Ray Charles Albums (56)
Strong Love Affair

'Strong Love Affair'

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What The Critics Say

Once he signed to Warner Bros., Ray Charles adopted the '90s superstar schedule, releasing an album every three years. Strong Love Affair, the third of them (now on Quincy Jones's custom label, Qwest), is a self-production that finds Charles performing his usual mix of blues, R&B, and pop on a set of newly written songs. The material is serviceable, if generic, but what matters is Charles's typically expressive vocal performance. At 65, Charles may no longer be able to surprise us, but he doesn't seem ready to retire, and if new recordings from him risk redundancy and irrelevance, at their best they nevertheless can represent Charles as well as his earlier, revolutionary work. Strong Love Affair never tries to conform Charles to anything other than his eclectic self, and it never gets in his way. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

My World

'My World'

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Would You Believe?

'Would You Believe?'

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What The Critics Say

Some early-'90s Ray Charles material that ranges from enjoyable to entertaining to forgettable. His voice retains its drama, intensity, and flair, but he's extending himself less and less (at least on album) and not finding the kind of material that his talents merit. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Porgy & Bess

'Porgy & Bess'

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What The Critics Say

One of the most interesting versions of this Gershwin opus ever done. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Just Between Us

'Just Between Us'

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What The Critics Say

Some late-'80s Charles light pop, countrypolitan, and other good to below-average material. Charles sings with the usual strong touches, but he can't salvage much of this stuff. It's designed for those who want everything he's ever done. Otherwise, it won't merit much mention in his extensive legacy. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

The Spirit of Christmas

'The Spirit of Christmas'

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What The Critics Say

Recorded in 1985, The Spirit of Christmas finds Ray Charles performing a variety of holiday favorites with vocal assistance from the Raelettes and an appearance by jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. The ten tracks mix standards and originals, including "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and the ballad "That Spirit of Christmas," which was featured in the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The Spirit of Christmas is perfect background music for any holiday celebration. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide

From the Pages of My Mind

'From the Pages of My Mind'

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What The Critics Say

Another light country and countrypolitan outing from Ray Charles. These mid-'80s albums were miles removed from the earthiness and intensity he brought to his revolutionary '60s country dates. They're pleasant and often entertaining, but hardly vital. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

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