Best Of Country & Western
Tangerine, 2024
8/10
Listen to Best Of Country & Western
A collection of some of Ray Charles’ best country songs, this new release also uses soul, jazz, pop and blues to its advantage.
The gripping “Here We Go Again” leads with warm keys and powerful vocal harmonizing amid much beauty, and “Together Again” follows with flowing piano and Charles’ inimitably soulful pipes that welcomes sweeping strings.
Further along, the dreamy “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is full of sublime intimacy in its emotive presence, while “Born To Lose” carries a cinematic quality via the graceful strings, expressive singing and group vocals.
Deeper still, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” uses spirited guitar in a more rock focused delivery, and “Seven Spanish Angels” exits with Willie Nelson in attendance for a gospel mood of elegant singing and twangy guitar.
The casual fan may not even know that Charles had such an impact on country music, but he truly altered the way the world perceived it, and these 13 timeless tracks are further proof of that.
Travels well with: Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music