Crying Time
Tangerine, 2024
9/10
Originally released in 1966, these 12 songs by Ray Charles welcome the Raelets and blend country, soul and R&B via his patented formula that’s remastered here.
The elegant and dreamy mood of “Crying Time”, by Buck Owens, starts the listen, and “No Use Crying” follows with Charles’ intimate pipes tugging on the heartstrings via the emotive delivery.
In the middle, the rowdy brass and thumping drums of “Peace Of Mind” brings plenty of energy, while “We Don’t See Eye To Eye”, by Percy Mayfield, showcases much soul amid the bouncy bass and well timed horns.
The last 2 tracks make an impression, too. “Don’t You Think I Ought To Know” emits stirring strings that suit the powerful singing, and “You’ve Got A Problem” exits with some gospel nods present from the background singers.
The album did so well, it netted Charles a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance Male, as well as Producer of Best Rhythm & Blues Recording by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. “Let’s Go Get Stoned” even landed at #1 R&B Billboard chart, though it’s safe to say that each track included is chart worthy in its own right.
Travels well with: Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music Volume 2; Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues