 3.5 for me, but I prefer Ray when it’s rougher and less big band. Felt the pace was very similar in the second half. But still good stuff!
Like the jazzier songs but find the more big band stuff a bit artificial
It’s fine
A good album but just not a great album. Missing the soaring arrangements from his classic album
20.00, himas, sennheiser, qobuz iha ok mut clippas vitusti
I wonder who named the Ray Charles albums? He debuted in 1957 and this album released in 1959....and was his 7th album. 7 albums in 2 years is a bit ridiculous. I do like the jazzy blues that they have with the big band. There's a huge difference between A Side and B Side since it's big band brass vs strings and i'm a bigger fan of the A Side. B Side is just too slow and too Bluesy for me. I wish Ray's piano was more of a spotlight instead of more of an accompanying piece. Am I Blue? really stands out as a very emotional piece. Ray has a perfect voice for the blues.
Big band jazz.
1/1001 Would I revisit?: no Rating: 3 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Let the good time roll- crazy good some but not my style when hanging around This album was impressive, but personally didn't like the jazz like style for day to day life
That was unmemorable.
This is odd - listening to an album that my parents danced to when they first met! This my not preferred style of music, but a great energy and passion shines through on these tracks In 1959 there were not many options for post-production editing, so I'm imaging this is pretty close to a live performance for Ray and the band Music from a bygone era - it evokes images of a pianist in a corner of a high end hotel bar
Digging the big band sound in that first half & then what, they all fell asleep?
Some good big band stuff!
Not bad. Surprised by the sound quality from 1959 but inwasnt blown away musically.
Never listened to him before. It's good but not the type of music I'd likely come back to often.
I only know a few of his tunes, and I was expecting something with more energy. 6/10
Its a good Ray Charles album, you know what you're getting. I think everybody in their life should listen to... Half a Ray Charles album. A boogie song, a blues song, a romantic song and one other of your choice. Anything after that is extra credit
Ray Charles is obviously an amazing musician but unfortunately he’s not what I’m looking for as an artist. Huge respect and admiration tho
I feel my rating’s going to feel a little harsh, so let me explain. I think Ray Charles was a wonderful singer. Compared to other singers around his time, he’s one of the few that feels distinct and timeless. It’s just that I think there’s a lot of big band on here. Actually, my biggest gripe with the “oldies” is that most of it was big band and most of it sounded the same. It makes albums like this a chore, which sucks because most times, like with Ray here, the material’s pretty good. But after halfway, it feels like the same song over and over again. The blasting trumpets, the saxophones, the fact every song is a love song (or a breakup song for variety). I know this is turning into an “old music bad” kind of rant, but it felt like everyone was just chasing Sinatra. It’s not your fault Ray. I just like your blues stuff better. Favorite track: Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’ Other hits: It Had To Be You, Deed I Do, Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me, Am I Blue, Just For A Thrill, You Won’t Let Me Go
Good in parts but can sound a bit similar over the length of it 3.5*
oh wow I really like this, it's fun old school jazz soul he has an amazing voice and the songs are upbeat and fun with great instrumentation
Good classic stuff. I'm just gonna say it, and I might be the first one: this guy is a genius. I like when George O. Gore II plays him in Dance Flick.
feel like i woulda liked this better if Jamie Foxx did the singing
Crazy awesome production and the horn lines are wild! Makes ya want to bust a move
Maybe it's a fine album, but not for me.