Genius & Friends (Mcup)

Ray Charles | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 20, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B000AMPYZY
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,279 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Genius Syndrome, March 12, 2006

By 

Michael Kerner "Michael Kerner" (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Genius & Friends (Mcup) (Audio CD)

There are sometimes when a duets album can be over the top, and there are other times that a duets album doesn't have what it really had before. That has arguably been the cases with Ray Charles. His previous Genius Loves Company album, was definitely one of the most breathtaking, well-received albums I've ever heard within the last few years. Arguably, when Warner Brothers and Rhino heard about the success of that great pop gem, they decided to make a Charles duets lbum of their own from Ray's older recordings. But does it really deliver what Genius Loves Company was as a sequel?

Ray Charles Genius & Friends, is a compilation of Ray's left over recordings from his life that weren't conjured or released before. The songs here however, don't really seem to have what Genius Loves Company did which is a dissapointment, considering some of the artists came out after Ray's passing like John Legend with Touch and Leela James with Compared To What. Still, there are some brightsides, and well-conjured duets like You Were There with Gladys Knight, Busted with Willie Nelson, and You Are My Sunshine with Chris Isaak. The songs here were mastered well, but the duets don't seem to have the feeling that this is another well-recognized masterpiece.

All in all, Genius & Friends by Ray Charles isn't at all a good buy for anybody who isn't familiar with his music, or even for die hard Ray Charles fans. The feeling on this albumisn't as good as Genius Loves Company was. I honestly suggest you buy that record instead over this one. This duets album shows that the genius isn't what it is cracked up to be.

Album Cover: B

Songs: C 1/2+

Price: C

Remastering & Mastering: B-

Overall: C

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Feel alot of Energy, Emotion and Soul from the Genius, April 29, 2006

By 

Henry Cooper ""Still One Me"" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Genius & Friends (Mcup) (Audio CD)

This is worth the Price as I mention since I purchase this. Why people say this isn't original or it's not showing Ray Charles more approval? C'mon now. This is not a bad CD or somewhat too overrated or too way outta hand. I mean this is what Ray leftover from 1997-1998 (2 Years back, somewhat like a Yearbook you get @ school, college or high school).

I love everything that Ray Charles does from the Heart. He'll always be remembered. He help put the Industry on top with his tenderly, most-touchable, strongful, and outrageous gift. This Man is a Blessing to the World of Music. Sorry Maxx (or Bro. Max), you seem to be missing some acceptions.

Thank God for Brother Ray.

Back to the Album.

It's full of collabos of some of the most talented people out there on this Disc which was produced by no other than Phil Ramone also noted producers who are additional. Angie Stone, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Gladys Kinght, Alicia Keys, Willie Nelson, Leela James, George Michael, the list goes on. Bad arrangements, nice work, cool vocals, really touchy, feelin' the air with fire like cookin' Gumbo.

Again this is worth the Price. Don't be too shy or too distasteful. Lemme see if u wanna a touch or taste of some Ray Charles. The last album whom was released posthumously after his death (which went home for 10 Grammys each) was my favorite to top from the Genius. As Frank Sinatra noted on RC, "The only Genius in the business".

They actually didn't note the name of the musicians who play on there. Well overall Good Work and Much Love in Heaven from Ray. We miss you Ray Charles. You're long remembered and unforgotten!
Checkout the Luther tributes i.e. "Forever, For Always, For Luther" and "So Amazing: A Salute Tribute to Luther Vandross" if you Must.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not quite there, January 12, 2006

By 

J. Bruhl (Little Rock, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genius & Friends (Mcup) (Audio CD)

I was a little disapointed in the material selected for this compilation. The singers that joined him are no doubt great, but I just found this album to be lacking in emotion and R&B. If you want a great CD with Ray Charles along with others go right for Ray Charles in "Genius Loves Company." It will satisfy!!!