Search - Robert Cray :: This Time

CONSISTENCY IS THE NAME OF HIS GAME

dickydo | Warwick, RI USA | 08/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Cray has been away from the studio for awhile but the song remains the same. Cray makes elegant sophisticated blues with strong vocals and understated guitar lines. The vocals take center stage to strong effect. Much has been written about the influence the late great O.V. Wright has had on Crays vocals. "Trouble In Pain" sounds like a cross between Wright and Otis Redding. The jazzy "That's What Keeps me Rockin'" is another fine cut. Strong song writing makes this another solid piece of work in Cray's long career. There aren't any guitar hero antics here. Well played intelligent music performed by and underrated and often overlooked musician."

Robert Returns with a Bang

H T | 08/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Robert Cray returns with his first studio album in 5 years and he won't disappoint his long time fans with this offering. From the rocking grooves of the opening track, "chicken in the kitchen", or "that's what keeps me rocking", to the beautiful "last goodbye" Cray proves once again that he truly one of this generations premiere bluesmen. Cray is reknowned for his guitar prowess but what is so evident on every one of his releases is his amazing voice. His voice is all of soulful, gritty, and smooth; an incredible singer.

Question? 9 tracks! That seems a little light for a cd format especially after 5 years. I am assuming that he had more than 9 in the can after 5 years away. And, why is the bounus track, "keep on loving me baby" only on the 'Amazon Exclusive'? With the downloading going on with music tracks you'd think an artist would load up a new release with as much material as possible to encourage purchasing the whole cd and discourage just grabbing a track here or there through individual track purchasing. Oh well. In the end, 9 is fine but it leaves Cray's loyal following wanting more. Synopsis-another great offering from an incredible singer/songwriter who hasn't failed to deliver yet in 21+ releases and who seems to just get better with age - HT"

Great new release, a little skimpy on the weight.

Jeffrey R. Hayes | 08/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The only complaint is only 9 songs... 10 counting the exclusive AMAZON bonus. Come on Robert. It's been five years. I hope there isn't one of those 2nd "deluxe edition" releases that always screw the die hard fans that buy the new disc the first week it is out....That always pisses me off.



Everything on this disc is great. Listened to it 3 x's the first day I got it. This is not one of those Robert Cray discs that needs to be listened to a few times before it grabs you. (Time Will Tell, Twenty)It is more in the Don't be Afraid.., Midnight Stroll mode. It grabs you at first listen.



Glad to see and hear Richard Cousins, the old bassist from the 80's & early 90's back in the band with Robert. AND, glad he kept Jim Pugh. They seem very tight on this record and I can't wait to see it live. 2-3 more tunes on this disc, a few more old cheatin' songs and it would be a 5 star review. Play on.



One more comment: WHERE IS A LIVE CONCERT DVD? What is with the double live CD and no DVD. Please have Clapton loan you some camaras next time..."