Customer Reviews

Genius & Friends (Mcup)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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

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.

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!!!

I wanted so much to really like this CD. I raced down to the Virgin Record store 15 minutes before closing to aquire it. I was so happy to have made it. Out of breath and filled with anticipation I tore off the cover and placed the CD into the player. I was soooo disappointed. As a tribute to modern studio wizardry this CD lacks the magic and sentimentality of Natalie Cole's duet with her father (for obvious reasons) and it's just plain without the oomph needed to be at the very least interesting. It's not that the accompanying artists don't sing well or even mix with Ray's vocals, they do.Angie Stone is very good with Ray's pre-recorded tracks. Their cut actually sounds authentic. The mood is mellow and sensual. John Legend's cut, "Touch" is good; even Ms. Labelle who is notorious for outsinging her partners is restrained and in a collaborative mood. All of the singers do an admirable job. The CD is just kind of flat. I gave this offering two stars for two reasons. The duet with Willie Nelson; "Busted", is very nice. An excellent song choice for the two and actually recorded with Ray Charles. The other star is for the Charles and Diana Ross song, "Big, Bad, Love". Ray's rough and spontaneous voice is a perfect blend with Diana's breathy, sexy styling. This song was also actually recorded with Mr. Charles and Miss Ross. It's fun and spirited.

I also didn't like the all paper packaging; kinda cheesy. The photos are beautiful but do not include all of the artists featured. Why? I cannot recommend this project for 4 selections.

This album holds it's own ground quite well (Ray's vocals are much better on this project). 11 (Eleven) Tracks were recorded between 1997 & 1998 and shelved for reasons we'll never know. 2 (Two) Tracks were recorded in 1991 and 1994. 1 (One) Track was recorded in 2005...Remember Ray died in June of 2004, so it's safe to say his Vocals (Which was probley recorded in 90's) was spliced in. So I think it's safe to say these 3 (Three) Tracks were 'Added' in to fill the Compact Disc, thus giving you 14 (Fourteen) selections. The version of "America The Beautiful" with Alicia Keys could have/should have been removed, and replaced with something else...It's nothing to write home about.

On the Up Side...The cut: "Touch" with John Legend could have been released as a Single! This has "Hit' written all over it! It has an Al Green-Sly Stone feel to it...Let me put it this way...It's one of Ray's most funkiest tune in his career! "Shout" with Patti LaBelle & The Andrae Crouch Singers is another Single worthy track! This cut showcases Ray's contemporary gospel side. Upon listening to this once, you'll find yourself singin' along. The WHOLE ABLUM (Except for the Alicia Keys cut) is SOLID FROM START TO FINISH!

Put the blame of poor Marketing/Promotion on Rhino Records, especially for the warm receiption this album recieved. It should have done much better Air-Play and Sales-Wise, but don't let this be the reason for you passing this album up...JUDGE FOR YOURSELF!

Oh!, and let's not forget Rhino Records RUSH RELEASED this right on the heels of the 2004 Grammy Winner "Gunius Loves Company" just to capitolize and Cash in on sales of that album's success, which was done in reaaaaaaaaaaaal poor taste. Even with this being as low as $1.00! (One Dollar!)...Isn't that enough to tempt you to buy it??? Even if you didn't like it, you can't say it set you back for a lot of money! Once you get more people saying how good this album really is the price WILL go up!

Listening to "Genius & Friends" brought about the emotions and strong feelings. Ray's voice was more pleasant and less wavering than on "Genius Loves Company." Though you could tell the voice was getting older, the blend was better. I commend the producers for following-up on Ray's wishes. It was difficult to keep back the tears. "All I Want To Do","It All Goes By So Fast", and "You Were There", hit me the most. This is the one to buy and preserve.

Ray never goes out of style. He's always Genius. The liner notes say this album's release was one of his last wishes. He is in great voice and it is a pleasure to find new releases of his even after his passing.

This album feels like what it is - an artificial studio creation.
Not a terrible thing per se, but not something that makes for a decent album, either.
You are warned!

Look for Ray Charles name to be read aloud again this upcoming Grammy Award Season. Genius & Friends is the latest Ray Charles collaboration CD to hit stores. The CD follows his popular duets CD Genius Loves Company which swept the Grammy's earlier this year. Genius & Friends is compiled of duets that Ray recorded between 1997-1998. According to the forward in the CD insert, Ray called upon James Austin to find the recordings after he took ill with liver cancer.

Genius & Friends opens with "All I Want To Do" featuring Angie Stone. This song is a melodic gem and hearing Ray Charles say "jiggy" is classic. "You Are My Sunshine" is a collaboration between Ray and Chris Isaak. This song has a real big band flavor to it. Ray and Mary J. Blige team up for "It All Goes By So Fast." Ray and newcomer Leela James get funky on the track "Compared To What." Genius & Friends literally features an all star cast--even the little heard from as of late Diana Ross appears on the set. Diana and Ray bring the house down with "Big Bad Love." Ray and John Legend sound real good on the song "Touch." This song could easily be a radio hit. Ray Charles is a legend and Genius & Friends is evident that he can make beautiful music with various types of artists--from Willie Nelson to Patti Labelle. Genius & Friends has an all star cast and is the perfect blend of R&B, funk, soul, gospel and blues. The album also features Ray & Alicia Keys version of "America The Beautiful."

This album has great singers starting with Ray Charles along with his guests and the arrangements are good but something is missing so it must be the material itself. It is not up to the standard of 'Genius Loves Company'. Were these tunes screened from the 'Genius Loves Company' album?? All is not lost though - super rendition of 'Imagine' and 'Blame It On The Sun'.