Reviews (page 9 of 12)
I liked the album. I liked that it seemed different between each side.
Although uncountable accountments of great music could be attributed to the great Ray Charles - adding the legacy he carries as a figure in music history - this album doesnt carry that accoutrement of excellence and essence that I generally distinct with a figure such as him. It is not a bad album, and actually really gains traction de closer to the final tracks it gets, but it feels like a compilations more than a project in itself. 3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Good times, fairly standard of what you’d expect
Keepin it classy
De bonnes chansons pour le plupart déjà entendues en fond dans des films, séries, pubs, etc. Bons musiciens, bonnes compositions mais ce n'est pas mon style.
3.5
Good, great voice decent songs
Good big band style stuff for the era but it all kind of sounds the same for me.
A younger Ray before he developed that deep gravelly voice in his later years. Still good stuff.
Smooth as all goodness
I enjoyed it but it felt like a collection of songs. Would pull this out again on date night but probably not for much else.
Still struggle with the big band stuff, but mostly enjoyed this. Decent kitchen music. Bold title.
Ray Charles has like 6 albums referencing the fact that he’s a genius in the title. I think he’s trying to will it into existence. I don’t think he’s a genius. I think he’s pretty good.
Some fun tracks in here. The big band stuff kept my attention, but the ballads were a better showcase of Rays voice. His rhythm in Let The Good Times Roll was awesome.
Wild album title. Thinking how funny it would be for any modern band to try that - “The Genius of Sugar Ray”. Was it just way more acceptable to be a big showboater back then? I think most of this songs would be a lot better without the string arrangements. I want to hear the piano, horns, and Ray’s (genius) voice. I like the rare moments when the backing back and Ray let loose a little - “Deed I Do” is my favorite for this. I think Ray has a bit of genius in him, but I am not sure this album is the best example of it.
I enjoy Ray Charles' uptempo numbers a bit more than the ballads. So it's a hit and miss album for me, and I'm not quite sure how this qualifies for this list AS AN ALBUM rather than an okay selection of songs.
Think I like the slower songs more- can really appreciate his voice and the jazzy vibe of the first half isn't really my thing. It's a bit odd to me to have such distinct halves of the album (probably did feel more understandable when they were different sides of a record). Favourite song: Am I Blue? Least: Let the Good Times Roll
Obviously classic although I prefer Ray without big band style backing
Some nice stuff on here, timeless but can’t get too excited about it personally
Madness that this is nearly 70 years old and holds up really well
More crooner-y than expected. It was fine but won’t go back to it.
This was a good album.
The boss!
3/5
'hit the road jack' guy. the genius, your grandpa listened to it jak nie ma za duzo instrumentow dmuchanych to ladne
it was raining and grey this morning which definitely made this a good listen, very good vibes
Such a nice playlist, this might be my new study playlist! Though none of the songs would be something I would listen to regularly so none of them will be added to my new playlist. Great jazzy instrumental! The saxophone and piano...wow!!
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Let The Good Times Roll, Alexander's Ragtime Band I listened to this album twice. Really nothing stood out to me. It's not like Ray Charles isn't talented. I just wasn't enjoying it; Not my type of music. I preferred the first half of the album; the big-band stuff, and the ragtime style.
A bit too crooner-y for my tastes, personally. It's alright, but I like him a lot better on Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.
That Ray Charles is a genius - no doubt. The 50s production on this album - not so much. I did like it, but all the strings and full choir backing vocals were just a bit too schmaltzy for my ears. They can work well in small doses, but a full album worth is far too much. To his credit, Charles does elevate the songs above the typical album of the era, but that only gets it so far.
It’s hard to find fault here. Classic R&B, soul, rock and roll with gospel vocals. I can’t say that this album has changed my view of anything or that it will be something that I return to often, but it is good stuff and I can see why many people could find a passion for this.
This is a bit big band for my tastes but it has a really good swing along energy.
Due to years of playing Fallout, I am a sucker cold war big band.
RIP Ray Charles you would’ve loved Op Ivy
I really wanted to give this a 4, but it just didn’t do it for me. Maybe a victim of its age, but I enjoyed Ella Fitzgerald a lot more - and that was three hours’ worth.
The second half of the album was pretty good. The first was just jazzy high notes on repeat. Pretty annoying.
I really wanted this to be better. I didn’t not enjoy it but it all seemed to lack anything different and all seemed a bit same. I don’t know if that means the musical range of ray charles needs calling into question but it wasn’t as genius as I was hoping
Brilliant musician, but the constant rain and sun metaphors make the lyrical skies feel a bit overcast.
This album is split into two distinct sides: the first half features Charles backed by a swinging big band, while the second half leans into orchestral ballads with string arrangements. The more familiar I become with Ray Charles, the more I realize I really enjoy his orchestral ballads, where he leans deeper into soul and R&B. I know his big band side deserves just as much credit, but to be honest, big band and swing music have never really been my thing. It’s not that I dislike it, it’s just there for the sake of existing.
Pleasant enough. Nice vibes but not much else. Probably won’t go back to this one.
Great voice and playing, and I'm a bit shocked this is my review, but the album felt a bit more hollow than I expected. Ray Charles should be on the list for sure but I wonder if this is the pick.
I really do like his voice. The track lengths are great. It gets a little repetitive sounding. I enjoyed this, but I don't see myself listening to this whole album again.
Good quality Ray Charles
It's fine. I appreciate the artist but it's not my bag.
This is a good album. I like it for sure. 3 stars
Back to back sunglasses-wearing artists, what are the chances. Quite enjoyed the big band tracks, but overall didn't really get into the swing of things. Nothing memorable jumps to mind.
Back to back blind artists, what are the chances..... Very dated, but quite charming. I think I preferred the grander big band stuff at the start to the end of the album. Wont be rushing back. 3 as i preferred it to Stevie
3/6
Great horn parts on this one (Melba Liston!). Enjoyed it for sure.
Great voice, but the songs are all a bit generic.
I love Ray Charles but this was such an odd choice. Why not include albums with his own material? I don't really want to hear him do standards
It's nice but I probably wouldn't listen to it in any other way than background music
Jep
Myöhemmät levyt ovat astetta rokimpia ja niistä pidän enemmän. Eittämättä äijä listalle kuuluu! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Da scaricare per il viaggio
This wasn't bad.
nice, big band - loud trumpets. Ray's voice is smooth as silk. Gem was the last track - Come Rain or Come Shine
3/5. Amazing voice and some excellent songs, but I’d like to see some more variety, especially in the second half.
3.5
This 1959 album feels as though it could have been recorded in the 1940s (at least side one) with all those big band arrangements. Also, the sound quality was not as good as today’s recordings. Ray’s singing and piano playing are good as he covers some of the classics. For me there are better Ray Charles albums though.
Last Ray Charles we had, I was surprised he was around in the 60s. Now I learn he was around in the 50s! While reading about this album I learned a bit about the world of best-selling sheet music, as in the first half of the 20th century, successful sheet music(s?) sold millions(!!) of copies. I guess pre-radio people would, like, play hit songs on their own instruments?? That's some Jane Austen stuff. Anyway, Ray Charles didn't write these songs; most of them were decades old and have some very popular sheet music. Seems to have been a genius move on his part. I didn't particularly love the album, but I do like this style of music (aka "old") and I wish there were more 50s (or older??) albums on here! Highlights: 'It Had to Be You' (used in not 1, not 2, but 3!! Looney Tuneses), 'Am I Blue' (perhaps only in a single Looney Tune) Related queries: Where did the "deep (as a) river, high (as a) mountain" dual originate? Not 'River Deep – Mountain High', clearly, since it's in the much older 'Come Rain or Come Shine' here. Is that just a coincidence? Surely there are other natural features with measurements that could be paired together and aren't ("canyon so wide; valley so low", anyone?). There's an African-American spiritual called 'Deep River', but it makes no mention of mountains. There's a Bible verse that includes "go up on a high mountain", but no mention of rivers. Is the answer obvious? Or is there nothing to answer? Maybe future albums will shed some light.
beautiful album. I don’t have much of an ear for jazz/soul yet, but I’m going to add it for now.
musique de noël
Pretty good listen, plesent, nothing too exciting but it hits the spot for sitting around and listening to it. Nice easy listen, probably will be liked by people much older then you.
Good chill ass listen very big band sounds and beautiful ray charles voice
3 only because I feel like I have to.
First half is really boring and genric As soon You Won't Let Me Go hits it becomes a way better album
its alright. not my mood or taste rn.
It’s good, but not great.
love Ray, but the older slower 'whiny' stuff starts to all sound the same - just a consequence of what music was being made at the time. Still Ray though :)
talk about back to back 1959. Ray is more of a pop artist than Miles, but that bond with people is what makes his music timeless. i will say i dislike this title, but that's a small thing. this is his 7th record, so his stride is in full swing. like Kind of Blue, the pulse of the American spirit is on this album. Ray is pushing his style of jazz forward with songs like Alexander's Ragtime Band. there is music that defines places like New York and Las Vegas, this is it. he has a sense of humor that doesn't need to tell jokes. its hard to tell what his motive is, other than making songs he thinks are good. styles are varying and rounded. Deed I Do is actually a song that I've heard, and its very playful. with songs like Don't Let the Sun..., it shows the bigger and symphonic direction his music was heading towards. his identity of American culture is being woven into the minds of everyone at this point in his career. at 38 minutes, its crazy the depth this goes into. with songs like Come Rain of Come Shine, how we define soul with a gospel feel was brand new and ground breaking at the time, and you can tell Charles dedication to that distinction. he has a vision of what he wants and its evident in this album. 3/5 for such a memorable time before the explosion of the 60's would change the course for everyone.
- You Won't Let Me Go - Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
My parents were big fans but I am not into him that much
What terrible mastering, all the loud parts are distorted and over-modulated. Makes you understand how people could listen on super rolled-off speakers or phono cartridges and still think they sound good... Songs are good, rockin and rollin and reelin, good musicianship, will never listen again :)
Listened while on road trip. Mixed feelings in the car. Not something I would listen to often but respect for what it is. 3/5
Really solid first half but i wasn’t too into the second half. interesting listen, i did enjoy how half way through the album it flips genres, i thought that was so cool. i just found the second half to drag a lil bit, and i did not like the song “am i blue” at all.
I liked the second side with more piano. First half big band music wasn’t my favorite.
Some good vocal jazz, the album is bookended well with a strong brassy start and a softer ending. Loses me in the middle a bit. 6/10
3.5 He is a genius. But the big-band style orchestration became such a standard after this. He is a brilliant interpreter. But he just pushed the limits with 'What'd I Say) (banned on many stations, but still a Top Ten hit.) A sign of things to come. Read that one both ways.
Good singer, decent music; just nothing really standing out.
Great singing, great arrangements, the songs themselves are patchy in there quality - a few are standouts but the majority are unmemorable. Not Sinatra.
Not really my thing. A bit old fashioned and razzle dazzle. But there's nothing wrong with this.
Mids. No complaints, no big highlights for me
So this stuff is over 60 years old. The effort in remastering that material must have been enormous. Excellent job in the arrangement of the instruments, but Charles' voice seemed to be a too difficult task. For the material itself: the first half is big band, the second half string arrangements, and a lot calmer. No real complaints here, but there was nothing I would remember because it was sung by Charles.
Good
Amazing music but sorry Ray no for me
He’s better than this
Som en morgon läsandes DN med liite för bittert kaffe
That orchestration is tight but it just doesn't seem to fit. Love Ray but this one doesn't work for me.
I mostly know Ray from his Diet Pepsi commercials in the 90’s, so it’s nice to get a better feel for his catalog. Really surprised that I didn’t get a copy of this album when I inherited my grandparents vinyl collection 15 years ago. All in all, an easy listen that I could see myself revisiting under the right circumstances (cocktail hour)
Good to listen to when coming down from a heavy weekend. I do like a big band. And a short punchy album. I did find it difficult to distinguish between some of the songs, but I was driving and concentrating more on the road. Enjoyed it though.
6/10 surprisingly stale for most of it
Pre-listening thoughts: used to get this guy mixed up with Stevie wonder all the time. Now I know there’s a big difference between them but oops Post/during listening thoughts: this is decent vocal jazz/soul. He is very talented but idk it’s just not catching my interest. It’s all a little too mid or down tempo for me. I wish there were some more upbeat songs in here. That’s why I loved the Gershwin songbook so much. It’s sort of like that Billie Holiday album where every song sounds the same/is arranged the same even though the singer is really famous and talented. 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Alexander’s ragtime band Least fav tracks: I didn’t dislike any of this necessarily but I wouldn’t revisit this
A series of traditional pop classics that Ray Charles brings his own flavor to. Ray has a raspy, warm tone that flows over each lyric while his piano playing is engaging and enchanting at times. This collection of songs evoke feelings ranging from joy and wonder for the world down to despair over a lost lover. Fave Tracks: Let the Good Times Roll; When Your Lover Has Gone; Just for a Thrill; You Won't Let Me Go; Come Rain or Come Shine Worst Track: Deed I Do
63/100. Starts strong, but the middle section lost my interest a bit. Fortunately, the final few tracks bring it back with a charming finish. Considering it was released in 1959, it's impressive how well the sound holds up today.
Das Album The Genius Of Ray Charles wurde im Jahr 1959 in mehreren Studios aufgenommen, darunter die Atlantic Studios in New York sowie die Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Ray Charles, ein US-amerikanischer Musiker, war zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits für seine genreübergreifende Arbeitsweise bekannt. Das Album gliedert sich in zwei stilistisch unterschiedliche Hälften. Die erste Seite präsentiert Orchesterarrangements mit starkem Jazz- und Pop-Einschlag, während die zweite Hälfte vom Sound einer Big Band getragen wird, was an Charles’ rhythmischeren Rhythm & Blues-Wurzeln erinnert. Zu den prägnantesten Titeln zählen „Let the Good Times Roll“ und „Come Rain or Come Shine“, die beide seine Fähigkeit zeigen, emotionale Tiefe mit technischer Präzision zu verbinden. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Werk zwischen Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Soul und orchestriertem Pop. Es markiert einen Übergang in Charles’ Diskografie, da er sich hier erstmals von der rohen R&B-Produktion Atlantics hin zu aufwendigeren Arrangements bewegte. Das Album wirkt in seiner Anlage durchdacht und stilistisch ambitioniert. Es zeigt Ray Charles als Musiker, der sich zwischen verschiedenen Genres sicher bewegt und dabei eine neue Ausdrucksform sucht, ohne seine Ursprünge zu verleugnen.
Good stuff
I had never listened to a Ray Charles album all the way through before. This was enjoyable.
He was singing and vibing 6/10
Very enjoyable - a lot of strong songs. 3.5 stars, but I’m rounding down. Like it but don’t love it.
Pas mal mais pas dans le mood d'aujourd'hui
An easy going listen on a Sunday afternoon.
It's a very good record, I loved the big arrangements and how stylish they sound. It's interesting though that even though Charles' went in a more "swing" direction with this record, he manages to blend it with soul and his more R&B sound. Charles' voice is crazy good, his delivery is so powerful and stylish. The opening track, "Let the Good Times Roll", is so good, big and very energetic. The string arrangements on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'" are beautiful too, same for "Am I Blue". Overall, it was pretty good, easy listening, soulful and energetic at the same time.
3.1 2x catch up 10/24
Legend. Was a fun listen
Respect
Love the late 50s vibe on this one, but not so into the big band brassiness. Still excellent though.
Concert band with jazz influence. Would listen again
Let the good-but-not-great times roll.
Ray is a genius, but these aren't my favorite Ray Charles songs.
Off the cuff remark: Is "genius" a bit much? Big Band Standards? Seems a bit more sterile than the Billie Holiday I love, of a similar ilk. Standout Track: Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' Revisit?: I'd be happy to, and did listen to it twice, but not sure I'll be hunting it out.
This is so cinematic. Soul over big band instrumentation is elite. Standout Tracks are: “When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Come Rain or Come Shine”
Not bad but also not something I plan on revisiting.
Жалею, что поставил Фрэнку Синатре три. Потому что это лучше, но чувствуется на два. Лучшая песня - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'.
I liked the big band and upbeat tracks on this album. I felt like most of the sombre tracks sounded too similar to each other. Favourite Tracks(s): Let the Good Times Roll, Deed I Do Least Favourite Track(s): Tell Them You'll Wait for Me
More big band, but you can hear the soul coming through. Class act. Well worth a listen.
114/1089 - Competent but samey.
Something else I'm too dumb for - obviously amazing but I don't think jazz is for me
Like the ballads lots more than the big band stuff. A good singer.
Adore his voice
Le tengo muchísimo respeto a las canciones de los artistas de esa época. Aunque no sea el tipo de música que escucharía todos los días, puedo reconocer claramente cuándo estoy frente a buena música. Este álbum lo demuestra. Me encantaron especialmente las últimas canciones; sin duda, volveré a escucharlas.
Good album. Not exactly my cup of tea. But there is no denying the genius of Ray Charles.
I love Ray Charles singing
Chill album
I could play Fallout to this.
nerotkin voi erehtyä sanon minä. se että esim.erkiksi osaa vaik soittaa pianoo ja sillee.. ei se tarkota et niinku. oonkohan mä sininen?? siniverinen ainakin.. ruotsalaista verta. mutta sehän on pinkkiä. pinkkiverta. suomalainen veri valkoinen veri. tämä on tylssä, vittu tylsä albumi. 50-luvun poppipaskaa, mitä tapahtui tässä?? onneksi alettiin ottaa vähän roolia ja tuli myöhemmin vastuullisemmin tehtyä musiikkia. tässä ei ole vielä mitään erikoista, no radicalism... misssä hurjapäinen rallatus? tulevaisuudessa. neuteroitu tässä, pallit leikattu. myöhemmin liimattu. let the good times roll
For those peaceful times when you need jazzy background music.
Pretty much exactly what you would expect, good old soul by the legend Ray Charles. A bit too old for me to really get into it but obviously a classic. Favorites: It Had To Be You, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
OG goat, good vibes
I love Ray Charles’ voice but I really struggle with big band music. if you’re a fan of the genre I can see that it’s considered a Classic and man that guy can sing!! Lille of the quieter songs I liked like Just For The Thrill. So not for me but I can see why it’s revered.
I do like Ray Charles. I don’t really care for American Standards in general, and there’s stuff on here that feels like we’re firmly in the land of cheese (as in cheesy music, not as in France). Still, Charles’s voice and piano are strong-the musicianship on this album is also solid. It just feels like a lot of cheese to me. Properly a 2.5; I don’t think I’d revisit this, but also feel like an ass if I gave it less than a three.
Genius is apt, I think, even if it comes across as a bit staid to me, 65 years later. I prefer the big-band bombast of the A-side to the other half's sentimental balladry. I indeed feel a pang of recognition with much of it, particularly the great standard It Had to Be You.
Not my cup of tea
Awesome music, just not my cup of tea
I had some fun listening and if i ever were doing some cleaning or driving i could be in the mood to put it on again. In the end it's not really something i'm crazy about, the lyrics are all extremely simple love based pop poetry. It all sounds amazing though.
Skøn knas på spolebåndet. Fint, men lidt kedeligt.
I like Ray Charles, and I normally don't mind an album of big band/jazz/swing/whatever standards. For some reason this one hit me wrong and it just sounds like music for old people. Charles' talent and charisma overcome the material. He definitely has better albums than this.
Legal
It alright. Can't complain. Uhhhh, yeah. I've been sat here, arms folded in true music critic fashion for the past 10 minutes and the above word are the only ones that I have been able to muster. I'm not sure how I'd categorise this album, which makes it difficult for me to compare and understand it's strengths. I may be way off in my appraisal of this album, though the latter half strikes me as a halfway home between jazz and bossa nova, whereas the first half is more of a big band affair. Not sure if this combination was a popular genre of music during the 50s or if I'm even on the money at all, though I can't deny that this style of this music is distinctive and iconic. There are many great string sections in here, which is the aspect of this album that wins me over the most. The brass sections are also quite good. Ray Charles is a good songwriter and an equally skilled vocalist. I appreciate and respect this album for what it is without being crazy over it.
Smooth big band vibes. The talent is clear and Ray has such a good voice. Some truly great moments in here but for me, this is a moderation is the key to success kind of thing. Small doses are welcome any time. An entire album basically lulled me into a trance while walking the dog today. Thankfully I didn't walk into traffic. Phew!
perfectly alright but i wouldnt mind something more interesting or unique if this is what you feel like listening to today i wont stop you robert dimery
Perfectly fine background music
Some of this is great
piano is cool
Super warm sound. Reminds me of grandma and grandpa. Wish there were more examples of Charles at his more revved up R&B best like “What’d I Say” or “Mess Around”. Overall a great listen and perfect for chilling at home.
This wa enjoyable. I wouldn't reach for it again but I would like to hear this in a coffee shop or at a jazz bar or something. Ray's voice is beautiful and he's a legend for so many reasons and he absolutely was a genius. I like that the generator has a lot of jazz representation despite being Brit pop heavy and this was a nice change of pace. However, for my personal taste, it's middle of the road.
Great sounding album, but it's just not my tempo today. It's more of a log fire/christmas listening to me
Soul
Liked it better than the country music one he did.
3 out of 5. This albums lets the good times roll.
A nice, easy listen!
rocknroll
I usually love Ray Charles, but this album didn't quite reach my expectations. The first side is more upbeat and energetic, but the brass can be a bit harsh at times whilst the second side is more ballad-y but lacks anything particularly notable.
Starts on a high note with Let the Good Times Roll but the rest of the album doesn’t quite match up, probably in part because the tone shifts to slower jazzy soul music for most of the album. It’s still not a bad album overall, it would just work best as background music in a nice restaurant.
Good but too bombastic for my tastes 3.3
Shadows of Evil soundtrack be like
not really doin it for me, but i can appreciate that it’s like technically good
A beautiful album, but unfortunately no songs really stood out to me.
This was pretty and fun but big band gets same-y to me after a while.
good album 👍
It is the genius of ray charles - a spectacular talent who sings like he means it. The recording isn’t the best, but a decent listen.
Solid big-band tracks with Ray Charles being Ray Charles. Not much to complain about. Maybe just a bit too straightforward but whatever.
The instrumentation on this album is beautiful and I really liked the vocal performances. I wasn't in the right mood to appreciate the lyrical content though. Favorite song: "Am I Blue?"
Ray Charles is a legendary figure in modern popular music for a reason. S familiar as I am with him and his music in general, I think this is the first time I've ever listened to an entire album of his from start to finish. It's certainly out of my usual wheelhouse, but it made for a relaxing drive to work this morning. With so little context for this type of music, it's hard to rate it fairly. I find no faults with it honestly. But it's not anything I would revisit regularly. I certainly appreciate Ray's legendary status. I'd probably give it 7.5/10 if the system would allow. But I'll give it a 4 for this format. Album 2/1001
This is the second Ray Charles album I've gotten. I can absolutely understand his influence, but ultimately, it's just not my kind of music. It doesn't do much for me. It's kind of neat that this album functions as a two-in-one deal, with the brassy big band songs on the first side and the string-heavy ballads on the second. And he's a great singer, hands down. But I hear this music, and I don't feel anything. If anything, the big band songs actually annoy me a bit. They can be a bit predictably bombastic. The ballads are better. Fav tracks: Just for a Thrill, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Am I Blue
This is #day214 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here we are with another late '50s record. I've heard of Ray Charles, but never had a chance to dive into his music until now. And, well... I can appreciate its historical significance, "the genius" behind it, and all that jazz, but it's just not my kind of music. That said, I prefer the quieter moments on this record, though. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day215.
“Come rain or shine” sounds like “Georgia on my mind”
It’s ok. The songs were not great. Didn’t live up to the title.
bella voce, innegabile, ma non il mio stile
This is fine. I'm sure this was wildly innovative at the time, as most Ray Charles was, but personally, it doesn't do a ton for me. It's not off-putting, but just a little bland 65 years after release. Best Songs: Let the Good Times Roll, Alexander's Ragtime Band Worst Songs: Deed I Do
It was fine.
As I said on the previous album of his I got, Ray Charles has a great voice. Songs are fun as well. Kind of drags towards the end, the last few songs don't really hold up the energy from the first half. But all in all, a solid album. Best song: Alexander's Ragtime Band
Alright, but doesn't even contain his biggest hit(s)
Chill music and good mix of big band and ballads. However, anyone who unironically refers to themself as a genius in their album title deserves -1 star from me
This started strong and swingy with Let the Good Times Roll and Alexander's Ragtime Band but dropped off towards the middle. Favourite tracks: Let the Good Times Roll & Alexander's Ragtime Band Probably not one to revisit. 3/5
A delightful album to listen to. Ray's voice is nice and smooth, will probably listen to him some more, especially when I need to relax.
Ray Charles with a big band, good but nothing that stood out.
Not Behd
Viele Bigband-Liebeslieder, die fast alle gleich klingen und trotz vorhandenen musikalischen Talents ziemlich langweilen. Alles Mittelmaß, ohne aufregend zu sein. Das Album startet eigentlich ganz cool mit einer Coverversion von Let the Good Times Roll, aber lässt dann schnell nach. Der letzte Track, Come Rain or Come Shine, hat mir daneben noch am besten gefallen.
What a series of bops. I like the full orchestration bits, we need to bring those back. I also like the solo heartbreak songs. Those seems to be clinging around just fine tho
3.5/5
Enjoyable
Pretty groovy
Zum Ende hin wiederkehrend schmalzig.
I think this is good! Love a big band sound, love that this was his seventh album since debuting two years earlier. Not something I can see myself returning to consistently as the covers are only able to reach the heights of being well-done covers, but Ray Charles’ career overall has a substantial amount of hits that I love and this album showcases his ability to match several different energies across its runtime.
The first two songs are pretty fun, everything thing else is good at best, but it starts to get a little repetitive. High 3.
This was good. But I want later Ray Charles
Let the Good Times Roll 4 It Had to Be You 3.8 Alexander's Ragtime Band 3.9 Two Years of Torture 3.7 When Your Lover Has Gone 3.5 Deed I Do 3.6 Just for a Thrill 3.5 You Won't Let Me Go 3.4 Tell Me You'll Wait for Me 3.2 Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin' 3 Am I Blue 3.1 Come Rain or Come Shine 3.2 Score: 3.491666667
Yes!
3.5
A very good verison of "Come Rain or Come Shine", and Ray Charles has a good voice, but I am especially not a big fan of the big band style. 3.5 stars
This is nice enough, but it sounds kind of old fashioned even for 1959, and as a result comes across as a bit boring. What I'd Say was released the same year and packs a bit more punch. 3 stars.
More like ‘The Goodness Of Ray Charles’. All of this stuff is very good. A lot more restrained, chillaxed and easy listening big band stuff and less gritty blues and RnB than I was expecting. Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Cryin’ fav tune.
Not my kinda thing, at all, rated kindly
Sometimes I worry I am uncultured. Like, I get it, but it's not for me? 😭
Good. It sounds like Ray Charles as Ray should.
Very fun to listen to
All sides of Charles on this one. Horns, crooning, piano playing, belting. It’s a classic and always great to put on, but also forgettable as a collection of songs. It’s great, I loved it, but I couldn’t tell you one song on it. It’s an atmosphere album, put it on to set the mood and party. Like most from that era and style.
This is pretty fun - like a great museum visit.
I was never a big Ray Charles fan. Sure, I like his most famous songs, but apart from that, I don't know. It's fine, I guess? Doesn't really sound any different from other 50's Soul/Rhythm & Blues artists. I can't say the record has the definitive version of any of these songs. Again, it's fine.
niet mijn ding, maar de up tempo nummers zijn zeer goed
Ray singing some jazz standards I'm already familiar with perfect for a Sunday chill who doesn't love a bit of Ray Charles
So the first song was a blast! The rest was... uh, just what I expected to hear from Ray Charles, which is not really my thing.
Enjoyable but not something unlikely to return to
This was a very fun album, pretty much what you would expect from Ray, but it wasn't bad, I enjoyed it but I wasn't completely enthralled in it, I definitely feel like it sounds like most music from that time and it's not bad at all just pretty mid
Gorgeous music, a little boring?
I love soul music but I've always thought that Ray Charles was kinda overrated. Don't get me wrong me was very talented and he had a nice voice but most of music is just so dull compared to other artists that came after like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. That's how I would describe this album, DULL. Charles plays it safe, he makes quality music but doesn't do anything interesting in my opinion. I appreciate and respect Ray Charles but there are so many other soul musicians that I would rather listen to. Favorite track: Just for a Thrill
Es bien jazz, bien lento, cosa que no había visto de Ray Charles. Me gustó pero prefiero sus otras facetas.
Mutha Fn’ Ray Charles!!
Romanticizing my life while walking through a snowstorm listening to this
Some great big band sounds. A younger Ray Charles. I liked most tracks and a few I didn't care for.
Meh.
I love a record with a distinct Side A/B.
I thought I’d prefer the back half, with orchestrated ballads, over the big band first side — but the energy of the first half is infectious. Both highlight different aspects of Charles’s great voice.
To me, it's hard for large musical ensembles to produce compelling music. I much prefer small groups.
I haven't listen to much Ray Charles in my life, so I have no idea whether this is one of his essential albums or not, but it was fun to get a strange mashup of big band sounds on one side and orchestral ballads on the other, especially at the end of a somewhat marathon catch-up session with this collection (and quite a nice contrast to both of the immediately preceding artists, Neil Young and Elvis Presley). I'm also impressed at how early this album is in this collection, which may partially explain the not-so-great production quality from the late 1950s. I'm not sure if this really highlights Ray Charles "genius" or not, but it's certainly more interesting musically than Sinatra's "Songs for Swinging Lovers" (at least the first side)...
This didn't cohere well as an album but there I did enjoy Come Rain or Come Shine and Am I Blue.
- schon moody, was der Mann da abreißt 3/5
Really charming, I like the style and how you can tell the age of the tracks by how the instruments sound. Some songs are more interesting because I find the lyrics more charming. I’ll probably listen to more Ray Charles.
Not for me, but can appreciate why people like it.
5/10 Fav tracks - Alexander's Ragtime Band, Don't let the Sun Catch you Cryin' , Am I blue
Good background music
The Great Ray Charles! Fantistic person, amazing musician and composer. I really appreciate his talent and music, but I'm simply not a fan. This album is more like a main piece in the exhibition about history of music and that's the only way I can look at it. I didn't enjoy this record almost at all.
Started off really strong and I was thinking I’d rate it a 4, but it kinda lost its momentum towards the end for me. Though it was an awesome album to listen to with snowfall outside.
I want to give it higher, out of respect for the musician/singer that Ray Charles is and his impact on Soul music. However, its not really an album worth running it back for a second listen (which of course I still did). The big band performances are impressive, as well as the piano ballads, and as a sing, Ray is one of a kind. Collectively, I give Ray his flowers, but I only truly walked away with "Just for a Thrill".
It was alright. I don't really feel an urge to listen to it again though and nothing really stood out to me either.
Bluesy Old
I'm not too into big brass bands of this era. But definitely a talented dude.
Not a big band/jazz fanatic so the quicker paced songs were not my cup of tea.. The slower songs were much more enjoyable! Will have to return and re-listen!
It's fine, I can't say any of these song really crack my top 10 favorite Ray Charles songs. I like the big band stuff way more than I like any of the ballads, but there was nothing that really hooked me. All the songs with the big string arrangements felt like they should be on a Disney soundtrack. I can't say that's a bad thing, maybe a testament to how good Disney songs usually are. Production wise there's some spots that are harsh and distorted. Some of it happens on the vocal tracks and I think it almost adds to the recording, but it just sounds bad when it happens to the horns. I'd call this middle of the road, completely average, 2.5/5, but I'll round up because I really like a decent amount of his music, just not much on this one.
I mean, it’s Ray Charles so it was good but it wasn’t really the Ray Charles I was expecting to hear. Maybe this was an album to appeal to a wider audience? The first half of the songs all sounded like the same song and then the second half sounded the same. I would 100% pick the Hallelujah I Love Her So album over this one. Mess Around is a current favorite song from that one.
its old and i get it, but its not for me. there are some good jams on here, however.
Its fine, I can see that others may be able to appreciate it but I dont see it myself. Ive heared it all before and sometimes when something brilliant gets canonised it becomes default and I feel thats happening here.
The first half of the album is OK. It's the big-band / swing style. I'm much more into the second half, which is more blues/ballads, with great minor chords. I especially like: Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying, Tell Me You'll Wait For Me, Come Rain or Come Shine. If the whole album was like that second half it would definitely bump it up for me.
Easy to recognize the talent even if -ultimately- the sound is a little too Big Band for my tastes.
More big band + Disney-style strings than I anticipated for a Ray Charles album. A fun listen that might be a 4 if you found me in Times Square on V day, but a bit too dated to really sink my teeth into in 2024.
ray is the goat, but this just isn’t his best work
A bit hokey, but some classic soulful Charles songs.
This Ray Charles guy really understands the genius of Ray Charles enough to make a pleasingly Ray Charles type album.
Proper retirement home music. Ray has youthful (for back then) sounding music but this ain’t it
It was alright, barely listened to it more speedran it at work but fuck it we ball
An album of two halves. Or to be more efficient with my language, an album of halves. Bland big-band, saved in the second half by elegant orchestral balladeering.
La classe, le chic! Bon album. Vraiment fait plaisir pour être écouté en format vinyle. Même si je l’ai écouté en streaming, j’ai senti les deux faces distinctes et si je le possédais en 33 tours, la face B serait plus usée que la face A!
Good sturdy old familiar standards. Enjoyed this
Fine; objectively no fault to find other than that it’s not something I’d choose to listen to.
Ah. Ray Charles and some of the classics. This oughta be good. Alas, it's at the very start of his career, and he was added to the mainstream big-band and vocalist swing formula. While you can tell it's Ray's voice, it's just not the distinctive Ray that we know and love. It could be almost anyone. Disappointing.
The Genius of Ray Charles was actually also a book written about my dear brother. Ray-Charles Chutney. My parents weren’t kind giving a little white lad from Barnsley the full first name Ray-Charles and he struggled. Often straying to the wrong side of the tracks. My word didn’t he have the brains of the family. It was a shame all the pressure was too much for him. It was actually the book that inspired Ken Loach to make Kes. Kes himself was actually meant to represent me. We thought calling the bird Ken would be a bit too obvious. 2.9
Didn’t really excite me in any way. Not sure it even gets played at Cafe Kelvinos
A perfect three out of five. Fantastic second half and ending of the album, so smooth and soulfoul, like grandma's fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans.
I can’t help but love the big band excess paired with that set of pipes.
3 - I just found this quite generic music with Ray Charles singing on top. Maybe a bit to safe and industrial. I know what I mean
Enjoyed Side 1>Side 2. Standout songs: Let the good times roll Alexanders ragtime band
“Genius”, je trouve le mot est sans doute un peu fort, mais ça s’écoute agréablement. Un peu trop jazzy, pas de morceau qui se détache vraiment, mais une très belle voix.
For a second I thought Ray Charles was the name of the red dwarf guy, but no he’s not. I was bored by this honestly, it’s just very of its time. Nothing offensive though. 3/5
Genius? No. Still pretty good though
Sure, its nice, but not something i would put on.
A fine big band / swing album. I wouldn't say it's anything super mindblowing given some of his other work. 3.5/5
some classy shit
One of the greats. I'm guilty of treating jazz a bit like background music though and should have paid more attention.
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
Good
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.
Both soothing and exciting, a treat all around.
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
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.
Nice
Ray is a genius. Not this time.
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.
Really tranquil and soft
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 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.
Not my taste but clearly good. I will tru to listen sooner .
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.
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.
It’s fine. It’s just so…old sounding.
Nice background
good classic vibes
Um bom album de jazz. Ray Charles canta muito bem. Eu gostei de I am blue e uma outra no começo.
Cute
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
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
Mot my Jam
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.
Ray Charles doing Ray Charles things. 7/10
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.
Ray Charles brings out the big band ballads.
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.
good jazzy songs, some good vocals but a lot of talk-singing
очень скромно, Рей) мне меланхолично чем мне нравится, норм