Reviews (page 4 of 12)
Any album this long will eventually tire me out. This one especially tired me out. But there can be no denying this is some kick as music.
Magic stuff
Kyllä ennen tehtiin kunnollista.
Ray osaa kaiken musalajin ja tämä ei ole poikkeus. Soulia löytyy tästäkin.
Getting right into this, it has such a fun feel to it. I feel like I should be line dancing in a flowy midi dress in a western bar. I was slightly apprehensive going in as Country and Western is not my thing in the slightest, which considering where I live makes me a bit of a hypocrite. You don’t know me has a very calming presence. It’s romantic, and something I could see people slow dancing to, maybe in the middle of winter. It has a bit of a Christmas time vibe. Similar vibe with I Love you so Much it Hurts. Just a little Lovin’ brings back that swing that I was enjoying at the beginning. Born to Lose sounded like something from the beginning of an old Disney movie. It makes no difference now feels like something I’d listen to at an easy listening bar. Same with Careless love. This is a good album to have on in the background. I can’t stop loving you seemed to be almost the sequel to I love you so much it hurts earlier in the album. Hey Good Lookin’ was one I recognized. It’s one that was quoted by family but I never knew where it came from. On to disc 2! You are my sunshine was a mixed bag for me. My mom used to sing me this song as a child so hearing a more bombastic version of it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Someday was nice and relaxing. The horns throughout this album are on point, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. Midnight has really nice vocals. I really enjoyed Old Lonesome Me! This was just a fun track. I also enjoyed Your Cheatin’ Heart. I thought Making Believe sounded very similar to the previous track. I think I’m going insane. So many of these sound like Christmas music. Anyway, 3.5/5 ⭐️, 6/10. Thought a lot of this album was amazing, but also thought a lot of it was quite repetitive. A good listen. 28/1089
No particular comments other than yes I enjoyed
Classy
Pretty decent. Ray Charles is good, and classic songs. Not an all time favorite, but fun.
Maybe not the country I expected, given the title, a lot of this really leans more into traditional pop, but either way, this was still a pretty great listen. Ray Charles was one of those talents that I've never fully tapped into before. And while his vocals are pretty standout, I'd say the whole production here is just super well executed; everything comes together perfectly - be it the lush string arrangements, the grainy backing harmony, or very minimal but complementary piano playing. Many of my favorite songs have Ray's voice hanging in the background, making them sound distant, echoey, and sort of dreamlike in the very dense mix here, specifically 'You Don't Know Me' and 'You Win Again'. The great 'I Can't Stop Loving You' more than any other song, really puts those "backing" harmonies in the forefront, with Charles almost playing the backing role; his restraint and the way he comes in at all the perfect times to dance with those lead vocals gives the song this satisfying edge. This one song is maybe the most dreamlike here; the whole thing feels like floating down a river under a full moon, as nature's harmonies entrance you. You still get songs like 'Bye Bye Love' and 'It Makes No Difference Now' that spotlight Ray's vocals and piano playing, the former being maybe the most jazzy and big band piece here. Pretty great record, and as classic-sounding as popular music gets. Maybe not the best showcase of Ray's individual talents, but he fits well into the general mix here regardless.
You can never go wrong with a jazz album, and of course Ray Charles is going to get a high rating from anyone who believes so. I’m not a jazz superfan by any means, though, and wouldn’t put it on on my own. Objectively, it may be 5 stars, but for me, it has to be a 4.
Is this R&B? Is this Soul? Is this Jazz? Is this Country? Who's to say? Certainly not me. Favorite Track: Bye Bye Love
I liked this a lot. I’ve only ever heard Mess Around by Ray Charles because of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and liked that one a lot but I never listened to more. I’m glad I did because this was a cool album
Heartbreak but make it happy! Vibes: afternoon at home, feeling nostalgic but not depressed, doing things around the house
On the whole, I enjoyed this album. I liked the classic songs and on most of the songs, I liked Ray's spin to make them his own. There were a few times where he scooped the notes, which my voice teacher was totally against, plus it just sounds sloppy to me ear.
Favorite song- Worried Mind I put Ray Charles on the list of Classics that you just can’t go wrong with. I was familiar with other Ray Charles songs not on this album, I had heard Hit the Road Jack and Nighttime Is the Right Time. I also recognized other songs on this album, that I had heard performed by other artists. I would definitely listen to this again and hope to hear his other albums someday.
Jazzz again
Better than expected! Easy listening
Music you'd hear at the best dinner party of your life
"I once was blind" bro tu não és cego???? Muito bom, foi um album facil de ouvir
Ovo je baš pozitivno iznenađenje s obzirom da me prošli Ray Charles nije oduševio, ovo je super da se malo osjećam sofisticirano i napredno.
Not to diminish what must have been a massive crossover hit, but this would have went hard if I was playing Fallout: New Vegas I only listened to Volume 1, hope that's okay. Might come back to the rest as I did enjoy this, went down very smooth
This is quality hip hop. Love the energy and the cleanliness and clarity of the rapping.
Classic album
Awesome
Very pleasant - soul, country, swing, show. It's all included.
Very good
I have a tendency to overrate things that surprise me, and goddammit, the fact that this ISN'T actually country and western music get a full star or happiness and relief.
Fue relajante.
everything from this era just reminds me of fallout music or the background to Christmas movies (this is not a bad thing)
Cojonudo. Lo que me mola a mí.
Was planning on making a "both kinds of music" quip only to be surprised by this not actually being very country! I actually think is a very cool concept for an album of this time period and really well executed, lovely arrangements.
This didn’t sound like country to me, but it was really gorgeous music! Ray Charles has a beautiful voice and I enjoyed that classic big band sound.
Fun listen lots of great songs. Interesting how old/traditional r&b it is, guess I don’t really know Ray Charles that much.
That's nice
Poker muzak
Actually pretty chill,100% stereotypical 60s music, a lot of it sounds the same, I like the layered vocals, overall pretty good listen
Of course, it's more like "Country and Western Music in Modern Sounds", but at least for a brief a moment in 1962 it's kind of remarkable Ray Charles set a template for what popular music could be like across multiple genres. I will say the Vol. 1 LP has done serious business on my turntable but Vol. 2 hasn't as much, regardless of which volume is your favorite you gotta admire just how much this man openly defined the scope of pop music.
loving the instrumentals emotional lyrics executed beautifully favorite song- worried mind
4/5 -- kinda feels like christmas music, but not?
I'm really not a fan of crooning music, Sinatra, Bing Crosy, ect. There are parts here that give me that cringe, but there are also moments with depth and beauty I don't hear in the Vegas crooners. When the country or jazz or soul comes through a little stronger there are moments that I love. Ultimately I would rather listen to a full on country or jazz album and leave this as an interesting album that I don't revisit in full.
This was wonderful!! I didn’t get a chance to listen to the whole thing, it was very long and so it loses a star for that, but oh how I love his voice 🤩 and I love this style of music. So easy to listen to and so full of emotion.
Sweet
Awesome to hear it from a different perspective
i love ray charles
Good songs, cool idea!!
YESSSS I LITERALLY SCREAMED WHEN I GOT THIS IM SO HAPPY. incredible album loved almost every track. Great morning energy. Gets a bit slow in the second half.
I love Ray Charles and I dig these interpretations a lot. However - I don't need this to be a double record.
Good album with a classic sound. Great voice by Ray Charles, of course, but also amazing instrumentals and lovely backup singers. Songs get a bit repetitive, especially with such a large album, but definitely worth relistening
Superbly nostalgic and meticulously crafted. Ray Charles leads a richly produced ensemble over a couple dozen Country and Western standards. There's very little to dislike about this record, with my only gripe being that listening to both volumes in a sitting is a touch too time-consuming. Best Tracks: - I Can't Stop Loving You - Don't Tell Me Your Troubles - Bye Bye Love Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10
Great, Love
It was good but started to blend together after a while. Easy listening, it's tough to go wrong with Ray Charles
It’s a good album, there’s something about musicians doing covers of music outside of their genre in their style that I enjoy, like Willie Nelson’s Stardust.
Wow can't believe they made fallout soundtracks all the way back in 1962. This was alright, but it was a little slow at points. If you're willing to dig, there's definitely some gems in here. Generally the more big band inspired and orchestral it gets, the more I tend like the songs on here, which I've definitely heard more of in other Ray Charles albums. You are my Sunshine and Don't Tell Me Your Troubles sounds great on here. Both Discs start really well but begin to fall off towards the end, so it isn't the most consistent. In the polar opposite to the Grunge yesterday, I have a real soft spot for this type of music that makes me really want to give this a 4 even though its very borderline. This site doesn't allow half stars, so just know if it did I'd go 3 1/2 stars.
Pretty good. Kinda sad
Classic, cool Ray
I enjoyed this a lot overall. Don't tell me your troubles sounds like the songs they do at the end of whose line is it anyway.
Another enjoyable listen. Not my first choice, if I was to look for something to listen to but I liked it.
Excellent crony gospel inspired big band goodness.
Very good reworkings of classic country songs. Nice job, Ray.
Soul, very powerful voice
Also a lovely album which makes me want to listen to more jazz!!
Modern it is not. Funny to think that once it was. Great vocals and cosy big band vibes.
Funny to consider these were once modern sounds. Because today it feels like a rich, warm blanket of standards. 'You Don't Know Me' is surely one of the most effective unrequited love songs ever written, and I can't help but think of Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell having a fleeting romance in a snow covered park. But can't all be timeless classics. 'I Love You So Much It Hurts' feels pedestrian amongst such esteemed company. There is a big-band 'swing' element to much of it which doesn't float my boat nor holds up to the ballads. The ballads may be variations on a theme, but these are all excellent bar none. 'Worried Mind' has honky-tonk piano amongst strings and exposed vocal. 'You Don't Know Me' is surely one of the most effective unrequited love songs ever written, and I can't help but think of Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell having a fleeting romance in a snow covered park. The best reinterpretation of originals I've heard since 'In the Wee Small Hours'. It doesn't have the consistent mood of that album, and I'm a sucker for the non-big-band tunes, but clearly this is at least excellent.
Never listened to much Ray Charles. There was a lot of very danceable and fun tracks on this one.
This was fun, a twist on some western hits
I liked this and I don't have a lot to say about it! Classic early 60s sound, all the songs are pretty short which is interesting. His voice is great though 8/10
It's quite mesmerising. I quite like it.
Un sound che, come da titolo, è moderno ancora oggi
C'était super. pas besoin de plus je pense
Nice, easy-listening album, I particularly enjoyed the more 'jazzy' songs, 'Bye Bye Love' and 'Just A Little Lovin'' 74/100
Very nice. Particularly a fan of the jazz parts. Favourite track - I Can't Stop Loving You
1. very fun start 2. much more mellow but i love his voice very christmasy 3. good but not as good as first 2 4. i like liked the album but was doing other things while listening so couldn’t distinguish tracks and truly listen critically but it was very enjoyable to play in the background
Great tunes. Some recognizable. Others not. Ray is legendary.
In anyone else's voice, I wouldn't love this nearly as much as I do.
Rating early albums is challenging given the format of "albun" then -- that said, Ray Charles impressed here with his delivery and infectious energy.
Pretty decent
As a fellow blind person, I liked this a lot
:)
Who hurt you, Ray Charles Best Song: I Love You So Much it Hurts Rating: 8/10 Stars: 4
Great jazz but dang this was a hard listen! Some seriously gloomy relational subject matter and distressing vocals that I'd have a difficult time repeating in the future. Almost want to give this full stars but I just can't bring myself to put this in the same category as the more uplifting albums I've heard thus far.
This hybrid of soul and country by Ray Charles works really well. It's very American in the best way. I do miss some highlights here and there and think that big band and strings could've harmonised better here and there.
Amazing, but a bit repetitive
loved the large variety of instruments on this and ray charles sounded brilliant on it as well, very good music
I rarely have time or mood for a music like this, but when I have I listen to Ray. He was really good!
Lost some of the groundbreaking nature of a soul musician doing country songs 60 years later but still sounds good.
Ray Charles' fine voice shines through every time.
jazzy and great orchestration, ts js so tuff
85
More Ray Charles please, less dad prog-rock and weird punk records nobody remembers.
Great stuff, timeless listening.
It is rather schmaltzy but if anyone enjoys some well done schmaltz I think it's me. Who have I become. This is a fascinating album historically and I know because I watched all 16 hours of the Ken Burns Country Music documentary. AMA.
I've never listened to this album, but I knew one or two songs (6). No one does it like Ray Charles, but for a double album there are not enough bangers on this one.
Easy, smooth listening. Lovely arrangements, and nice piano and singing. Interesting history behind it as well, never would've guessed the background.
not bad! pretty chill actually
Me animó el día que flipas. Hay temas que suenan a las puertas del cielo. De repente te hittea un último agudo y dices qué cabrón. Fantásticas vibes.
I don’t have much to say here. Just so good, so many classics, so many great nonpopular tracks, bangers. It’s all songbook stuff and I’m not gonna lie and say I’d go out of my way to listen to it but this is a high four. Just good music.
what a beautiful bluesy big band type album. Charles' voice is just... immaculate, and the songs with the huge string sections too just make my heart feel so fuzzy inside. A LITTLE too long tho, the same vibes for 75 mins sometimes rocks but if there was maybe 2-3 songs less this might be one of the greatest albums i've heard on here.
Beautiful album, Charles's so smooth and rounded voice backed by a stunning arrangement makes music to my ears. It was such a nice album that I had to listen to the second volume.
Good and consistent across the board, nothing too memorable. The album doesn’t feel country western sonically, though it does have the genre’s lyricism. Production leans toward a big brass sound.
1. Bye Bye Love - 10 What a monumental track! The background singers add so much flavour before Ray's absolutely stunning vocals. Lyrically it's brilliant and the big band jazz sound is so excellent. Massive enjoyment throughout this track. 2. You Don't Know Me - 8 Lyrically superb, it's a brilliant slow moving love song. Ray's vocals on this track are incredible. 3. Half As Much - 7 Lyrically it's very good and Ray sounds fantastic on it. It's not a track that will blow you away but it is still a very good one. 4. I Love You So Much It Hurts - 6 It's a decent song but it's a bit like a lullaby and it's definitely not as strong as the opening three tracks. 5. Just A Little Lovin' (Will Go A Long Way) - 7 Good track with some awesome brass in between Ray's excellent vocals. Lyrically it's very good as well. 6. Born to Lose - 5 This would be the pass over track on the album. It's not bad but it's really nothing phenomenal. There are definitely better love songs on the album. 7. Worried Mind - 10 There's a lot of similarities between the way this sounds on the strings and in the background vocals and I Can't Stop Loving You. Having said that, what an incredible piano solo in the middle of the track. This is so enjoyable. So incredibly enjoyable. Phenomenal track. 8. It Makes No Difference Now - 8 Superb track with some awesome lyrics. It's very very slow but the lower pitch of Ray's voice is excellent at keeping you pinned during the slower moments interrupted by only some excellent big band style brass. 9. You Win Again - 6 Strings are good on it as are the vocals, I'm just not a huge fan of the lyrics or the way the outro vocals come in. The song should have closed with Ray. 10. Careless Love - 5 Not a great track despite some incredibly strong vocals from Ray. You really get to hear the full range he had on this track very well. It's just not anything lyrically or instrumentally fantastic. It's the pass over track on the B side. 11. I Can't Stop Loving You - 12 One of the best songs ever written. Period. This song is just a masterpiece; a complete and total masterpiece. When the Metropolis anime movie used this track in it, that was the first time I had heard it. It fit so well in the movie, it fits so well on the album, and it fits in any top songs collection. It's supremely moving, aided by the best strings on the album and guided through the peaks and troughs of Ray's voice. Incredible track. 12. Hey, Good Looking - 10 Brilliant swing type track. Excellent brass on the track really help the fun loving vibes of Ray's voice and the brilliant lyrics that make the song a very enjoyable track. Average Rating: 7.83 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 3.92 Rounded Up: 4 Stars
Very enjoyable. What a voice.
Enjoyable
Понравилось. Мой музыкальный кругозор ещё расширился. 6,5 из 10.
C'est bon, mais un peu long. Et un peu répétitif quand même.
Quality. Loads of standards and versions of tunes I hadn't heard before.
Soul / Blues / Swing. Here in 2025 this album is a window into another time. Beautiful songs and arrangements. Ray Charles vocals are silky smooth. His piano playing marvellous. Timeless.
I think I mentioned on the Stevie Wonder album I listened to that he had the greatest voice, maybe greatest love song voice idk, but Ray has THE best voice period. It's so distinct, and rich, and soulful that it elevates any song he sings. What is it with blind pianists sounding beautiful? Candidly when I saw how long the album was u was concerned, but my lord it flew by and I hardly checked the time. I listened to a Heaven 17 album recently that felt endless, this was longer and felt shorter. Goes to show making a good album with good songs matters (and being Ray Charles). Great stuff, solid 4
the title seems missleading? I‘d call this jazz I think. Lots of classics and Ray Charles sounds fantastic.
Now this is some damn good Fallout-core (you cannot stop me from identifying songs that are Fallout-core), especially songs like Half As Much. Not a ton to say about this album, but reworking country/western songs in the classic R&B, soul, and jazz styles is great.
Love the horns
Great recording. I'm sure the cultural impact of this one in its time was significant, though to today's ears hearing an artist in a different genre or style is more the norm. Doesn't take away from my enjoyment on this one. Just a fantastic, easy listening release from an American icon
Ray Charles is such a joy. Very few musicians can radiate soul the way he does. Although I do prefer the bluesier side of Ray this compilation was very enjoyable. The big band sound applied to classic songs works and works well. I hope to see Ray on this list again.
- bombastic intro damn - can kinda hear the you are my sunshine riff in there (bye bye love) - song already sounds like a time capsule smoooth - old disney movie love story vibes really nice - man instrumentals were something else back in the day - very cozy - that saxophone is *chefs kiss* - perfect winter album from these songs so far, so nostalgic and warm - whole album is so romantic, so much yearning very sweet album, brings me to another place and time. i was expecting country but am pleasantly surprised! how can you not love something as sweet as this?
I don't think I stopped moving the whole time this album was playing.
Phenomenal. Nobody does it like Ray
Nice
Cowboy Carter of its era
It's really good, especially in its uptempo moments. A few too many slow ones for me but it's still a pleasurable listen
It wasn't for me, but that's not the point.
A 4 or 5
I’m having trouble rating this one. On the one hand, each song is really beautiful and Charles reimagined a lot of these songs in really creative ways. I didn’t see him being so jazzy, I’m used to his R&B or soul hits. I wonder about the crossover power of this album and its importance to race in the 60s. I think this is a great album, but I think I like his uptempo stuff more.
The heart break songs made me cry, a bit too close to the bone. But he has a classic sound.
Smooth. Enjoyable. Love the blues. Would listen again. Honestly reminds me of the Elvis Christmas album
(Duplicate) I wasn’t familiar with most of these standards, but when I was, I was amazed at how much Charles made these songs his own. An excellent themed album that manages not to feel like a gimmick.
Second time this one came up but the review remains the same. Love it, just about every second
Very of its time, but in a good way. My biggest knock is that the album is way too long and can't quite support itself with the tracks.
It says its country but its not really. Anyhow, I liked it.
Some of the arrangements are dated and a little corny (especially some of the background vocals) but my god, Ray Charles's vocals are just amazing. He really knew how to make a song his own. Favorites: Bye Bye Love, Just a Little Lovin' Would I listen to it again: Yes
Real smooth
This was pretty good, didn't even sound modern for 1962 to me though
I'll start by saying that I don't think this is a fantastic album. It's a solid 3.5 star album for me. But, I think this is a good album and a historic one that punches back against white musicians stealing black sounds (*cough* Elvis *cough*) by doing better things with the genre that was originally the White one when recording got started. So, for that I'm rounding it up to four stars.
Mostly superb. Agree with other comments on schmaltzy background vocals on many tracks, but it’s old records. So I have to dock it a star for that. Otherwise it’s pretty great all around. Great singing. Great piano playing and great charts.
Pretty chill
Here Ray has taken old country standards and freshened them by using a mix of pop and jazz bringing them to a wider audience. As someone who used to play in a Hillbilly band (his words) he always knew he could do a good job with them. And he did.
Not my favorite Ray Charles album but with that being said one can never go on listening to his raspy voice, amazing piano playing, and superb orchestral accompaniment. One of the greats of all time.
Just barely a 4. Nothing extraordinary just that I kinda enjoyed listening to the entire album. Easy but chill
On Spotify it was the deluxe version that's 2 disc and is more than an hour long. I wasn't planning on watching it until I realized it was the deluxe version and the real album was the first disc, so I decided to finally listen, and it was so good that I ended up listening to like half of the second disc without even knowing
A concerning number of women are willing to take advantage of a blind man.
Even though it runs long and starts to feel a little tired, this is a very well-executed and enjoyable album with a cool concept. Much like parents disguising vegetables in a dish so their picky child will unwittingly eat them, it turns out that hiding country music in jazz and blues makes it palatable to me
Can't be mad at it. This sounds very nice
Ray Charles is classic for a reason!
Really lovely stuff. This is an album I’d throw on if I was hosting a dinner party. It’s full of classic jazzy, soulful sounds, but in service of recognizably “country” songs, and it’s a great combo. It’s a little long, and not something I personally am gonna put on very often, but otherwise it’s an excellent album. Must-listen #215.
Sometimes context really matters. Without knowing more about this album, I might have thought "OK, I get it. Ray Charles is one of the greats of his era. He's got a great voice and this is some fine R&B. Not really my thing but cool." I might have been slightly confused by the title though. Clearly this isn't a country western album. Digging a bit deeper, this album becomes a lot more interesting. Released during the height of the civil rights movement, Charles dared to cross traditional racial lines in the music industry and make country standards his own. He didn't do this to prove any particular point, he simply loved the music and wanted to use his creative control the way he wanted to. But that in itself is a powerful statement that we don't need to confine ourselves to specific boxes, whether that means genres of music or seats on public buses. In doing recording this album, Charles raised his own profile, challenged society a little more, and affected the direction of several genres all at once. This is more than simply a Ray Charles album. The significance is huge here. It's not one I'd personally listen to much as it's not my style but it absolutely deserves its place on this list.
It's so interesting what is called "Country"-- much like Lil Nas X and Beyoncé more recently, Ray is redefines country, and it's brilliant.
This may sound dated to today's ears but having lived through the era when this type of music was popular, this was an excellent album and I enjoyed it. Ray was a great performer and I welcome listening to his music.
È innegabile che ray charles abbia influenzato in maniera significativa il soul, l’rnb e anche il jazz. Quest’album è sicuramente un grande album nonostante io preferisca, per quanto riguarda il jazz, un approccio più “freddo” alla miles davis o john coltrane.
bello, però a un certo punto pesato un po’. Mi sono sentita a tratti in un film Disney
ma oggettivamente che gli vuoi dire dai
Ну как же это красиво и хорошо Под тëплый вечер самое то
It's excellent, great playing, great singing, well recorded. Could go up to a 5 in the future.
Legendary
A compilation of some classic songs, sung with Ray's commonly known soulful voice.
I enjoyed that.
Great Ray Charles
Great takes though it may sound dated to modern ears, the music is amazing.
Another LP that was a revelation back in 1962, and it deserves that accolade, unlike some others we’ve had of late — Machito I’m talking about you… Lots of good tracks here, Ray’s singing is great. A solid 4.
What do you get when you combine a genre I generally dislike and an artist I’ve never gotten? Genuinely one of my favorite discoveries of this project, obviously.
Better than I was anticipating. Pleasantly surprised
Ooooooh, I don’t know a lot of Ray Charles (except Hit the Road Jack which most people do) so I’m hyped. — BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. There was something incredibly soothing about this, I don’t know what it was but Ray Charles voice is so comforting to me. Despite not being overly familiar with his music I found this album nostalgic which was an odd feeling but certainly not an unwelcome one. “You Don’t Know Me” and “Don’t Tell Me Your Troubles” were standouts but the whole album is solid.
As a lover of Ray Charles (but who isn’t) and old C&W (but…), this album is a slam dunk from the title onward. I wish my phone had ‘overdone strings’ and ‘maudlin background singer’ filters, ‘cause without them this would be pretty much a perfect album.
Modsoundern
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: 😎🕴️🟥 Production: 🕰️🙂👌 Music: 🐮➡️🆒 Rating: 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️/5
Tbh I didn't listen to the full thing. But a lot of songs I was already familiar and wouldn't have thought he'd cover. And honestly he probably most all of these sang it better than the OG. I appreciate him.
4/5
This is definitely an album that sounds dated, but his singing is lovely on this.
Every song here is pitch perfect for a montage in a 90s boomer romcom.
Such a great album, though initially a confusing listen on Spotify. Back in the late 90s I had the 4CD set version of this album that included the second volume and other country recordings Charles did for Atlantic. The version on Spotify seems to include both volumes but I didn't realize that at first, which made picking a track particularly challenging. That said, when I went to refresh my memory about the importance of this album in terms of crossover appeal of R&B singers, I found the original volume 1 track list. So, keeping "Half as Much" and "It Makes No Difference Now" from this album for my 1001 album exploration project playlist. A solid album on re-listen all these years later and I always have a soft spot for listening to Ray Charles.
Love it, just about every second
Shows that classic songs are classic in any genre. Loved the Hank Williams covers. 4/5
very nice
Classic. Ray Charles, I mean it is just really nice. Sunday music.
🎵 Day 36 / Ray Charles – Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (1962) 🗯 In 1962, Ray Charles pulled off something unthinkable. He shifted from rhythm & blues into the sacred white space of country & western — and in the process, cracked it wide open for everyone. Think Beyoncé in the early 60s: uniting audiences, rewriting expectations, and sounding effortless. The record itself? Less cowboy boots, more big-band swing — lush arrangements, strings, brass, gospel-inflected backing vocals. It might not sound all that “country” to modern ears, but it’s all covers delivered with such conviction that they become Ray’s. ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ alone is a towering crossover moment — R&B phrasing set against syrupy Nashville strings, turned into a #1 hit. It’s not just a record, it’s a cultural earthquake. Proof that country and soul — black and white, uptown and downhome — could not only coexist but thrive together. Verdict: Essential For fans of: Sam Cooke, Patsy Cline, Solomon Burke, the bridges Beyoncé and Lil Nas X would later build.
8/10 Favorites: Bye Bye Love Hang Your Head In Shame
All love ballads, no lyrical 'depth' to be found. However, I think this is just about as palatable as music can possible be for me. Giving it a four, I've been back already and I'm confident I'll be back in the future. I love you so much it hurts, half as much, and you don't know me are highlights.
I guess I’m on a generosity streak
I don’t think I ever would have pegged any of these songs as country/western, but I would put them down as really good.
Sunglasses
Ray Charles: a national treasure. I didn’t know how to interpret the name of this album at first, but while listening I began to understand it a little more….the modern take on country-western mixed with lounge vibes, and even some bluesy gospel influences for extra flavor. I’ve heard his classics, the ones we all know and love but this was my first run through this entire album, or two rather. And it was a fun swing. His emotional ballads are heartbreaking and you really want him to come out ok but that’s the hook and it’s a relatable one. He comes across as such a singular force in his delivery - it is clear why he is counted among the greats. The melding of his raw, edgy, slightly gritty voice in with the smooth, melodic instrumentals is intoxicating…makes one feel more romantic just by listening. He is smooth, polished, and a true romantic. He’ll always hold a beloved space in our collective hearts.
Dude. Reintepreting all this sad boy, whitebread mid-century country and western twang material as a big, swinging jazz numbers and r&b ballads right in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement is such a fucking boss move I can see why this record is on the list. The ripple effect in America from this record cannot be understated. Primarily, this album represents an astounding act of creative jiu-jitsu. Country music has its origins in American Black Culture, but many of the originators were left behind when it was branded and commercialized as a white thing after WWI. In this record, Charles takes songs that owe their existence to African-American creativity and reclaims them through yet another act of African-American creativity. Genius. This also in turn brought a lot of mainstream white listeners along to appreciate Charles and other R&B artists. Not to mention that Willie Nelson himself stated the album "did more for country music than any one artist has ever done." "Bye Bye Love" is a fantastic and bombastic way to let you know you aren't getting slide geetars on this record. "You Don't Know Me," also a heavy standout, telegraphing that there are definitely gonna be some tears, too. The 1960s string orchestras, women's chorus background harmonies*, and that hollow lead vocal reverb will always remind me of hanging out in my grandpa's house when I was a kid. I am pretty sure my grandpa listened to this record a lot, in fact. He was one of the white dudes who got hip to Ray Charles through this album. (This memory was triggered with the classic. "I Can't Stop Loving You.") Ray Charles has a real ache in his vocals that lend such gravity to these interpretations. "Careless Love" is a cool blues take, but since the lyrics mention mourning doves a lot I simply cannot like it on principle. I have hated the call of the mourning dove ever since I was a little kid. It is one of the most annoying sounds on Earth, and this song references it. I hate the sound of mourning doves so much, I plan to move somewhere where they don't exist so I don't have to listen to their vacant fucking cooing ever again. Stupid, repetitive ass birds. Anyways, "Hey Good Lookin'" is an marvelous jazz take on the Hank Williams Sr classic. The punctuating horn lines give that original hayseed twang some incredible swingin' life. Playing with the rhythms within the time signature and syncopation applied to "You Are My Sunshine" takes it to an almost unrecognizable place. It injects the heartbreaking melancholy of the original with a surprising joy. The cover art seems designed primarily to catch maximum attention at the record store in all its red glory so everyone just picks it up immediately. Nice typography, but I would expect nothing less from a layout done in the 1960s when design was really peaking. * Try and convince me these chorus backups repeating the last phrase aren't a more ethereal equivalent of a hype man like Flava-Flav or Sen Dog repeating the last 4 words of the main verse in rap and hip-hop.
I wasn’t familiar with most of these standards, but when I was, I was amazed at how much Charles made these songs his own. An excellent themed album that manages not to feel like a gimmick.
10/10 vibes
The fact that these are covers of country songs is insane!!! “You Dont Know Me” is the first standout song on here, the soaring strings and backing vocal accompaniment are so charming. Add these to Charles’ heartfelt crooning, and it all comes together to make a really special, wondrous but still sad song. The one that really got my attention was “Careless Love” when he hums the ‘well if I could hmmmm’ part. So much soul comes through in little choices like that. It’s hard to even call it a choice, these sentiments seem to be destined to spill through Ray Charles artistry. He’s at his best on this album with songs like these, when everything sounds super floaty, when Ray is hopefully pining for someone. I knew that “Hey Good Lookin” was too good to be an original by Jimmy Buffet/Clint Black (no disrespect to Jimmy I love him). Speaking of covers, “You Are My Sunshine” is a neat lift of a classic so different that it was hard to recognize. “Leave Me Alone” was a nice change of pace; it speeds things up in contrast to what can be my only criticism of this record, that a few too many songs are functionally the same. In my perfect world, Charles picks the best dozen of the bunch and tinkers with them or lets them run for a while. But that’s a nitpick at best! Ray Charles was in his bag. Such a rich voice. 4/5 all day on this one
Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and country classics all had a beautiful child.
So monumental it changed not one but 2 genres. It's like listening to a warm hug. It is a bit long in the tooth though. 8/10
Ray Charles has one of the best voices of the 20th century. I'm pretty sure he could make anything worth listening to. Which is exactly what he does here. These are country songs from the 40s and 50s redone with some soul, a bit of jazz, and a whole lot of big band. This sounds like it comes from 1948, not 1962. Big band isn't really my thing, but this is more interesting than most of it. I don't particularly like the backing choral singers. I also don't particularly like this era of country music, so most of the songs are a bit boring too. I found it interesting that most of the songs I liked were originally sung or written by Hank Williams. I guess he was a better writer than most country musicians of this era. This would get about a 2 or 2.5 with most other singers. Ray Charles makes it a solid 4.
This starts off in the Frank Sinatra realm of things, moves on to Christmas sounding music, splash in some gospel and now we are onto the old style country. While this doesn’t blow me away, it’s serviceable. It spans multi generations and can be background music for pretty much any setting. Thats important. I do not have a standout track, as one of the knocks against it is that the songs don’t really separate themselves from each other. They just all skip along one by one.
He can really play the piano well but there were a few points where it seemed like he couldn’t see the keys he was hitting
This album is like coming home from your tour of duty as the war has ended. Earlier, everyone was singing and dancing in the streets, and now your and your wife have retired to a nearby quiet bar as the festivities have wound down. After enjoying a few rum cocktails as the other patrons leave, you find yourselves to be the last people in the bar. You slow dance on the dimly lit dance floor, all of a sudden oblivious to the world around you.
Great swing and rock to it and what an amazing singer. Would have been quite the album in the 60s and while it stands up today, I can't give it a 5 as its not quite my cup of tea.
This album starts with a joyful “Yeah!”—and honestly, that set the tone perfectly. I was hooked right away. On my day off, walking in the sun, it felt like the ideal soundtrack—full of good energy. I really enjoyed the mix: the lush, Sinatra-style orchestration, Ray’s bluesy vocals, and those Western songs reimagined in a big band blues style. It all worked beautifully. That said, it’s too long. It could’ve been a tighter single album. The pattern—upbeat tune, then a slow heartbreak ballad—gets repetitive. A little more variety would’ve helped. Still, the singing, arrangements, and vibe are top-notch. It’s the kind of record I’d put on at a party or when I want to feel lifted. Smart, soulful music.
Really enjoyed reading about this album and how it was made while listening to it! Definitely groundbreaking!
Enjoyable and interesting in both music and lyricism despite almost every song being about love.
Easy-to-listen-to big band staples to get your grandma dancing to. Charles has such character in his voice and orchestration.
Jazz and blues takes on western and country classics. As good in theory as it is in execution. Loved it.
I don't like the genre, but it is a good album
Ray CHarles, what an innovative record, it says it’s country but it’s not like anything else. It’s a great listen and given time and greater understanding on my part could be 5. 4.5 Star
Can Ray Charles make bad music? I don’t think so.
Wanted to love this album. Production , singing and playing are classic big band Ray Charles. Unfortunately most of the songs are slower love songs or revamped blues renditions, which drops it a star for me.
Lovely songs, and Ray Charles has a beautiful, soulful voice, but I wouldn't in any way categorize this music as country and western. I guess he modernized it by removing the twang, fiddle, steel guitar, banjo, etc. and replaced it with lush orchestral sounds and angelic backup singers? I wasn't sure if this entry was supposed to be for both volumes or just the first, but I liked it enough to listen to both. Those cheesy backup vocals are a bit much sometimes, especially on the second volume, maybe because "I Can't Stop Loving You" was so popular? Speaking of that song, it always reminds me of the climactic scene in the Metropolis anime (2001) (which I highly recommend).
Wow, what an album. This was my first Ray Charles album, and I'm excited to hear more! There are so many great songs here, wrapped up in a theme of love and loss that I adore. This is the closest thing to a 5 as I've gotten in a while, but the only thing holding it back are a few songs being a little too repetitive, or forgettable; On an album that's nearly 90 minutes, that can be forgiven. I loved the presentation of each song with the slow ensemble and Ray's amazing voice just ooze with passion and romanticism. Favorite songs: Born to Lose No Letter Today Oh, Lonesome Me Take These Chains From My Heart
Erinomaisesti sovitettu kokoelma klassikoita!
Super charming and i can't really hate in ray charles
Not always for me, but can see how influential and important it was.
Its Ray Charles, impeccable singer yada yada yada. At first I didn’t really get the album title until I did some research and discovered these are all covers of popular country songs of the time, and I ended up recognizing a couple. On top of being a creative concept, I think it’s a huge testament to how impressive early R&B arrangements are, from the enchanting strings in ballads like Born to Lose to the rowdy big band horns in blues tunes like Bye Bye Love. A little too long in my opinion but cool to see this Legend’s take on some old Honky Tonks.
Who doesn’t love some smooth big band country jazz
He’s good. What a voice. Great arrangements and I love the fact that you can still hear a bit of country in there but he has very much made it his own.Prefer the uptempo numbers, they are fun, the slower ones get a bit samey
Wonderful
Soul filled take on country music
Solid Ray Charles. Big band arrangements that sound about as far from country and western as you can get. Strong closer with “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” but this album is plagued with the same corny white backup singers as his other Columbia records.
The songs blend together in the similarity of their arrangements, but Ray Charles is a fantastic performer.
This was a fun album with great soulful sounds and music. Ray was one of a kind.
What an incredible voice this man had! The arrangements and orchestration are very much of their era but all the better for it. Most if not all the songs are better than the originals and it was a pleasure to listen to.
beautiful
Ray Charles doing country and western songs. It works well. I wasn't sure what to expect but it's good. I suspect the reason this albums works so well because Ray Charles is a generational talent and amazing. Seriously he put so much out there and listening to him feels like home.
Sounded good. A lot of classic songs here that I recognized.
A delight. Great singing, great music. Happy to return to this any time.
Strong musical skills but too slow for me
Cool music, nice album I could listen to every once in a while.
adri: 8, la tranquilidad es lo que más se busca. Me ha transportado a otra época. mar: 8, cuuuuuteeee
Very modern
this was lovely <3
As great as Ray Charles is, musically a lot of this album is corny schmaltz. I HATE this style of background vocals and the strings get annoying as well. But I can forgive that because of how much I admire this album as a thing that exists, even if I don’t want to sit and listen to it. Firstly, I love the sheer chutzpah of Ray Charles recording an album of country songs. Sometimes when one of the greats is at his or her peak, they say “I can do anything and it’s going to be amazing. I can sing the phone book and it will be a hit.” And occasionally, they’re actually right. That is where Ray Charles was in 1962. He could have done anything and it was going to work and he knew it. You have to admire someone who has it and isn’t afraid to act accordingly. Secondly, I love how very, deeply, American this album is. In the old world, they love their distinctions. The pottery guild makes the pots and the blacksmithing guild makes the frying pans and if anyone colors outside the lines they will go beat them up. And don’t get me wrong, I respect that. It ensures everybody eats and can provide their children with their daily ration of wine and cigarettes. But - for better and very often for worse - America threw that playbook straight in the trash. Distinctions exist here, but they always bow - like everything else in America does - to the almighty dollar. If you can sell units by tearing down every genre distinction in the world then we will put a crown on your head until your records stop selling. The only distinction Americans care about is cash or card. Everything else is just details. We will listen to your big band country blues jazz in our combination KFC Taco Bells while wearing our Italian clothes and driving our German cars, all of which are made in China. God bless America! Ray Charles was the best in the world at this time and followed his vision for the art he wanted to make with a boldness that people who don’t have a proper appreciation for that kind of thing might call arrogance, and the world is a better place because of it. The only reason I’m not giving this record five stars is because of how it veers into Lawrence Welk territory at times. But I have enjoyed re-listening to it today and unquestionably think it belongs on this list.
Great
I'll be damned if this doesn't put a smile on my face. It was interesting to hear these songs from this perspective. There was a feeling of listening to gospel songs in church. It was a nice listen. I'll give this a 4 just for Ray doing a bang up job on some country songs.
The man sounds effortless on every song. I am not even sure someone can really even be taught this type of vocal delivery. It's unforced and just seems to come to him naturally. A lot of these songs I haven't even really heard, but I was drawn in simply by the way Ray sings. It's really incredible. No pitch correction but just talent and experience. I'd be really curious to know how many takes it took him to execute some of this stuff. I bet it's not many.
Great! Loved the big band tales of country songs - maybe needed one more big and faster number midway through the second half to keep the pace up, but fantastic nonetheless
What a blindingly talented musician. He can inject such genuine emotion into his music; he knows when to blast with his vocals and horns and when to keep it soft and simple. Any one can see this is a fantastic album
A lot of standards and classics- great swing/big band feel. Well done if not a bit too long/repetitive but an absolute legend at the top of his game.
Ray Charles and the Genius of Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
The way Ray plays and sings these songs, you would think they were all his originals. Can't help but log them ad the definitive versions going forward. Favorites are Bye Bye Love, You Don't Know Me, Just A Little Lovin', You Win Again, and Hey Good Lookin'.
Good stuff, Ray
Excellent
Ray Charles is a classic
Wish there were a few more uptempo tracks and a few less ballads, but even if this isn’t a personal favourite, historically it’s a vital album.
The way that he basically reinvents these songs into a style that's so effortlessly his own is incredible. Some of these songs are classics in their own genre and he's taken them and remade them into basically new songs while still keeping the underlying feeling and idea of the songs in tact. "Hey Good Lookin'" is unbelievable. "You Are My Sunshine"...whoa..... "Your Cheatin' Heart" works surprisingly well in this style. Excellent album and a really enjoyable listen.
I didn’t even notice the country
Aw yeah. This album is it. Ray Charles brought his rhythm and blues style to popular country songs, turning them into classics. I'm not quite sure what he did to make the songs so good--is Ray Charles a witch? The whole album is delightful, and I am charmed.
This dude rally has it all going on this album but I especially love the title
Heerlie. Zowel voor actief als passief. Soul!
Gaaf album om uiteindelijk een keer beluisterd te hebben. Het is zo'n album waar je vaak de verhalen van gehoord hebt en die op menig toplijstjes voorbij komt, maar waar ik uiteindelijk nooit de tijd voor had genomen om echt in te verdiepen. De titel van het album verraadt direct wat je kan verwachten van dit album, hetgeen wat moderner klinkende covers zijn van klassieke Amerikaanse country songs (ik geef eerlijk toe dat ik slechts bekend was Floyd Tillman & Hank Williams) en dat klinkt helemaal niet verkeerd. Ik moet eerlijk zeggen dat de wat rustigere nummers wat mij betreft wat vaker hadden mogen afgewisseld worden met nummers zoals 'Bye Bye Love', 'Just A Little Lovin' (mijn favoriet van het album) & Hey, Good Lookin', maar het was precies genoeg dat het me bleef boeien (het gaat hier dus over Vol. 1 en niet ook Vol. 2, het is geen dubbelalbum, ook al kwamen ze in het zelfde jaar uit en staan ze als dusdanig op streamingservices). 7+/10.
Erg tof, diverse nummers met veel om naar te luisteren. Zijn stem is vet en de composities in hun geheel zijn vet. Ik vond dat het halverwege wel een beetje inkakte, maar dat kan ook mijn verrotte aandachtsspanne zijn
Kende deze niet. Luistert lekker weg met prachtige arrangementen en mooie harmonieen.
Great listen
Lovely album of soul sung by one of the all-time greats and accompanied by excellent arrangements. The title is funny because I hear very little country music here. But a lot of these songs draw a connection between those country western strings and soul/R&B, as well as jazz. All these genres come from the same roots, so it's nice to hear an artist not adhere too closely to any one set of rules or expectations and just mix these styles all together. 4.5
Really beautiful album. These songs are so great on multiple levels- at a core melody/harmony level, and all the way up to the lush orchestrations that fill the space. Ray Charles has a distinct, highly emotive voice, and he connects to the music as well as a vocalist can. This album in particular feels both long and short; I think I can listen to it intently and dive into the technicalities of the instrumentalists, or of course Ray Charles' beautiful vocals, or I can sit back and groove and let the music take me around my day and still get just as much enjoyment. Nice 4/5.
What a voice. Too many strings for me but refreshing to hear so many country classics reimagined.
Do I just love crooners? Very easy listen. Big double album but stayed fun.
4.5 Brother Ray brought a lot of his musical background to the table in the early years. However, finding the Soul in Country and Folk music was completely a surprise. Locking these well-written songs into big-band/Pop arrangements made it "crossover" ready. However, putting R&B and Country together was a giant leap for the Civil Rights movement.
Jazz pero ahora con fuerza en country y blues y más potable para el oído de los blancoides. Ray es un gigante que siempre se siente y vibra.
pene
Classic songs by a classic singer - a few with a sweet band behind him
I suppose I have quite often siloed Ray Charles into being purely a R&B artist e.g. What I'd say etc... And it feels a bit weird hearing him break out into new territory. Although with that all said, he has a great voice and songs are great, what's not to like? Found the string arrangements a bit much after a while.
Ray's voice is great, and a solid mix of uptempo jazz and slower blues and soul
Very nostalgic. Very mellow. Would love to own this on vinyl
Jazzowe evergreeny w Rayowej wersji. Niby nie jest to coś wielkiego, ale one same w sobie są hitami, a jeszcze z dodatkiem jego głosu i maślanego sznytu to już w ogóle. Piękne to, ma urok minionych lat, wpada w ucho i tupie nóżką, ale jednak najwyższe noty rezerwuję dla oryginalnych kompozycji, które trafiają prosto do mojej duszy. 8/10
Nice album
That's not my taste in music, but pleasant music
classic (and heartbroken)
It was a good 2-disc album. Smooth listening for sure. Classic sound.
Great!
Bluesy, relaxing
Loved it despite its length and some repetitiveness of song structures and arrangements. Ray is the ultimate cool daddy of popular music
We love Ray Charles. One of the best pianists of all time
I don’t know that Ray is much of an album artist. I guess this is the one with the most bangers all on one album. There’s nothing wrong with this, but most of these covers are not the definitive version so it’s just a reminder of what it could have been. It is iconic and genre bending though and I enjoy it a lot. 4/5
Honestly, I'm really impressed with this album. Unless you know these songs, the only way that you would really be able to tell that these are Country Western songs is by the lyrical content. Otherwise, they sound like what you'd expect from Ray Charles. Maybe he just got a little emotional in the writing room lol. It does get a little same-y for me, so I stopped listening really closely on the last 15 minutes of the album or so, but it's a great album. Favorite Song(s): Half as Much, I Love You So Much It Hurts, Teardrops in my Heart
Masterpiece
Better than Coldplay!
I enjoyed this overall, Ray Charles is so good!
Classic stuff easy to take for granted. You have to put yourself back in the year to fully appreciate how daring that might be.
Very smooth and emotive. I love the string arragements.
unsurprisingly ray charles is a very good musician
Bye, bye love - It is catchy, and not hard to sing the chorus. 6.7/10 You dont know me - One of the better ones, reminds me of a christmas song. 8/10 Half as much - This should have a rapverse. 7.5/10 i love you so much it hurts - First now I understand the new Kali Uchis' album. 7/10 Just a little lovin' - I think this is better than the others. 8.5/10 Born to lose - this also remids me of a christmas song. 7/10 Worried mind - A little boring, but sweet. 5.7/10 It makes no difference now - A little more jazzy than the others. 7/10 You win again - Start was like jesus came to earth, the rest was the song he sang 9/10 Careless love - It is alright. 6/10 I can't stop loving you - This is his greatest so far. 9.5/10 Hey, good lookin' - Great song. 8/10 You are my sunshine - Thank god this was not the other famous song. 7/10 No letter today - It was kinda sad. 7.5/10 Someday - Poor guy. 7/10 Don't tell me your troubles - I love this, best song. 9.7/10 Midnight - A bit slow, but it's alright. 6/10 Oh, lonesome me - This was fun. 7.5/10 Take these chains from my heart - Deep. 7/10 Your cheatin' heart - Now I feel bad for him. 6.5/10 I'll never stand in your way - Bit slow, I like the backing vocals. 7/10 Making believe - Good song. 7/10 Teardrops in my heart - Sad. 6.8/10 Hang your head in shame - Forget everything I said, this was deep, sad and depressing.
Lovely stuff
Overall: 7/10 Ray Charles was incredibly charismatic and I love his voice. I think I wouldn't have enjoyed this even a few months ago but doing this list has changed my perspective a lot. I enjoy these slower tempo songs and Ray brings so much personality to songs that could have dragged and gotten boring. I could even see this one growing on me. Fav Song: It Makes No Difference Now Least Fav Song: Hey, Good Lookin'
One song in and fuck yes. A little disappointed that it gets much softer after this, but it's still great.
Brother Ray could do no wrong! This is perfection. Love it!
His voice is so intimate.
This was pretty great. Considering I don't generally like country and western, brass or double albums this was stellar. I got slightly bored by the last 4 or so tracks, but it was a fun bop.
Favorite Track: Careless Love
Turns out the way to make country music good is change the style completely
Vert smooth - beautiful voice of course; love the arrangements in the big band / orchestra. A long selection of tracks, so starts to wash over slightly - unfair, but sounds generic; however, this is the original stuff, so gets a pass. 4*
Dated, without question, but also a bright and daring slash through the racial barriers of American music in the mid-20th century. Charles takes country music and dresses it up in the styles of jazz and R&B to make it his own. A fascinating intersection of American musical traditions, and a great album. Best song: I Can’t Stop Loving You
Classic.
Proof that Ray Charles was not only an amazing artist, but blazed trails for later artists.
A bit MOR at times but still a great listen.
Not his best but good
Nice - quite easy listening
Very pretty songs. Mostly slow beautiful ballads with a couple of upbeat, rock and roll type songs. Some of the best singing ever, especially on "Careless Love", with the "moaning" sound, incredible. One of the best.
Stylish, heartfelt, and comforting! Want to curl up with a blanket and gaze out of the window watching the rain while listening to this album! 🥲 Album rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Did he seriously say he wasn't blind anymore
Classic songs.
GREAT listen. Seems like a real work of love. Awesome story that he had to work against the label to get this released also.
01) Bye Bye Love - 10,0 02) You Don't Know Me - 10,0 03) Half As Much - 8,5 04) I Love You So Much It Hurts - 8,0 05) Just a Little Lovin' (Will Go a Long Way) - 8,5 06) Born To Lose - 8,5 07) Worried Mind - 9,0 08) It Makes No Difference Now - 8,0 09) You Win Again - 8,5 10) Careless Love - 8,5 11) I Can't Stop Loving You - 10,0 12) Hey, Good Lookin' - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,79 (88/100) Current ranking: 71/512 Are we just listening to volume 1 or also volume 2 which was released half a year later?
one of the great voices of all time!
It's Ray Charles, it's amazing
I think this album is about as country as Taco Bell is authentic Mexican. There are notes of country in here, don’t get me wrong. It’s mostly in the background, though, by the instruments. But to be honest, it only serves to show how ballsy this album is. The decision to blend soul and country was absolutely insane at the time this album came out. Granted, it’s more big band than country. Actually, Ray completely takes these songs and makes them his own, which is kind of impressive. I will say, listening to both volumes at once is a bit exhausting. And I’m not a fan of the backing chorus. It’s a bit much. Honestly, this album is better in parts. Regardless, this is one of the only ways that I would find country music enjoyable. Favorite track: You Win Again Other hits: You Are My Sunshine, You Don’t Know Me, I Love You So Much It Hurts, It Makes No Difference Now
I'm pretty sure Ray Charles's music could make a colonoscopy feel soothing.
Really nice interpretations here, reworking classic country twang into the jazz and R&B numbers. Ray Charles was a musical genius.
Some really smooth renditions in here, though very little stuck given I'm more fond of the originals in the case of most tracks. That said, this was a fantastic chaser to that laborious Genesis album which stifled my progress in catching up on these albums. 7/10
Enjoyed this way more than other Ray Charles I've heard. Why this mf gotta go and make an album specifically about me. Why these old school R&B guys just be so Romantic and capture the way i feel on every song. I relate to most of the stuff on here in one way or another. Phenomenal, one of the most 9/10 albums ever and I feel impossibly torn between rounding up or down. And if i ain't sure a 5/5 don't feel right. 9/10