Customer Reviews

Bad Influence

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my favorite Robert Cray album. Everyone loves Strong Persuader... But to me this is a far more authentic, heartfelt album. I'm generally not even a fan of most of the bluesmen who appeared after the 60s, but Cray is a rare exception. He had his own way of doing the blues that was very unique, and fantastic to listen to! He's just so smooth, and put so much soul into it you can't help but love it. If you're looking to expand your musical palate you can't get any better of a contemporary blues album than this!

First saw Robert opening for the Nighthawks at the old Moonshadow club in Atlanta in 1983. This album, "Bad Influence", had just come out. It was an exceptional show albeit very short.I think this is my favorite Robert Cray album as it has such a cross of influences that Robert felt he needed to do. You can really see his development jump on this album from his earlier albums. "Where Do I Go From Here,Don't Touch Me and I Got Loaded" shows Robert's passion for getting it right. I can always put this album on and feel better afterwards!!!!!!!!!! A must for serious music lovers.

On "Bad Influence," we get the opportunity to listen to an emerging "Young Bob." Released in 1983, this is Robert Cray when he was still just a local favorite out on the West Coast. Soulful vocals, a strong band, and biting blues guitar are all over the place here. A good portion of the album is covers; but there's much originality in the renditions.

This is another early, but must-have album from Robert Cray. My favorites are "Where do I go from Here", "Waiting for the Tide to Turn," and the inspiring "March On," which features a terrific horn section. The fact this disc is also an Amazon essential recording, an unusual honor, tells you all you need to know. Every Cray or blues fan should have this cd.

If this was supposed to be an all blues album I'd Give it a three and if it was supposed to be traditional I'd give it a two. If you are a purist or traditionalist or just want straight blues- stay away from cray. I really didn't like this album at first listen but now I think it's great. This guy really does have a perfect voice for the unique blend of funky-soul infused blues music he and the band play. The bass is excellent as well as the writing and composing. Cray isn't the greatest guitarist alive and not even close on this album like some people say- but I must admit few people play at all like him. He is really a very good guitar player on this record and oddly unique. His notes never get far away from him with carry or reverb and they have a real metallic sound to them. Alot of the best songs on here are really quite funny though subtle. Phone Booth sounds like a serious song because of the delivery of cray's voice bu if you pay attention to the lyrics you'll smile. It's got alot quirky songs and percussion that is not native to the blues but if you judge this record song by song with out labeling it like I suppose you should anyway- you'll probably like the second time you hear it if not the first. If you're curious about his blues reputation like me, maybe you should get a different album. But If you like more experimental blues sounds this is pretty inventive at times and will make you think twice about what blues music really is.

I was drinking in a bar in New Orleans listening to a blues cover band. When the band took a break, they played the best blues music I had ever heard over the PA. It was Robert Cray - Bad Influence. I went right out and bought it the next day. Although it never sounded quite so good without the atmosphere and friends in the Old Absinthe bar, it is still a very good blues record. I would get Strong Persuader first, and then go buy this one...and some beer. Then play track 11. Loud.