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Charles, Ray - Genius & Friends
Ray Charles
Charles, Ray - Genius & Friends
Genres: Country, Pop, R&B
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1


     
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All Artists: Ray Charles
Title: Charles, Ray - Genius & Friends
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Rhino/Wea UK
Release Date: 1/13/2008
Album Type: Import
Genres: Country, Pop, R&B
Styles: Vocal Pop, Soul
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 081227325558

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CD Reviews

The Genius Syndrome
Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 03/12/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are sometimes when a duets album can be over the top, and there are other times that a duets album doesn't have what it really had before. That has arguably been the cases with Ray Charles. His previous Genius Loves Company album, was definitely one of the most breathtaking, well-received albums I've ever heard within the last few years. Arguably, when Warner Brothers and Rhino heard about the success of that great pop gem, they decided to make a Charles duets lbum of their own from Ray's older recordings. But does it really deliver what Genius Loves Company was as a sequel?



Ray Charles Genius & Friends, is a compilation of Ray's left over recordings from his life that weren't conjured or released before. The songs here however, don't really seem to have what Genius Loves Company did which is a dissapointment, considering some of the artists came out after Ray's passing like John Legend with Touch and Leela James with Compared To What. Still, there are some brightsides, and well-conjured duets like You Were There with Gladys Knight, Busted with Willie Nelson, and You Are My Sunshine with Chris Isaak. The songs here were mastered well, but the duets don't seem to have the feeling that this is another well-recognized masterpiece.



All in all, Genius & Friends by Ray Charles isn't at all a good buy for anybody who isn't familiar with his music, or even for die hard Ray Charles fans. The feeling on this albumisn't as good as Genius Loves Company was. I honestly suggest you buy that record instead over this one. This duets album shows that the genius isn't what it is cracked up to be.



Album Cover: B



Songs: C 1/2+



Price: C



Remastering & Mastering: B-



Overall: C"
Feel alot of Energy, Emotion and Soul from the Genius
Henry Cooper | Atlanta, GA | 04/29/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is worth the Price as I mention since I purchase this. Why people say this isn't original or it's not showing Ray Charles more approval? C'mon now. This is not a bad CD or somewhat too overrated or too way outta hand. I mean this is what Ray leftover from 1997-1998 (2 Years back, somewhat like a Yearbook you get @ school, college or high school).



I love everything that Ray Charles does from the Heart. He'll always be remembered. He help put the Industry on top with his tenderly, most-touchable, strongful, and outrageous gift. This Man is a Blessing to the World of Music. Sorry Maxx (or Bro. Max), you seem to be missing some acceptions.



Thank God for Brother Ray.



Back to the Album.



It's full of collabos of some of the most talented people out there on this Disc which was produced by no other than Phil Ramone also noted producers who are additional. Angie Stone, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Gladys Kinght, Alicia Keys, Willie Nelson, Leela James, George Michael, the list goes on. Bad arrangements, nice work, cool vocals, really touchy, feelin' the air with fire like cookin' Gumbo.



Again this is worth the Price. Don't be too shy or too distasteful. Lemme see if u wanna a touch or taste of some Ray Charles. The last album whom was released posthumously after his death (which went home for 10 Grammys each) was my favorite to top from the Genius. As Frank Sinatra noted on RC, "The only Genius in the business".



They actually didn't note the name of the musicians who play on there. Well overall Good Work and Much Love in Heaven from Ray. We miss you Ray Charles. You're long remembered and unforgotten!

Checkout the Luther tributes i.e. "Forever, For Always, For Luther" and "So Amazing: A Salute Tribute to Luther Vandross" if you Must."
Soul and Emotion!!!
"Broom" | PA | 01/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to "Genius & Friends" brought about the emotions and strong feelings. Ray's voice was more pleasant and less wavering than on "Genius Loves Company." Though you could tell the voice was getting older, the blend was better. I commend the producers for following-up on Ray's wishes. It was difficult to keep back the tears. "All I Want To Do","It All Goes By So Fast", and "You Were There", hit me the most. This is the one to buy and preserve."