The Genius Of Ray Charles

This album is cool, some good Ray Charles. It doesn't have any of my favorite songs on it, but it's a solid R&B album 4/5

A fine big band / swing album. I wouldn't say it's anything super mindblowing given some of his other work. 3.5/5

There wasn't anything 'genius' in it. Some big band songs and some sweet ballads. Loved 'Am I Blue' and 'Come Rain or Come Shine' . That's it.

# 371 : its ok. You've got to love the big band antics going on here, true to the style of the day for sure. Found myself nodding off a bit throughout this one, with some slow boring numbers.

Okay.

some classy shit

One thing this list showed me is that I absolutely love old Jazz and Blues. Great stuff.

I was hoping for more from this album.

One of the greats. I'm guilty of treating jazz a bit like background music though and should have paid more attention.

I wasn’t expecting the album to open with a song like Let the Good Times Roll. Ray really attacks those vocals, delivering a rip-roaring opener that immediately sets the tone. The first half of this album is dedicated to Ray performing Big Band classics, and it’s absolutely wonderful. The songs are so joyous and expertly played, filled with energy and life. There’s such a lovely quality to Ray’s voice—it’s hard to describe, but it’s almost like a singing saxophone, warm and full of expression. The second half swaps out the horn section for a string orchestra, creating a much more subdued atmosphere. It’s unusual to see an album with two such distinct halves, and it ends up feeling almost like two separate EPs. That said, the quality of the music never falters. The orchestration is rich and lush, washing over you like a warm blanket. Standout Track: Let the Good Times Roll / Come Rain or Come Shine (it only feels right to pick one from each side) Score: 5/5

Sleepy time

I didn’t hate listening to this album. It’s enjoyable all the way through. I dig the horns and Ray’s urgency on “Let the Good Times Roll”. Would be great background music at a fall or holiday party or an evening wooing your lady. 1001 album worthy: 1/1

Classic lesson really enjoyed it. Some of these songs will go into the rotation

It's just great. The clarity of his voice carries across the decades and feels so intimate.

Good

Genius? Hey. I’ll be the judge of that. Why, you may ask? Because I’m highly judgemental and type like a Reddit moderator. That’s pretty much good enough for these days. This song was in Mafia 2. Man I’m a cultural savant. This thing runs like a freight train. Hell yeah. Jazz breaks, excellent singing, bombastic (in a good way) big band. “I got 50 cents more than I'm gonna keep” is a god damn “bar” as the kids say. Back down to earth. A little Frank Sinatra-y. Very of the time. Not my favourite. The best band in the land?? Man they must be hyped. Oh wait it’s a different band. Not his band. Anyway. This one is ok. The mix is destroying my eardrums a little but we stride on. Two years of Torture. Pretty decent. Good even. More smooth. A little too smooth. Still loving the jazz interludes. The quiet moments in this one are nice. Deed I Do is real good. Blues, jazz, quality vocals. Yes. This is what I want. Excellent blues, mixed with jazz piano. Soulful music with some complexity thrown in. Just for a Thrill is pretty great. You won’t let me go. If this album was bad I could have a field day there. What is a field day? Be right back. Apparently anything that happens in a field after 1800. So like a big fun dance OR some sort of weird ritual. Whatever you want. This was fine. Bad. Not a good song. Feels lazy. Next please. I guess my review got lazy too. You get what you pay for Mr. Charles. Do NOT let the sun catch you crying (Not clickbait) (Scary). Floated by. Yes Ray, you’re blue. Somebody answer the man, it’s been 65 years. Probably because he forgot to put a question mark. He asks “Was I gay?” Huh? Do we have a LGBTQ2S+ Queen on our hands? I love it. Call him Slay Charles. One more track. Very solid. Excellent vocal outro. As can sometimes happen, the beginning of an album is so exciting and when the surprise wears off, it stays where it is. The big band became more obnoxious as I continued through this thing. I know Ray was blind, and if the enhanced ability of other senses thing is true, those horn blasts must’ve blown his ears to hell. Makes me question the musical voracity of his Wrestlemania appearance. Nah. That thing was airtight. This album was good. Not quite wrestlemania 17, but maybe like Wrestlemania 1. 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Let the Good Times Roll, Deed I Do, Just for a Thrill

Obviously the man had a truly amazing voice. This album is very much a sign of the times, it's well performed but also a bit MOR and not exactly ground breaking. Truth be told, if you listened to just one Ray Charles album, you would be better off listening to a greatest hits comp. And the same would apply to pretty much any hit parade artist from the 50s and early 60s.

Enjoyable but the type of music that doesnt move me much if you know what i mean.

An album of two very different halves, I enjoyed both in an easy listening kind of way.

Yeah! The groove tails off into sentimentality too quickly, but what a groove!

Enjoyed this, but don't ask me when one track ends and another begins, it all seemed to blend into a single stream of good background lounge vibes.

Very nice.

Both soothing and exciting, a treat all around.

Ray is getting 5s. Hope he shows up again.

I really love this music. It makes me feel good. The horns are amazing on the first half and the piano ballads are nice on the back half.

Classic sound. It's all the elements of modern music. Blues, jazz, soul, classical, rhythm & blues. Interestingly though, it's not really *any* of those things. At the time, it was kind of something else. This sound is essentially the sound of any old movie that I grew up, its the sound of every classic Christmas song, its kind of that classic old time American sound.

Genius he was. This is an enjoyable album, with lots of classics, and Ray's music and arrangements.

This is the Ray Charles I like. He's soulful, funky and cool. The songs have that pure R&B horn blasts that you want just inserted into your veins. It side steps that Disney-Lit that "Modern Sounds" has. Just find someone you love and dance round the living room with them. Best Tracks: Let The Good Times Roll; It Had to be You; Come Rain or Come Shine

A true master, but a lot of it sounds the same

An excellent record from Ray. Just pay attention to his vocals: he was such a soulful and skilled vocalist. The record sounds great for its time, and captures Ray’s playing and singing clearly.

Solid album. Good songs and good energy. I enjoyed the listen.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from an album called The Genius of Ray Charles. Perhaps I was expecting something more grand or more intricate? Either way I was kind of let down. Its not a bad album but man it really lacked umph.

Fantastic; absolutely beautiful.

Not my taste

Nice

Smooth and great for background music while cooking

Let the good times roll~ A solid jazz album for when you wanna let the good times roll~ Just don't listen to it too loudly with in-ears or you'll be surprised by the burst of horns 🎺

Ray is a genius. Not this time.

Exactly what I expected, not my sound.

Un poco rollete.

I enjoyed this, but not as much as I thought I would. I think Ray is at his best on live recordings and possibly in some later material. And the jazzy side of this is harder for me to connect with.

So fun to hear a big band Ray album!

Really tranquil and soft

Very nice listen.

Amazing stuff

Just the perfect 50s alvum. Gorgeous singing, beautiful piano melodies. Hits right in the feels

Not a massive fan of this one. Ray Charles does Frank Sinatra? No thanks. I'm not ashamed to say I listened to about 30 seconds of each song before skipping on. It's really bland.

Well Ray certainly has a lovely voice, doesn't he? It's a bit too croony for my tastes for the most part, but perfectly serviceable light blues. I do think 'Let the Good Times Roll' promised upbeat-party-Ray, and the rest of the album feels a bit like an anticlimax after that, no shakin' of tail feathers here... Fave: Let the Good Times Roll

The big band side is fantastic—those swinging horns really bring the energy. While the string-backed side does highlight Ray's voice beautifully, the background singing at times just doesn’t work for me. I wish I could remix this album. My father loved Ray Charles so it get's an extra bump.

Charles has such a great voice and he can swing and croon. Enjoyed a lot when the horns were swinging. Sometimes the strings felt overdone. Those backing vocals are just terrible though. Highlight: Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’

I was just kind of bored by it. The few songs i know, I know better versions of.

I think I liked this a little better than Modern Sounds, especially the faster songs. But I thought the back-half dragged a bit. Not a bad album, but one that will be a while before I revisit.

Beautifully done, but not really my thing. Another one I wouldn't turn off if it came on, but won't be seeking out again.

let the good times roll

Indeed pure genius

Not my taste but clearly good. I will tru to listen sooner .

Big band Jazz classic

Too old. Even for me. His later stuff slapped harder

wow

Needa give it. a proper listen

This absolutely deserves its place on this list. The craft in the arrangements, playing and singing is fantastic. Standards is not usually my thing outside of jazz, but glad to hear this.

Classic Ray Charles album. Very good of course.

Ray Charles is a great singer of course, and the music was okay, but the songs on this album did not really resonate with me.

A combination of big band and ballads, both very convincing. What a singer and musician!

great album, deep lyrics and amazing piano playing. Best Song: Don’t let the sun catch you crying

Class,very mellow and easy listening and “am I blue “ is on that album so I enjoyed it

Probably the best example of the style, so it gets a 5

great and all, but not my cup of tea

It's all so similarly beautiful. His voice is just fantastic.

I definitely agree with others that this is a lovely chilled out listen - 50s albums have a timeless, yet 'of the time' feel that maybe boosts their rating a bit on here. That, and the fact that there aren't about 300 albums included from this decade. I've realised I enjoy albums with distinct halves in terms of style, having just had two of these in a row.

It’s fine. It’s just so…old sounding.

Nice background

The most accurately named album ever - this is genius

good classic vibes

Makes cool seem effortless

Um bom album de jazz. Ray Charles canta muito bem. Eu gostei de I am blue e uma outra no começo.

Cute

Beautiful

4/10 Next album on my list is called It's A Shame About Ray. Seems appropriate somehow...

One of my favorite blind R&B musicians, next to Stevie Wonder of course. God Ray Charles really is a genius. Thanks for writing my states theme song!

What a classic artist. I truly dig listening to 50's soul r&B. This album is so good.

The voice is great, but I just find this type of music so very, very boring.

I love Ray Charles but I feel the list has screwed up again. This is not the album with the lasting major impact on soul and popular music. This, even in its day, was a back looking production. I love the big band and Ray's unique style and take on standards. I'm not so keen on the 2nd half of string backed ballads; they do not hold up nearly as well. But its all of the time and as such, its of the period before. There is none of the fresh sounds where he fused gospel with pop and rock and soul to change the direction of music for the next decade. Disappointing choice. 2.4

This was absolutely delightful. First half was rowdy and exciting R&B Soul with wonderfully blaring horns. The second half was soulfully peaceful piano ballads. A fantastic listen.

Great album from Ray. Much more enjoyable than the country one on this list.

If you're going to call yourself a genius, your album better be half decent. But oh my, what a pain listening through all of this. The first half is mostly plain bluesy songs, given a Big Band make-over. I hate it with a passion (I'd actively switch this off if it was on the radio) but I appreciate it's a matter of taste, if this is your thing, fine, enjoy! Songwriting skills isn't Charles' saving grace - he didn't write any! He is basically an OK singer and piano player, like many others. The second half initially got on my nerves much less and there are some fine songs (again, not his'), if only that omnipresent background choir had gone for a drink during the recordings. Less can be more, if you have a decent song as a starting point. I can imagine they would actually be quite good if e.g. Elvis Costello would sing them. I'll round it up to a 2* for historical reasons. Phew, I hope it's not Frank Sinatra or so tomorrow!

This is definitely split into two halves, and I have separate thoughts on both. The first half is definitely higher energy, big band, and very fun. These hep cats were surely outta sight. Musically I really enjoyed this section, but from a production standpoint I found it left a lot to be desired. The horns were often clipping so bad that they distorted, and the vocals suffered from a similar problem. “‘Deed I Do” stood out as my favourite groovy track here. The second half of this record was really something else. Half a dozen truly beautiful piano ballads. Sonically I felt this half was much more enjoyable, and from a production standpoint it was far better. I struggle to pick a specific favourite track on this half, but “Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me” stood out for a lot of reasons. I enjoyed this album, and it was a fun switch once the second half started. If I could rate them separately I’d give the first half a 3 and the second half a 5, so I think the mean of the two is an accurate rating. 4* will be listening to the second half again.

Ray Charles is a peerless figure in american music. His genius for blending jazz, blues, country and performing with such genuine emotion and musicality is something I find so moving. Unfortunately, I don’t think this album entirely showcases the best of Ray Charles, and I hope this isn’t his only album on the list. Some of the big band arrangements on the first half of the album feel a bit schmaltzy and lacking in creativity. It’s still not bad listening by any means - I’d give the first half a 3 ⭐️ rating. The second half of this album, on the other hand, is flawless. It showcases Charles’s iconic sound and highlights his beautiful, plaintive vocals with instrumentation that always complements and highlights, and never detracts from or upstages, Charles’s performance. The latter six songs are easily 5 ⭐️. On the whole, I think the second half more than makes up for my gripes over the first half. If I didn’t know of Ray Charles beforehand, I’m sure I would’ve liked the first half more, but I am prejudiced by knowing how much more of his catalog is cut from the same cloth as the back half of this album. That being considered, I think it’s unfair for me to rate this less than 5 ⭐️. 9/10

already knew Am I Blue (thanks Hozier), but the others were obviously instant jazz classics too. several felt similar with that heartsick crooning, but his delivery kind of made up for the cliches. plus they probably only became cliches after (or because of) him anyway. made my sister's birthday card listening to this, thanks Ray

An absolute pleasure to listen to. Not what I normally go to, but this lead to a very chill and productive morning at work.

As the sun set on the 1950's - the decade that birthed rock and roll - one of the new breed rose up to honour the past while reaching gently toward the future. "The Genius of Ray Charles" ties together jazz and swing standards with traditional pop ballads, all connected by a magnetic vocal presence: it's not a revelation by today's standards, but it has remained infinitely listenable. The only album of Ray Charles' that I'd heard before was his landmark recording "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music". Released three years earlier, "The Genius of Ray Charles" is lighter and pithier, finding Charles embracing his roots as a big band performer. It's his seventh album in a little over two years, and now seen as his breakout recording. While "Modern Sounds" is sequenced so its differing styles alternate track-by-track, this one's a distinct album of two halves: six tracks with the "Ray Charles Band" on the first side, and six more with a string orchestra on the second. The big band accompanying Charles in the first half are a real treat, used to the strongest effect in rollicking tracks like "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (tremendous fun) or when showcasing individual instrumentalists (the saxophone in "Two Years of Torture" is superb). The worthy arrangements here were actually written by young upstart Quincy Jones: he and Charles had been close friends from the ages of 14 and 16, and were frequent collaborators throughout their careers. By comparison, the second half does sink slightly into a drowsy syrup, with lagging tempos and some pacing issues. That's not to say the overall effect suffers, though: individual numbers like "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" are stunning, and the arrangements remain gently moving. All in all, it's an engaging listen if not an essential one.

Such smooth, easy listening. Great music for a rainy fall day, love it

Some great ones! I feel like there are better Ray Charles albums though.

I like Ray Charles but this was mostly ballads and a little dull

Dimery you dumb shit. Of all the bad choices you’ve made putting this list together, could this be the most asinine? In the same month that this was released, Ray Charles also released What I’d Say, and which of those two albums did you choose to include? This album is a collection of covers, that could easily be mistaken for any 50s crooner, there’s just nothing special or unique about it. Ray’s voice is good and there’s occasional a tinkle of piano under all the horns. What I’d Say is original compositions showing his style, skill and personality in full force. I get that a lot of this stuff is personal preference, but this one feels like Dimery simply doesn’t know what the fuck he is talking about.

Very good album

Mot my Jam

It's Ray Charles.

Fantastic showcase for the Genius of Soul.

Ray could sing the phonebook and it would sound amazing. But I didn't love the bombastic horns on side A or the schmaltzy arrangements of side B. The songs have very little room to breathe. They're good songs, and again, Ray does his job, but I won't return to this much. 3.5/5

Not bad by any means but that is just Ray Charles for ya. Sounds like his "big band" album. It doesn't have any of the songs that would jump out as his stand out hits but makes for just generally nice easy listening if you like big orchestrated jazz style songs.

Genius indeed

Loved this, I only usually listen to this kind of music around Christmas-time so it was giving me nice cosy festive vibes, very relaxing but also moving music. Super skilled as well. Very enjoyable.

I thought this was excellent. Beautiful music. Very moving

Yeah it was cool, really enjoyed it. Was exactly what I thought it was be but nothing wrong with that!

Good had some hits on it. Big band type pop for first half. Recording quality was bad for first half of album.

Ray Charles doing Ray Charles things. 7/10

I like

Guy sings jazzy r&b pop with a big band (or strings) and adds some little piano ditties. Great voice, just a nice feeling tone and real emotional expression. Has some great songs but the songs don’t do enough to distinguish themselves from each other. Decent listen but not something I expect to revisit much. It’s nice but doesn’t get to the next level for me.

Really enjoyed this. From the big band sounds to Ray Charles' incredible voice. So good

Classic. Smooth. A true masterpiece

Ray Charles brings out the big band ballads.

9.5/10! I am a jazz musician, so this rating is a no-brainer. Great for active listening or background music. Snooky Young on the lead trumpet is unbeatable. Ray Charles’s blues combined with a star-studded big band and a fantastic string orchestra make every song on this album a joy to listen to.

Pure genius for sure. An easy four stars. Why not five? Only because this is not a music genre I typically engage with, I am unlikely to listen to it again, and I won't be adding it to my Tidal collection. But nobody can deny the magic of Mr. Charles' voice and genius on the ivories.

What's not to like!

Ray Charles is the man.

Rich and full, solid use of piano and vocal accompaniment.

Could listen to this all day

Fantastic. Not for kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The God Ray 🥰

Not my favorite of his, but really good.

Good, just not a fan of big band.

I have honestly never listened to a RC album front to back. This sounds old yet classic, and it kicks off with a gem in "Let The Good Times Roll". Big horn sound of that era with a playful vibe but I found the horns actually overwhelm the songs themselves - maybe they're mixed too high or maybe that sound is just dated. I find it distracting and sapping across 12 songs. I much prefer his later stuff where he sings songs and shines vs dancing around a giant horn section with heavy string accompaniment. The second half of the album is more in that vein with "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'" and "Come Rain Or Come Shine". Bottom line, it sounds dated and felt rather boring overall. I think his true genius comes later in life. I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it, nor would I consider it a Top 1001. His compilation "True Genius" is a better option.

Great opening track! Let the good times roll! They rolled for while but slowed as the song turned from jazz to blues.

good jazzy songs, some good vocals but a lot of talk-singing

Ray Charles is just legendary! Great listen!

The album started stronger than it ended. Love the big band Fran Sinatra-esque sound. “It had to be you” and “Deed I do” potentially first dance of my wedding songs. Rays voice is incredible and so distinct.. Even though the album is not the best produced, his voice and playing takes centre stage.. I actually kind of like the way production is not too crisp, it has a raw feel with some smooth backing vocals, I’m getting some wizard of oz vibes at times. A lot of cute love, love that’s been lost and love lust songs. The album opener “let the good times roll” has a simplistic message of enjoying life regardless of your position in the world, you just got to spend some cash!! Haha 😂 and to be honest all the lyrics on the album seem to have a ‘to the point’ simplicity which is nice to listen to when sometimes music can be so open to interpretation and multiplicity of meaning (which is great, don’t get me wrong) where it’s left to the listener to extract their own meaning, it’s a nice change of beat to what I’m used to. Second half of the album drops to a simpler kind of sound. Which I like but it’s hard for me to describe, I just found it a little less interesting. “Don’t let the sun catch you crying” is a great single though, those “violins” 🤷‍♂️ answered back by rays keys ❤️ Maybe I just lost a bit of concentration on the second half of the album. (this review is after one and half listens) 6.8/10 maybe 🤷‍♂️, it’s hard to say on first albums score, I think I need more points to attach my opinion to, a point of focus to relate to. Still would recommend a listen to a friend ✌️

I listened to it while on the way to the city for a meeting. Whimsical and cathartic at times. Gave me a lot of nostalgia, and the songs were strangely applicable to issues and feelings I currently have at this stage in my life.

очень скромно, Рей) мне меланхолично чем мне нравится, норм

The algorithm fed me two Ray Carles albums in one week, and I've got absolutely no problem with this.

Too much big band and strings for me

Love Ray Charles, love this album and own it on vinyl. The voice is unmatched, the piano playing and arranging are spectacular its its just a seriously good album

It Ray Charles man, homies a legend and will always be a legend

Love ray charles but this felt like a load of rather boring blues love songs

unfair to all the other albums in the world really

Ray Charles singing jazz standards - what could possibly be bad about that?

The big band sounds of Brother Ray! The guy can play anything. Outstanding

Enjoyable jazz album, but the big band didn't stand out that much for me

Decent Jazz album, just didnt blow my socks off

Genius is the word

No doubt that Ray Charles is another mega superstar who deserves all the accolades for his contribution to music. Personally I always thought of him as from a different generation and that the music he made was for the pleasure of the likes of my mum and dad. I am now in my 70’s so where that leaves Ray Charles goodness only knows. To younger listeners he may be as relevant as Bach or Beethoven. To others latching onto his magnitude he is an artist who is extremely cool by modern standards. I have no strong feelings either way and ambivalent to his music. It exists but somewhere outside my consciousness. 2/5 20/9/24

I think this album title can only work if you're dead, which he was not when this released. Music is pretty gud tho Will I listen to again: 1%

I love the confidence/arrogance of somebody naming an album “The Genius of…” followed by their own name. I’m certain that there must be some Ray Charles songs that I know, but none were found on today’s album. The sound reminded me a lot of cosy nights playing Fallout, as this music is exactly the type used in those games. I do love a bit of big band, so the tracks that allow this side to flourish would be my personal favourites here. The music definitely sounds dated, but that just adds an extra charm for me.

Penultimate song was beautiful, great vibes

I can appreciate it but wouldn’t listen again

I will always be in love with Ray Charles and his music. I usually listen to his quieter tracks not featured on this album, so the contrast pleasantly surprised me. This album is full of big bands, brass and vocals which you can't NOT love when Ray Charles is in the mix. He is him.

Stunner

Pretty genius, but not all that exciting either.

Very loungy indeed! Whoever was the drummer for him had a really cush gig!

Good pop jazz, didn't stand out.

Ray Charles is great, but I was hoping for more bangers. The ballads were nice, but felt a bit samey.

banqué 👏 me gustaron mas los temas lentos (la segunda mitad del disco) q los mas movidos pq eran... todos iguales. q se yo. igualmente estos tipos tienen ese no se que en las venas que es tremendo!!! aunq sospecho q la mitad de las canciones estaban todas en la misma tonalidad #LAM jeje. pero la instrumentación? los coros? 10/10 very demure. mi top 3 es just for the thrill, am i blue y let the good times roll. la abuela yeta tiene taste (lastima q le pegaba a la mujer) (creo) (seguramente). 3.5(4)/5 ☆

Good album overall, can't go wrong with the classics. Jazz is not my cup of tea, but that's not to say that this is a bad album per se. From one point on all songs just merged into one mashed mess in my mind, something that happens often when I listen to many new songs all at once. Overall a 3.4/5 because, even though I don't really listen to jazz, this album is truly a classic and there is no legitimate reason for me to rate it any lower.

I tend to dislike 50s music because of how dated it sounds. This album, however, felt timeless. Not sure if it’s been remastered, but the audio was incredibly crisp. I love it.

It’s fine. 2.75

didn't think ray Charles sounded like this, kinda Sinatra like. silly me.

Great

So this album definitely demonstrates why Ray was a legend. For me, it could've used more up-tempo bangers. Stuff that moves. But the song-writing, arrangements, and production are all top-notch. I can appreciate it if I don't actually want to ever listen to it again.

The soul in his voice is everything.

Gotta love Ray. Great album. Not my favorite album of his, but I was happy to give it a full listen. It’s close to 4 stars, but not quite there.

Sure!

Hard to top the assessment in the album's liner notes (nicely written by Nat Hentoff): "this album presents Ray in two new contexts - as singer and pianist with a big band and as one of the most warmly personal and sensitive ballad singers of this generation." Many reviewers have rightly pointed out the bifurcated approach to this album, but what ties it together is a unique tenderness in Ray Charles' vocals and piano playing that highlights his so-called genius and his versatility. We know that Ray can squeal, shout, and yelp with the urgency of a gospel singer on fire (in fact, that might be where his real talents shine the best), but the romantic sensuality of songs such as "Tell Me You'll Wait For Me" or "It Had To Be You" could not be beat. Still, the languishingly arranged string and brass arrangements lead to attention veering off, so I can't quite say this is the definitive Ray Charles album, even if the title would have you believe that. But it's a great title! As is 'Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music' (also on this list, btw). It sounds like the title of a textbook or a serious, foundational text. As a sidenote: if you are curious as to how the film 'Ray' holds up 20 years after its release, then I can tell you: poorly. In fact, it was never good to begin with. B+

Classic and a master!

This was great, really joyous. I loved the Jazzy parts particularly.

I like Ray Charles, I got a bit bored of all the big band kinda sound though.

fine album highlighting Ray Charles great voice and some classic tunes. I prefer the songs that have a bit more r'n'b about them than the smoother numbers and ballads

genius

Good stuff, love Ray Charles. Genius is probably a stretch.

I think the in-your-face big band sound only works for the first song, but luckily the middle and end of the album works really nicely with beautiful love ballads and great arrangements behind Ray's voice. 6/10

This album is magical, the arrangment is so beautiful it feels like you have been thrown into a vintage disney film. It feels so serene and nostalgic at the same time. This certainly is Ray Charles's genius.

You can never go wrong with Ray Charles.

Ray always gets 5...he is my favorite artist

I appreciate the quality of the music...but I find it so hard to rate music from other eras. The older stuff just doesn't hit me the same way...

Recently listened to this, and rated it a "3". Listening to it again I'm enjoying this a lot more. His unique vocals, subtle piano, and the backing (big) band works for these classics.

I usually love Ray Charles, but there must be a certain Ray that I like because this and “modern sounds in country music” did nothing for me. The croony Christmas feel leaves something to be desired. I was optimistic after the album kicked off strong with “let the good times roll”, but it quickly dove into banal soundtrack hymns. Here’s hoping I get one of his albums that moves me soon!

Un poco rollete.

It was fine. It started stronger than it finished.

No argument here, the man was a genius. Two records here, bombastic big band for the first half and swirling strings for the second half all topped off with his distinctive voice. Great.

let the good times roll! Mix of a few big band tunes and a lot of nice slow dance love songs. Especially lovely orchestration in the last track "Come Rain or Come Shine". I can picture a million black and white first dance wedding scenes. Not an album I would seek out but clearly an influential classic. 4/5.

Fav: It Had to Be You Least Fav: Tell Me You'll Wait for Me

Favorite: Let the Good Times Roll Least Favorite: Deed I Do

perfect for what is

Lovely early stuff, though the genius comes later.

7/10 very jazzy i liked it!

It's pretty basic, but damn if it ain't hit me right sometimes. Am I Blue is a beauty.

He might be famous for influencing later piano men (Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Harry Connick Jr) but none of the instruments sound virtuosic here. It is Charles' soulful voice that surpasses the piano, big band, and string orchestra on this album and turns the blues a bright sunny yellow. Three-and-a-half octaves vocal range: 3.5

I don't really know how to judge an album where it's covers from front to back. I'm not well versed enough to say if the instrumentation and arrangement are comparable to other versions of the standard. What I can say though, is that I enjoyed listening to this album

Bro can sing.

I like Ray, and many of these tunes, but the big band/strings is too much. Is this meant to broaden his appeal to white audiences? I'd trade all this for "Hit the Road Jack" with his band. I like that big brass sound less and less - it's like an air raid siren. How did it ever become a thing?

Great album, the soul R&B from Charles’ voice along with the big band sound were amazing.

A classic album that was enjoyable from start to finish. The drop off if any was extremely minute unlike other albums on this list which start strong and then a bomb hits it and it stinks

Okay so the only reason this isn’t getting a 5 is because of the big band stuff in the first half of the album. I’m just not a big band fan. It’s too much, too many instruments clashing together. Also it completely overshadows Ray’s voice which is kinda the whole point of the album. His voice is just so, so good. He sings with his soul. He makes every song sound achingly beautiful (at least for the second half). The slower stuff is where he really shines. Really great album.

love the big band sound with Ray's voice. 'Deed I Do, Don't Let the Sun Catch you Crying, and Come Rain or Shine are excellent. he's a great storyteller with his voice.

So Ray Charles' first album was released in 1957, and this was his 7th....released in 1959. That's some work rate. I'd had minimal exposure to Ray Charles, and I was expecting great things from this album. But I really didn't care for the big band arrangements and the old classic songs. I really didn't see this as a particularly great album.

good

Ray Charles is always a solid pick.

A Genius he is! Beautiful classic R&B, Country Western tinged pop tunes. Mostly ballads, which Ray always excelled with, because every tune continues to mount energy higher and higher until the bottom falls out and the statement made leaves you awe struck. Hard to hate on this album, but its dated and slow pace wouldn’t make it a mainstay in my rotation. But in the right mood, in the right lighting, in the correct moment this album is a perfect collection of tunes that I have no criticisms of !!!

Pretty good. Big band sound not my style

The strings and orchestra impede the looseness of Ray Charles and makes the album feel more like background music. Not his best album but it’s still the genius at work.

A bit pretentious to call it that but when you listen all the way through and consider the man and the time period, you’ll allow it

01) Let the Good Times Roll - 7,5 02) It Had to Be You - 7,5 03) Alexander's Ragtime Band - 7,0 04) Two Years of Torture - 7,0 05) When Your Lover Has Gone - 7,0 06) Deed I Do - 7,5 07) Just for a Thrill - 7,0 08) You Won't Let Me Go - 7,0 09) Tell Me You'll Wait for Me - 7,0 10) Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' - 7,5 11) Am I Blue - 7,5 12) Come Rain or Come Shine - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,25 (73/100) Current ranking: 160/272 Ray Charles is a legend, his interpretations are perfect, the songs themselves are enjoyable. But the album as an album is a bit boring. The big band songs on the A side all sound more or less the same, just like the ballads on the B side.

Enjoyed the opener - let the good times roll. It had good energy to it. The rest of the album was chilled, with a big band sound for the most part. Overall pretty good. More of a background album for me though.

This nigga spittin. Too bad he couldn’t see the spit, too

неплохое начало когда все надоело

The title says it all. Great album

Some quality music, especially for the time period. However most songs were very one-note.

Excellent album. Enjoyed it a lot.

Relaxing soulful and smooth. Vocals and instrumental flawless.

Crazy horn arrangements. I'm not super familiar with Ray Charles's music, so I don't know if he's the one doing the arranging – but man, it's good. Dramatic, thick vibratos, particularly in the trumpets, punctuate Charles's soulful vocal with jazzy, big-band-style hits. This is particularly prevalent in the first half of the album with tracks like Let the Good Times Roll and It Had to Be You (which are, coincidentally, my two favourite songs in the set). And Charles is just about the most likeable singer you can get, even with the steep 50s competition of Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and Ella Fitzgerald (among countless others). This is about as good of an album as you can get without committing to any sense of album-esque "adventure". In other words, I reckon you could rearrange the songs on this album in pretty much any order and get the same experience. It did feel at times that the songs were slight variants of each other, what with the identical arrangements, commitment to the big-band swing-pop genre, and so on. 4/5 Key tracks: Let the Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Come Rain or Come Shine

If you’re into jazz, you’ll probably like this album. Personally, I’m not a fan, so it just sounds boring and uninspired to me. 2

Delightful album. Slow, calm swing. Probably timeless. I should pay more attention to this album and listening to it while not working.

The title didn't lie. I love the mood switch right in the middle - it goes from lovely upbeat swing to soulful blues.

This feels like a very safe pick. Inoffensive and unexciting. I don't think it does a great job of really showcasing Ray Charles' skills and energy, but the arrangement and songs are solid throughout.

Is genius. 5/5

This was very please to listen to. He has such an amazing voice and vocal style.

Decent

hugo

The genius of Ray Charles indeed

Classic Ray Charles

Great album.

Naja, kann man sich anhören, ist aber halt schon fast 70 Jahre alt, und das hört man ...

Un album sympa, mais je trouve que le côté big band affaiblit la puissance émotionnelle de Ray Charles.

man i dont like this genre im so sorry i dont think ill listen to the whole album its just not my thing his singing is very good though my favorite song: /

8/10

It’s aight

This was just there all day...

Enjoyed it although it was more show band than I expected

"You only live but once/and when you're dead you're done." It's interesting to hear Charles come at these old-school pop standards rather than rhythm and blues, which is what I'm used to hearing. It sounds a lot like other big band albums of its time; the only stand out is Charles himself, who has a great voice, piano chops, and presence. He comes off as less smug than, say, Sinatra. I think he has more interesting work, but this was a pleasant listen. The engineering leaves something to be desired. The horns often sound blown out or over-modulated. Charles' piano sometimes sounds like it's coming out of a broken speaker. Highlights: It Had to Be You, Come Rain or Come Shine

Iconic voice. Great Sunday dinner music.

Three is more my enjoyment. Talent and impact is much higher.

Back when music was GOOD.

Good, but didn't do anything amazing for me. I enjoyed the second half more when it was slowed down and simplified, the first half had a lot of big band sounds which I don't really enjoy. Ray is a legend and has a lot of fantastic songs but this album did not wow me

Pretty nice :)

Nice enough album, but not the best of his Wish it was a bit more upbeat! Sadly a lot of these songs blended into eachother 3 ⭐️

Loved it.

Very big band style with smooth and sultry singing - love it!

nice

There isn't a single bad note on this album. Yes, he was a genius.

Genius indeed

With a title like this, the album better deliver. This is a very jazzy Ray Charles. I do like jazz standards, but I don't like this as much as Country and Western Ray Charles. The horns are very prominent for an album by a piano player. Violins>Horns on this album, perfect example: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'. I like the sad songs the best.

This was very relaxing to listen to. 10/10 would listen again

I'm embarrassed to admit, but after 5 attempts, I still have not managed to finish this album. I would have LOOOOVED to see Ray Charles live. I had a few best of compilations I listened to regularly in high school and Genius Loves Company was on all the time with my friends. Sadly, as an album, this feels like something from a bygone era. The performances are phenomenal, but it's just a pile of songs on a record a nothing greater than the sum of the parts. This rating is because I can't, in good contentious go higher on an album I didn't finish.

Big band, crooner Ray. Good enough, but I prefer Georgia and What a Wonderful World Ray.

Nice smooth music

I really enjoyed this album. My fav: Maybe “Am I Blue” but all the song were good.

Swingging Pop with Bigband arrangements.

Favourite songs: Deed I Do, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Let The Good Times Roll, It Had to Be You, Just For a Thrill Least favourite songs: Am I Blue 4/5

If your G-Ma was born in 1940, you’re probably the direct result of “It Had to be You” I love this as a reference point of the genre

Big band Ray Charles is something special, love it all. First half is big band and second strings. Stand out tracks: - Let the good times roll - It had to be you - Alexander's ragtime band - When your lover has gone - You won't let me go

This is easily the best album i have gotten so far, i love jazz music and ray charles is one of the greatest jazz musicians ever

It's pretty nice. I'll never go too crazy for Frankie Sinatra big band music of this sort, but this was a cute listen.

3/5. A nice dual album, big band on one side and ballads on the other. The horns are very loud yet don't drown out Ray's voice. I think the slower songs are better but the loud ones are still just as good. The album itself is okay, I mean, it's a greatest hits because these are all covers. Ray's voice does keep me interested but the songs themselves don't necessarily make me want to re-listen. It wasn't bad, just okay. Best Song: Am I Blue?, Let The Good Time Roll, Come Rain or Come Shine

128/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Some good big band music. Not my favorite genre, mostly find it boring, but there were some good songs and it's hard to deny the quality of musicianship. I rather enjoyed the lyrics.

Good album, but I was expecting something better

Very good but not great.

Aptly named album. The voice and piano. Beautiful. Would be a higher rating, but it reached my limit of listening to big band sounds.

I didn't realize Ray Charles was "big band" as I haven't listened to much variety from him. This was a nice listen, and has some well known songs as well as some good new ones. "Daddy's done turn salty, Baby, you made him so sore. You done your daddy dirty." Slow dance only, good voice, but singing register too low.

I can appreciate the quality...but it's so hard to compare music from different eras. The older stuff just doesn't hit me the same way...

One of the best to ever do it. Ray’s has such a delicate balance of power and vulnerability, I can’t help but feel sentimental listening to him. Catch many songs on this album at my wedding date TBD.

Classic, but not something I'd go out of my way to listen to.

A title that only Ray could have gotten away with

Now thats what i call music

Album de Jazz/Soul/Blues sympa, un peu trop de trompette et rien de vraiment marquant selon moi mais après je l'ai écouté en taffant donc bon. Je trouve que la trompette est un peu assourdissante à force... Mais au moins l'album n'est pas trop long et pas vraiment de mauvais son. Franchement il chante bien et les mélodies sont sympa mais on va pas se mentir on se fait un peu chier... Et pas forcément de grosse différence avec les autres musiques du genre. 13/20 (le 28/06/2024)

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

Mid

Look, Ray is an indisputable genius, but his skill is best displayed when he plays bluesy fuck jamz for sweaty teens.

Ray Charles truly is a genius! Loved having this album pop up.

Auf die Länge Zuviel orchestrale, 40s/50s Hollywood Liebesfilmmässige Balladen. ***

Meh muzak. Sorry Ray.

Affectionate

Ein sehr schönes Album von Ray Charles. Vielleicht etwas angestaubt. Ich habe es aber gern gehört. 4/5

4.0

9/10 Fav track: Let The Good Times Roll

A great blues album, but not my favourite from Ray Charles

Very solid. Rays vocals mix well with both the big band and the more string focused sections to make a something worth listening.

I can see why this became a classic, but I wasn't as into it as I thought I would be. I might need to explore more Ray Charles.

- liked the slower songs especially - brash horns are interesting - very old timey so needs repeat listens 3.5/5 atm

'The Genius of' more like 'The Averageness of'. Not bad for a bog-eyed man though I guess.

Would I listen to it again: no Do I like it: no

Smooth, powerful, pretty great.

Very enjoyable. Party time to start followed by ballads. I love a bit of strings.

De eerste helft van het album doet toch even vraagtekens zetten bij de pocherige titel, of die niet een beetje overtrokken is. Door de dominantie van de big band - wat niet mijn favoriete era in de muziek is - komt Ray niet helemaal tot zijn recht. Hij is op zijn sterkst als het heel erg slecht met hem gaat, en hij z'n persoonlijke struggles de wereld in resoneert met die kolossale stem en dat magische pianogevoel. Zonder al te veel poespas eromheen, dan laat hij pas echt z'n genialiteit schijnen. Kantje één kent z'n intieme momenten, maar worden in mijn ogen dan toch wel verstoort door een bombastisch einde zoals in 'When Your Lover Has Gone'. Kant twee is ronduit briljant, en kent een reeks songs wat wellicht z'n beste run in z'n carrière was. 'Just for a Thrill' en 'You Won't Let Me Go' worden direct al wat subtieler bijgestaan door de band, en Ray's emotieve pianospel en vocalen krijgen meer ruimte. Maar 'Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'' en 'Come Rain or Come Shine' zijn de overduidelijke smaakmakers. Wat een krachtige afsluiter, prachtig bijgestaan door de achtergrondzang en de strings. Één van zijn sleutelsongs in een loopbaan gekenmerkt door iconische momenten. 7/10 (was 4 sterren geweest als side A net iets meer Ray, en net iets minder big band was) Highlights: You Won't Let Me Go Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Come Rain or Come Shine

Ray Charles in town! Heel vet dat Ray zijn RnB vanachter de piano heeft opgeschaald naar een hele big band met strijkers en blazers. Ik vind dan ook vooral side A wel echt genieten. Ondertussen wordt deze muziek al zo uit, 1959, damn. Tuurlijk, timing is alles. En Ray Charles luisteren in een benauwde trein op een maandagavond is toch niet het beste moment in de week. Maar toch, Ray z'n stem is ongeevenaard en het is soms heerlijk om je even in de Amerikaanse jaren 50 te wanen. 7/10 Highlights Let the Good Times Roll Deed I Do

3.5/5

Lots of horns. Big band feel. Not your typical Ray Charles.

Pretty good background music, smooth, sexy but not captivating enough

Good

yep

Masterpiece. Felt like I was in a dreamland the entire listen.

Pretty good but would be even better without the loud horns. They're just not my thing.

I liked this a lot, not sure when I would put it on in my regular music listening day, but this is good. I forgot how nice and smooth Ray's voice is.

Old standards played well does not, in my mind, constitute Genius. I'm not sure whether this music is relevant in 2024.

Now that’s what I call jazz

perfect album to start your day with by blaring it from your living room speakers at full volume, opening your curtains, and letting the sunshine hit your face... but then by the time the album ends you're on the floor crying in a ball. awesome record, just not one I felt demanded many further re-listens

Ray is always a joy to listen to. Great stuff.

If you must have jazz, this is the jazz to have. So much fun.

This 1959 classic is shows the versatility of Ray Charles, this time on a big band setting. What shouldn’t be forgotten is his earlier blues-based work was thought to be too race-music related so this album was meant to be a bridge to more white audiences. When I think of RC, I tend to lean to more of the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll rather than Count Basie-esque band leader. “You Won’t Let Me Go” and “Am I Blue” are key tracks for me as each show his bluesy roots. Overall this is a great album, though it is a great album for red wine and love makin’. After 17 years of happy marriage, I’m in the she-goes-to-sleep-and-I’m-drinking-a-beer-on-the-coach-with-headphones phase…

Great and amazing classic voice. Nice old timey jazz and other easy listening. I'll definitely give this one another spin.

Love this album. Definitely a jazz album. Simply wonderful.