Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

When I was much younger, I remember encountering an album entitled "The Shape of Punk to Come" by Refused and thinking, "Boy, they sure think a lot of themselves. That might be the ballsiest album title I've ever heard." Well, it turns out Ray Charles beat them to it. A black man in '62 claiming he's got the key to modern Country & Western was all balls. He backs it up with this album, though. It's real damn good. It's clearly country but also clearly not. The combination of styles coupled with his clear appreciation for the source material make it really hard to deny how damn good the album is. I mean, I don't even like country and I'm digging this record. I can see why it has been hailed as not just a great album but for breaking down racial walls in the music industry.

The incredible thing about this album is the fact that you cannot tell that these songs were originally country songs. I'm not sure if it's intended, but this album is a testament to the fact that genre is something to be transcended. People often define their musical tastes by genre, and this album subverts that assumption completely. As someone who enjoys country music, jazz, and R&B, this album is a celebration of music period. This album is very deserving of the praise it gets.

Damn awesome execution of this idea. Ray Charles voice is timeless, and though some of the strings and background vocals are a bit overdone, the blues approach to country/western is very cool.

Landmark album. It's country, but it's not. It's Soul/Big Band, but it's not. He took White music and made it Black, it's like reverse Elvis. Love it.

I love stuff like this. Always been a big fan of the singers of the 50s and 60s. Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. This might just be another 5 for me. It gets a little samey, especially in terms of lyrics, after the 1 hour-mark, but the thing is that it's good music so it doesen't really matter.

I get the premise of the album and appreciate its importance to the genre. It's also always a pleasure to listen to Ray Charles. That said, this album is very much of another time and some listeners will find it drags, especially in the middle. The best part about the album is Charles himself. His vocals are perfect as is his piano playing. Unfortunately, the big band horn and string arrangements and old backup vocals feel more than a little dated. I enjoyed the back end of the album best, like from "It Makes No Difference Now" to the end. "Careless Love" and "You Win Again" are flawless and "I Can't Stop Loving You" is a classic. Fave songs: You Win Again, Careless Love, You Don't Know Me

All very lovely, but I feel quite sick - I'm only 52, not 95 - this is not my bag baby

10/10 Ray Charles is the GOAT it had such a fun, warm sound hearing those songs bring such a calming but happy atmosphere

The upbeat songs make me want to dance, and the slower ones have such an old school Disney vibe between the strings and the choir. Really into this. And the cultural importance of the album truly solidified the 5 for me

A few weeks ago I had a Ray Charles album, and once again, Ray Charles kicks ass. I've listened through twice and every track is really solid to outstanding. Especially when Ray cuts loose with a piano solo. Two full albums recorded over 5 days, that is pro.

We get these songs produced so slickly, with such stereotypically grand string and horn arrangements, that the connection to the titular country and western music is subtle. I enjoyed the sharing of vocal duties at points. If it weren't for the title and historical context, I wouldn't have picked up on the source of the material until You Are My Sunshine. Charles's voice is the standout stylistic feature as he blends perfectly with the production and delivers the lyrics comfortably.

Ray can cook along, but this one is more my dad’s speed. There are others in his catalog that I will play before this one makes the rounds.

This is a Christmas time album for sure. No shame playing this that time of year. Well that was lovely. Really enjoyed how the simplistic themes without coming across as campy or insincere

So much orchestra. More of this in the world please

music for the oldest of oldheads, full of soul, melody and wit. leave it to ray charles to make a hefty collection full of mostly lovely tunes for swinging or cuddling. oh yeah, and my favorite track broke me. it's the track that plays in the ending scene of tezuka's metropolis (fantastic movie, perhaps someday soon it deserves to be streamed). and holy damn i didn't expect it. not only did i think of that but of course i thought about myself and my own relationship... it's. it's a lot. i wailed like a fucking baby.

Don't enjoy the string and choral arrangements, but his voice and piano and stunning.

Good album, a little slow. Love Rays voice always

I was not familiar with your game

10/10!

All of these songs brought me back to my childhood. Used to listen to a lot of Ray Charles in the car with my grandpa. Definitely still holds up

Picture this: It's a cold November morning, the intersection between autumn and winter. There's a chill in the air and frost on the leaves but it's still pleasant in a refreshing sort of way. You step outside and inhale a deep lungful of crisp, clean air. You see your breath plume as you exhale. The sun is shining through the trees and a mist lies in the air. You step inside and put on the kettle. You hit play on the speaker and this comes on. It is the perfect album for this mood. It is crisp, and refreshing, and smooth. You make yourself a cup of tea, look out the window and observe the morning frost turn to dew, and listen. You feel joy and contentment. In this moment, life is good.

A classic for a reason, though I prefer the live version of You Don't Know Me.

I think this is the music that plays in heaven. This gets a little repetitive, especially in the middle - but it’s great music and I have no complaints. Best songs: You are my sunshine You don’t know me Careless love Worst songs: Just a little lovin

Wow this one starts off with a kick. Woke me up and got me going! Ray Charles’ take on these Country & Western classics is vibrant, luxuriant and warm. This is life affirming stuff.

Ray!!!

Very solid cover album, was surprised by how many country songs sounded great with soul / r&b styling. Only complaint was that it was long, could have used some trimming. 8/10 Favorite songs were: 10. Careless Love 14. No Letter Today 19. Take These Chains From My Heart

Cool to hear another version of "Bye Bye Love" after listening to Bridge Over Troubled Water. "I Love You So Much It Hurts" has beautiful backing vocals and instrumentation. I can picture people boogieing in black and white to "Hey Good Lookin'". Ray's vocals are silky-smooth throughout the whole album. The jazz instrumentation is on point and the strings are a nice touch, this album definitely has a very grand presentation. This isn't really the type of music that I'd seek out but I can't knock it, good stuff.

To be completely honest, I am still struggling to figure out where the country or western was on this album. Maybe I am stupid or maybe country music’s sound has strayed so far I have no idea what it sounded like in the 50s/60s. Regardless, this album was fantastic in my opinion. I loved both the uptempo big band cuts as well as the moodier, laid back ones. The strings and backing vocalists were a nice touch, but Ray Charles has such a powerful voice that he could carry a song even without it. Really felt the emotions in his delivery on some of the more melancholic and slow ballads. Strong 4 Fav Songs: Bye Bye Love Born To Lose I Can’t Stop Loving You Hey, Good Lookin

This is a very good album, great singing and great instrumentation. Ray Charles has a great voice. My two biggest complaints are that it seems like he somehow manages to say "love" in every other sentence, and the slow love ballads (the ones with the sappy string arrangements and choir that sound like Christmas music) all kind of sound the same. 3.5

This is one of those albums on this list where my rating gets influenced by reading more about the album and its history, but even that didn't really change how I felt. Incredibly groundbreaking with a huge variety of genres that shine through in songs. Love the background singers/choruses, especially when they introduce the song with its title, often at the start of the song. Got a little longwinded and repetitive, enough to make this not quite a 5, but the spotify version has more songs than the original album, so not too many points off. Even with the repetitiveness, I rarely got bored Saved: Bye Bye Love, You Don’t Know Me, I Can't Stop Loving You; Oh, Lonesome Me*

Today was not conducive to the kind of hard listening that could extract some underlying truth from the record beyond either the seductive historical context or the humdrum sensation of wondering which Nora Ephron movie might any given track accompany. Unfair,I know.

Great voice, songs and arrangements very much of its time [EDIT: booooring]

Wie stuurt een mailtje naar de maker met een verzoek om een PRtje te openen voor iets van authenticatie en een 10 punten schaal voor recensies? Het is weer moeilijk vandaag. Hoewel ik respecteer wat deze plaat heeft gedaan denk ik dat ik toch de voorkeur geef aan de Ray Charles die soul heeft uitgevonden boven de Ray Charles die country heeft heruitgevonden. De schok van een zwarte artiest, uit het zuiden weliswaar, die Tin Pan Alley uitspeelt en een zelfgenoemde country plaat uitbrengt is niet te onderschatten, en de impact zal ongetwijfeld enorm zijn geweest als ik contemporaine schrijvers mag geloven, maar het beklijft me puur op inhoud niet zo. Er zitten uiteraard wat bangers op, stem sterk, arrangementen prima, dat weet de lezer geheid ook, maar over de volle lengte van een dubbel CD drijf ik toch beetje weg. Kom uit op een 7 met weinig tijd om het opnieuw te luisteren. In een lijst van "Platen Die Je Moet Luisteren TM" maken we er dan maar een 3 van.

Ray Charles is a legend, but I only kind of enjoy this record of his. 3.5 bumped down to 3.

It’s ok. Just a compilay

It's very good for it's genre. I debated giving this 4 stars, but ultimately, too many of the songs have the same sound. This is very close to 4 stars though.

Not sure I'd really call this 'country and western' music but that's a bonus for me really. I mean it's Ray Charles, you know exactly what you're going to get. Fantastic voice on that man. I'm pretty sure he could sing the assembly instructions for an Ikea bookshelf and it would be great. That said, I don't think I can give this more than 3/5 and it's definitely not his best work. It's a good album but this kind of music just doesn't blow me away.

Nr. 156/1001 Bye Bye Love 4/5 You Don't Know Me 3/5 Half As Much 4/5 I Love You So Much It Hurts 3/5 Just A Little Lovin' 4/5 Born to Lose 3/5 Worried Mind 4/5 It Makes No Difference Now 3/5 You Win Again 3/5 Careless Love 4/5 I Can't Stop Lovin' You 3/5 Hey, Good Lookin' 3/5 You Are My Sunshine 3/5 No Letter Today 3/5 Someday 3/5 Don't Tell Me Your Troubles 4/5 Modnight 3/5 Oh, Lonesome Me 3/5 Take These Chains From My Heart 3/5 Your Cheatin' Heart 3/5 I'll Never Stand in Your Way 3/5 Making Believe 3/5 Teardrops in my Heart 3/5 Hang Your Head in Shame 3/5 Average: 3,25 This held up over time pretty well, aside from the female choire. That sounds super dated.

Pretty pleasant overall. Good thing to have in my catalog. Standouts: Bye Bye Love, Worried Mind, I Can't Stop Loving You, Oh, Lonesome Me

03/04/2022 He's an icon for a reason. A bit repetitive towards the end, but that's not a mark on his talent, just the songs in general.

I'm not arguing whether this is country, but I don't think this was even a modern sound in 1962. The big band arrangements are syrupy, but they are not really hook led. The backing vocals are excruciating. Ray Charles' voice is great, but I'm not sure this weird experiment in turning country into diabetes is the best use of that voice. 1.5 This is awful. The brash richness of the horns by themselves would make for an over-egged pudding but oh God…oh Jesus Christ, what sublime horror this set has in store over 70+ minutes. The strings are a water-boarding with pure syrup. They didn’t even ask me any questions. The pièce de Room 101, however, is the backing vocals. Volume Two teases you for the first few tracks with the idea that They might not return for the sequel. ‘You are my sunshine’ and ‘Don’t tell me your troubles’ have a pair of recognisably human backing singers doing quality work amid a few tracks with Ray duetting with himself or with no backing singers at all. It’s the best stretch of the album. But from ‘Take these chains from my heart’ onwards They return for their most relentless, merciless showing all the way to the bitter end. I am referring to that crushingly antiseptic sweep of reverbed, gender-neutral backing singing that typically opens the track by cooing the title of the song - like a torturer naming the next implement for the edification of the chap strapped to the table before him - then Oooooos a lot in the background before signing off with the title of the song once more. The torture chamber aside - this style of backing vocal is most redolent, with the assistance of the strings, of stepford wives escalating with fixed smiles, dead eyes, and absent souls, through the shopping mall. Perhaps it is this more than anything else that leaves the impression that Ray Charles is merely selling you something. Volumes 1 & 2, together for the first time in history in this essential set, available now at incredible value for only 74 minutes and 19 seconds of your time. I do like that the impossible-to-number backing singers - could be 3, could be 20, who knows? - sign off the entire project cooing the words ‘Hang your head in shame’ even if like everything else they sing they don’t mean it. It’s just words. There is no shame to be found here. 1.5/5

An important album, but for me it didn't do anything, and the covers feel like they didn't really add anything meaningful to the songs

Slow and sleepy

Really not a fan of the strings or the background vocals. But Ray's voice is great.

Not so big on this - I understand reading about it that it has some historical significance, but I can't help feeling that Ray's voice is quite weak on the orchestral backing tracks and the strings / group vocals feel very outdated. Overall it doesn't make a mark, is at most pleasant.

I like Ray Charles, and I like the original versions of many of these songs, but something about this album rubbed me the wrong way. I think it was all of the angelic choral voices that just kind of seemed out of place. Reminded me of the Laurence Welk show. There's better Ray Charles albums out there, so I don't think I'd come back to this one.

I’m not a big love song album guy. Piano was amazing though.

Odd. But not interesting. And to hear him sing "I once was blind, but now I see"...

A historically important record, it's hard to hear the daring that was Ray Charles's 1962 Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music today. And while Bruno Latour might argue we've Never Been Modern, you can't lasso a feeling from the past and guarantee that the years between one modernity and the next won't erase the cultural signs that gave these song selections and arrangements their original oomph. In 2025, I don't need 24 songs — most of them covers of earlier material — no matter how cleverly they've been transformed, transfigured, or translated by Ray Charles to be entertained. And I think there's something to that feeling: it's a specific kind of disconnect. I want to be moved by music, and this record feels like it wants to be entertainment. What popular music was *for* in 1962 is not what music is for, for me, in 2025. For instance, this album includes one of the best versions of "You Are My Sunshine" I've ever heard. It's certainly more sophisticated in its arrangement than any grade- or nursery-school version. And yet, I'm not moved by the material at all. And, this is one of the highlight tracks. There are plenty of other minutes spent waiting for the next "modern sound" to come and go, so this 1 hour, 14 minute "entertainment" experience can finally wrap itself up. Perhaps that's wrong of me to expect more out of music driven by a business model that has always chosen entertainment over art. I'm listening to Ray Charles for his artistry and meaning, but the man is selling a good time.

Didn't enjoy it. To me it seemed like a weird fusion of country and Lawrence Welk with vocals by Ray Charles.

Sounded like a weird fusion of country and Lawrence Welk with vocals by Ray Charles.

Sure, old Ray can sing, but these songs are the pits and I’m not sure what I hate most out of the big band backing, the hymnal choristers or the strings.

Just a covers album of contemporary standards. Background music at a party level but Ray Charles does have a great voice.

Disappointing extortionate white crap, such a shame they strangled his talent to put this out

Nice hearing Rays voice in different songs

super

First of all, for me, “Modern Sounds...” is THE popular jazz album par excellence, laying the foundation for pretty much everything that came after it. This is due both to the great song selection and the high-quality performance and production, which easily meets today's standards even without most of the technology available today. Furthermore, this album is rightly considered a milestone in all the musical styles that Ray Charles incorporates during the recordings. Together with Ray Charles' power of integration and the associated social significance for the civil rights movement of the 1960s, “Modern Sounds...” is one of the few albums whose importance cannot be overestimated – legendary++ or 12/10.

Fantastic classic. First time I’ve heard and will continue listening.

mostly romance, lots of smooth and controlled vocals and really nice instrument tones. Very enjoyable overall

It's pretty remarkable. The sound is fantastic, first of all. Ray Charles as a vocalist is a force of nature. For me, he has become a symbol and and an example- you know Richard Emanuel, he has a Ray quality in him. I think the country sound really suits him well. Especially when you consider the many styles captured here. He's shifting effortlessly between bangers and ballads, his soft and powerful moment are incredible at the same level. The beauty and perfection of his voice is outstanding, while being very emotional and human at the same time. Other elements are just as strong. The arrangements and playing is fantastic. Very lively. The chorus vocals are, at the right moment, simply divine. Bless you king Ray, you can make a non believer like me pray! I feel like a 5 today.

Maybe my favorite so far

Volume 1 Damn...I am a happy guy now. This is a killer. And I'm singing every song. 5 stars. Can't wait for Volume 2, coming up! Volume 2 As good if not better. My only "complaint": Neither volume was long enough. I could've enjoyed an hour or more. Truly a classic.

JESUSSSSS CHRISTTT?!?!?!

Amazing.

Ray Charles is such a delight and relaxes the body from negativity. Having this album being 2 disks on Spotify, I had a wonderful morning.

Maravilhoso

a "fusion" album that covers traditional country songs with blues. Fantastic album to get you in the winter/holiday mood. Favorite track: I can't stop loving you other picks: you don't know me, worried mind, your cheating heart

Ray Charles's *Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music* is a landmark album that successfully reinterprets country standards through R&B, soul, and big band arrangements. While praised for its artistic vision and cultural impact, some critiques note its polished production can feel dated. Here is a quick overview of the album's essential details: | **Aspect** | **Details** | | :--- | :--- | | **Release Year** | 1962 | | **Label** | ABC-Paramount | | **Producer** | Sid Feller | | **Key Arrangers** | Gil Fuller, Gerald Wilson (big band), Marty Paich (strings) | | **Key Singles** | "I Can't Stop Loving You", "You Don't Know Me", "Born to Lose", "Careless Love" | ### 🎵 Music and Production The album's sound is defined by its sophisticated fusion of genres, moving away from Charles's earlier R&B work . - **Dual Arrangement Styles**: The album alternates between two main sounds. Some tracks feature lush, string-laden arrangements with a choir (e.g., "I Can't Stop Loving You"), while others are driven by a swinging, brass-heavy big band (e.g., "Bye Bye, Love") . - **Charles's Vocal Performance**: Charles's singing is the centerpiece. He delivers the lyrics with profound emotion, blending the melancholy of country with the raw, soulful intensity of gospel and R&B . He avoids imitation, making each song distinctly his own . - **Genre Fusion**: Instead of using traditional country instruments like pedal steel guitar, Charles and his team re-arranged the songs using pop, R&B, and jazz forms, proving the songs' versatility and emotional core . ### 📝 Lyrics and Themes The album's power comes from its focus on universal and deeply felt emotions. - **Heartbreak and Love**: The tracklist is dominated by ballads about loss, longing, and unrequited love. Songs like "You Don't Know Me" and "Born to Lose" are prime examples of this somber, melancholy mood . - **"The White Man's Blues"**: Charles often stated that he saw little difference between country and the blues, noting that both genres dealt with "earthy," honest, and down-to-earth emotions about life's struggles . This shared emotional ground is the album's foundational theme. ### 🌟 Influence and Legacy The album's impact extended far beyond the charts, affecting American culture and the music industry. - **Commercial and Critical Triumph**: The album was an immediate commercial success, selling 500,000 copies in its first three months and earning a gold certification . It brought Charles greater mainstream recognition and is frequently listed among the greatest albums of all time . - **Challenging Racial Barriers**: Released during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the act of a Black artist mastering and popularizing "white" country music was a quietly revolutionary act that challenged the industry's racial divisions . Charles also promoted the album with integrated concerts in the South . - **Legacy in Music**: The album helped codify the Nashville/pop crossover sound and inspired countless artists to explore country music, effectively helping to establish a "Great American Songbook" from Music Row . It demonstrated that great songs could transcend genre . ### ⚖️ Pros and Cons A balanced view acknowledges both its groundbreaking achievements and its stylistic choices. | **Pros** | **Cons** | | :--- | :--- | | **Cultural Impact**: Broke down racial barriers in music and demonstrated genre universality . | **Dated Production**: Some modern listeners find the string arrangements and backing choirs overly lush or "stodgy," dating the sound to its era . | | **Artistic Vision**: A bold and cohesive concept executed with mastery and genuine appreciation for the source material . | **Lack of Raw Energy**: The polished, ballad-heavy approach lacks the raw, gritty energy and improvisational fire of Charles's earlier Atlantic R&B work . | | **Commercial Success**: Brought country songs to a massive pop and R&B audience, with multiple chart-topping singles . | **Repetitive Feel**: The focus on slow to mid-tempo ballads can create a somewhat samey listening experience, with less variety in pacing . | | **Vocal Performance**: Charles's soulful, emotionally resonant singing is widely considered the album's standout feature . | **Genre Purity**: From a country purist's perspective, the album removes the "twang" and specific instrumentation that defines the genre's traditional sound . | ### 💎 Final Verdict *Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music* is less a country album and more a masterful Ray Charles album that uses country music as its source material. Its greatest achievement lies in proving that the emotional core of music is universal, transcending the artificial boundaries of genre and race . While its production style may not appeal to all modern listeners, its historical importance, artistic confidence, and the sheer power of Charles's voice make it an essential and timeless listen.

Easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

pretty modern indeed

This is just brilliant. Ray is the master. Not a genre I am really into but the man just knows how to make great music and gets me in my soul

The arrangements on this album are so enjoyable.

I'm a simple man. I hear Ray Charles, I upvote.

Top notch. Love the style and song choices.

The one and only Ray Charles.

Si

Maró grazie

ma non mi salva le recensioniiiiiiiiwiiwiwiwi Comunque top album mi sono arricreata bellissime vibes ogni canzone era interessante a modo suo un 5 pieno x me

Lovely classics from the 60s recorded beautifully. Soul and blues. “The album's integration of soul and country challenged racial barriers in popular music at the height of the Civil Rights Movement.” Just fabulous.

pure nostalgia, pure perfection wonderful vocals and dreamy instrumentals everything i wished for

Not much to say, Ray Charles is a legend with a great voice, commanding musical presence, and this (double) album was really great from beginning to end. Did get a bit repetitive with the backing vocals and so many similar tempo ballads.

I enjoyed listening to this album. Ray Charles is a legend with many great songs. The only thing that would improve this album is if it would come with an old fashion to really have a relaxing listening experience.

It was bizarre listening to ray charles sing this genre. But I loved it.

Amazing. I can't believe I haven't heard this before.

fun

Great album! I can't say I love every song on it individually, but I do love the entire album.

I got Volumes 1&2, so I don't know if both or just Vol. 1 was intended ala the Ella Fitzgerald Gershwin album(s), but, regardless I believe both albums belong on this list because Ray Charles does something that not many can do. He de-countrifies Country music. If a lot of these songs aren't recognizable to you than he did his job because what makes real Country music so good is the story telling. Take away the cliché or the jokes about the twang and put it into a different context like 60s Soul you get a masterpiece of an album. 5/5

Classic 50’s vibes. Felt like I needed to be at a drive in movie with my sweetie listening to this

Ray Charles is one of my favorites, this was an instant 5 for me. He's got some serious pipes, sings like a beautiful bluesy angel. I mean c'mon, his last name is even my first name!

Warme orkestklanken, jazzy pianogetingel en zoetgevooisde koortjes, en de aanstekelijke blije stem van Ray: ik word wel blij van dit klassieke geluid. Maar, zo vertelt d'n Wiki, in de roerige tijden anno 1962 was dit ook nog eens een brug tussen de zwarte muziek en de blanke country & western. We staan hier op een kruispunt van blues, jazz, pop, country en folk, en iedereen in Amerika vond het leuk. 'Music unites people', zei een van de critici. Dat dat nog maar weer vaak moge gebeuren.

So good

Absolutely one of the best. Every track is memorable.

A few years ago, I would raid the thrift store/op shop record bins, hoping for an excellent vinyl. I struck lucky a few times with jazz records. The sort of album, I could toss on while making a cup of coffee on a morning, enjoying the morning sun and relaxing sound. I'd never got any Ray Charles, and when it said Country and Western (yes, that's right, both kinda!) I was a little unsure. The songs themselves don't sound at all in any country manner (except the odd string of notes). Hank Williams's 'Hey, Good looking!' has been given a big band revamp. And that's the highlight of this record, the backing band. It's strong, tasteful and very busy! Lovely cinematic style orchestration, jazzy horns and backing choir that sounds straight out of a 50s Disney movie. Charles can sing! Even the solemn numbers he still belts out with exceptional baritone. I suppose I never appreciated his pipes! This is the sort of album, I wish I picked up. I will get copy one day! And, usually 5 stars is for albums that I could proudly blast out of an aux chord in someone's car. But, hey, I don't care anymore! 5 stars!

An old classic I heard of bit never listened to. It was really nice!

This was already in my collection. The man is awesome!

Loved it

Amazing

Love Ray C

soul + country —> great stuff

Smooooooooth, baby.