Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.94 You Save: $11.04 (92%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Genius Loves Company
Free Music Review: The Legacy Lives On.......
Hit: 5 Stars
In the heart of many worldwide, of the great genius that Ray was.
When he faded into sickness and then finally passed it meant the passing of a legend, an end of an era.
Because for over 40 years Ray Charles had been at the forefront of RnB music. He showed off many styles and is remembered for his classic originality and spirit.
The album will make you cry, laugh and groove, really every emotion and that is what Ray does well.
"Here We Go Again" features the amazing Norah Jones, another genius. The effortless vocals, the superb melody harnesses the listener and entrances with superiority.
The song is amazing as it decieves the listener at times, however it is a great song.
"Sweet Potato Pie" is a nice breezy song that is so lovely to listen to the way they utilise each others voice to create an amazing harmony. James Taylor is the guest on this track.
A singer who I have always really been fond of, without being much of a fan is Diana Krall. Krall guests on the next track.
"You Don't Know Me" is a very exquisite track and very calming.
With nurturing melodies and Diana's voice it is an immediate favourite.
"Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" is another classic that has re-surfaced for this recording and the original singer, Elton John joins Ray for one monster duet. How much bigger could a duet get. The vocals are raw and the instruments are superb.
"Fever" features the saucy Natalie Cole and is one steamy song. What a ripper! The beat is so catchy and the use of the bass line is phenomenal. "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" is a very twangy country ballad that is a bit grindy and slow but once you get past that it is very enjoyable. Features Bonnie Raitt.
"It Was A Very Good Year" is an epic ballad with a lovely swooping string section. This song could well be used in a remake of -The Wizard Of Oz-. Willie Nelson guests.
"Hey Girl" is a nice song and features the wonderful Michael McDonald who along with Charles create a formidable duo.
"Sinner's Prayer" ft. B.B King is a fulfilling song that will deeply move some people.
"Heaven Help Us All" is a great RnB/Gospel song that feature the wonderful, Gladys Knight. I love the vocals and the choir which just adds so much to the song.
"Over The Rainbow" is another classic and has a wonderful overall feel to it, I love it and I'm sure you will love it too.
This track features Johnny Mathis.
The album closer/end is amazing and it is recorded live which is always a bonus.
"Crazy Love" has and unforgettable and memorable chorus and features the mastermind of Van Morrison.
"Genius Loves Company" is a superb reminder of what we lost in Ray and what legacy he has left behind, what a memorable man.
The days of relaxing to "Georgia On My Mind" may be over but at least you album to listen to, equally as good.
Free Music Review: A Sad Farewell To the Genius
Hit: 5 Stars
Since the early 1950's, Ray Charles has always made history with his music; meanwhile, changing the lives of millions of listeners. His music always gained rave reviews. He released several hit singles that continually reach listeners today including "Georgia On My Mind", "Hit the Road Jack", "A Song For You", and many others. Occassionally, he tried different music genres at a time when it was still taboo. Regardless if he was singing R&B, gospel, country, rock & roll, or pop, the quality of his work never fell below the top. His performances through his vocals and his piano remained soulful. Before and throughout his career, he fought through many life struggles (blindness, racism, controversy, heroin addiction) to grow into the artist as what millions know him.
Then, in 2004, a lot happened in Ray Charles history. He collaborated with twelve influencial musicians to record what would be his last album. "Genius Loves Company", released a month after his death, beautifully closes his career and his life. He later garnered five Grammys (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Album, Best Pop Collaboration, and Best Gospel Recording), and three others were rewarded to other album participants. Though his illness was continually worsening throughout the recording, hense the frayed voice, he maintained his hardworkmanship. Aside from the critically acclaimed film "Ray" based on his life and the Oscar winning performance from Jamie Foxx, this album is truly one of the best of 2004.
The varity of music genres express on this album sum his career. Yet, everything blends wonderfully. This again proves his musical range. Some are covers from the other artists, and some are songs he previously recorded years ago. All live up to their originals. Regardless of theme and partner's vocal texture, every duet contained the special chemistry. Ray Charles changes his own vocal texture to blend with the partner's. Despite, he never loses the spark that launched his career in the 1950's. The music is rearranged to successfully fulfill this overall theme. Duets include Elton John, Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt, and Willie Nelson. This album opens with the Grammy winning "Here We Go Again" recorded with Norah Jones. This beautiful ballad, originally released by Charles in 1968, shares the overall intentions of this album. It readies the remaining songs on the album.
The passionate performances from everybody catch hearts of its listeners. All prove that there'll be nobody like Ray Charles in a long time. Therefore, his legend will continue to live. Such musical quality makes "Genius Loves Company" an essential album, leaving "with a bang". This album will never be forgotten by its listeners.
Free Music Review: What a Way To Go!
Hit: 5 Stars
"Genius Loves Company," Ray Charles' posthumous album of twelve duets with contemporary artists, has all the more cemented his status as a musical legend. After having debuted at #2 on the Billboard albums chart in September, the disc has gone on to become Charles' highest-selling recording; his first ever to surpass the 1,000,000 (platinum) sales benchmark. The release also marked his first time in the Top 10 since 1964.
Kicking off the tracklisting is the melancholic "Here We Go Again," on which Norah Jones duets. Having made no secret of her great love for Charles and his music, it is no surprise to see her inclusion on the release. Although she was originally intimidated by the prospect of recording with Charles and thus, in her opinion, diminishing the quality of his work, the combination of the two artists works smashingly for the song.
"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," Elton John's 1976 Top 10 smash, makes for an awesome duet between the two bespectacled gentlemen. A classic, over the top ballad full of excruciating pain and longing on John's career-altering "Blue Moves" album, it is significantly more laid back this time around. Electric guitar riffs give the track an added amplification.
"Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?" a sharp outing with Bonnie Raitt, a fan of Charles since childhood, is a laid-back, slow roast of a song which sharply contrasts with the grandiosely produced "It Was a Very Good Year," a duet with the venerable Willie Nelson, who could later barely compose himself at Charles' funeral. Reflective and emotive, their performance on the song is the pinnacle of the disc.
Other more enjoyable moments of the disc include the rousing "Sinner's Prayer" with B.B. King and the lush "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Johnny Mathis, which is impassioned enough to make the overheard classic an essential listen. Additionally, "Hey Girl," a suave duet with Michael McDonald, is buoyed by the pair's honeyed vocals, while "Crazy Love" with Van Morisson provides a dollop of ear candy to bring the disc to its regretful conclusion.
Even in the rather forced company of Natalie Cole and Diana Krall, it is easy to see that Charles is enjoying himself immensely. Having been most gratuitous for the fact that that the artists he hand chose to duet with were more than willing to come to his studio to record with him, it is no surprise that this collection turned out so splendidly. It is as encouraging as it is entertaining to see the extent to which Charles enjoyed his passion for music all the way through to the very end of his career with this final release. "Genius Loves Company" is a true testament to the love of music from one of its most memorable talents.
Free Music Review: A Must for Ray Charles Fans
Hit: 5 Stars
This was the last project for Ray Charles, the innovator of soul, an icon and legend who's career spanned over 50 yrs. Each song is a duet with a different artist.
1. Here We Go Again with Norah Jones. This is a nice song to start the album. A relative newcomer, Jones, starts the song. She is very talented and her voice works well with Ray. It has a touch of a country feel to it
2. Sweet Potato Pie with James Taylor. The background music works with the voices so well. This song uses more jazz than most of the other songs.
3. You Don't Know Me with Diana Krall. This song was always one of my favorites. I love the duet too. It starts the same way as the original, but Krall adds a different feeling to it. Her voice contrasts with Ray's so nicely.
4. Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word with Elton John. I always want to cry when I hear this song. I hear Ray differently than I ever heard him before. Part of it is his illness/old age which humble his voice, making it much more emotional. He sings from his heart so powerfully with this song. Elton is emotional in this song as well making it so powerful.
5.Fever with Natalie Cole. This song is one of the faster songs. It has some cute dialoge in it between Natalie and Ray. I like the reference to Pochahontas.
6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind? with Bonnie Raitt. This song has a country feel to it. Anyone who bought Ray Charles does Country and Western will love this song. I love it.
7. It Was a Very Good Year with Willie Nelson. This is more of a story than song, but it rhymes. It's not one of my favorites, but it's ok.
8. Hey Girl with Michael McDonald. This is a sweet, slow song. It's very peaceful.
9. Sinners Prayer with B.B. King. This song reminds me of the jazz clubs that Ray would play in. I like it.
10. Heaven Help us All with Gladys Knight. Stevie Wonder's gospel song is back and it's great.
11. Over the Rainbow with Johnny Mathis. This song has a very different tone from Ray solo, but I like it as well. It's slower and softer.
12. Crazy Love with Van Morrison. The perfect song to end with, it's lively, well done and simply fabulous. The perfect note to think about Ray on. Overall, this CD is amazing and I beseech all Ray fans to buy it.
Free Music Review: Soul To Soul
Hit: 5 Stars
What a kick! What an absolute joy! Warning, many more superlatives to follow. To be perfectly honest ( something I'm prone to do from time to time! ) I had purchased this disc last night while visiting a local bookseller ( who shall remain nameless ) simply due to the untimely passing of Mr. Charles. Up to this point my music library lacking anything by this extroadinary keyboardist/singer I felt it would be my way of paying homage to this gentle mans not so small creativity and improving my music collections apparent shortcoming in the way of having on hand some fine Soul/R&B. Two birds with one stone wouldn't you know.
From the first strands of " Here We Go Again " with the increasingly popular Norah Jones I was absolutely hooked with what I was hearing and found myself turning up the volume so as to not miss a beat of what was going on. Fortunately things only seem to improve from there and while I could go on ad naseum about how spectacular the disc really is I won't bother. Highlights for me though, and there are many, will be stated though with no small amount of enthusiasm. Lets see, Michael McDonalds fine take on the Stylistics classic " Oh Girl " a truly lovely rendition to be found here. Rays duet with the impeccable Diana Krall on " You Don't Know Me " really delicious and of course the showstopper " Crazy Love " with no other then Van Morrison himself! There are obviously other remarkable tunes to be found therein but why spoil it for anyone. Pick up your very own copy, let these remarkable tunes wash over you, and wonder at the genius that will always be Ray Charles. And while other reviewers have commented on Rays voice not being what it once was ( and whose is, I may add! ) that is certainly no reason to pass on this gem. As a matter of fact while Rays voice is not as strong as once upon a time his voice still carries a certain magic and heartbreaking true emotion that many singers can only dream about. Then again don't listen to my meanderings. Pick up your copy, pour a glass of wine and give a toast to a singer who deserves so much more then we could ever give. Genius indeed!