Customer Reviews

This Time

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Robert Cray has been away from the studio for awhile but the song remains the same. Cray makes elegant sophisticated blues with strong vocals and understated guitar lines. The vocals take center stage to strong effect. Much has been written about the influence the late great O.V. Wright has had on Crays vocals. "Trouble In Pain" sounds like a cross between Wright and Otis Redding. The jazzy "That's What Keeps me Rockin'" is another fine cut. Strong song writing makes this another solid piece of work in Cray's long career. There aren't any guitar hero antics here. Well played intelligent music performed by and underrated and often overlooked musician.

Robert Cray returns with his first studio album in 5 years and he won't disappoint his long time fans with this offering. From the rocking grooves of the opening track, "chicken in the kitchen", or "that's what keeps me rocking", to the beautiful "last goodbye" Cray proves once again that he truly one of this generations premiere bluesmen. Cray is reknowned for his guitar prowess but what is so evident on every one of his releases is his amazing voice. His voice is all of soulful, gritty, and smooth; an incredible singer.
Question? 9 tracks! That seems a little light for a cd format especially after 5 years. I am assuming that he had more than 9 in the can after 5 years away. And, why is the bounus track, "keep on loving me baby" only on the 'Amazon Exclusive'? With the downloading going on with music tracks you'd think an artist would load up a new release with as much material as possible to encourage purchasing the whole cd and discourage just grabbing a track here or there through individual track purchasing. Oh well. In the end, 9 is fine but it leaves Cray's loyal following wanting more. Synopsis-another great offering from an incredible singer/songwriter who hasn't failed to deliver yet in 21+ releases and who seems to just get better with age - HT

The only complaint is only 9 songs... 10 counting the exclusive AMAZON bonus. Come on Robert. It's been five years. I hope there isn't one of those 2nd "deluxe edition" releases that always screw the die hard fans that buy the new disc the first week it is out....That always pisses me off.

Everything on this disc is great. Listened to it 3 x's the first day I got it. This is not one of those Robert Cray discs that needs to be listened to a few times before it grabs you. (Time Will Tell, Twenty)It is more in the Don't be Afraid.., Midnight Stroll mode. It grabs you at first listen.

Glad to see and hear Richard Cousins, the old bassist from the 80's & early 90's back in the band with Robert. AND, glad he kept Jim Pugh. They seem very tight on this record and I can't wait to see it live. 2-3 more tunes on this disc, a few more old cheatin' songs and it would be a 5 star review. Play on.

One more comment: WHERE IS A LIVE CONCERT DVD? What is with the double live CD and no DVD. Please have Clapton loan you some camaras next time...

I own most every studio album Robert Cray has released. I have seen him in concert on numerous occasions. Always thrilled - until this CD. I bought it blind like always, expecting stellar Robert Cray music. This CD is just awful - there is no other way to put it. I don't ever recall having been so disappointed in a CD. I have tried to like it, badly wanting to like it, on several occasions since buying it, but it is now in the "do not play" stack.

I had only heard about Robert Cray recently, and just got into blues music. This music does not disappoint! He keeps the chords uptempo, full of soul and rock at the same time. The only song I wasn't that into was That's What Keeps Me Rockin. I can get into blues as long as there is a little variation, and 99% of the album had that variation, slow and fast tempo, and good lyrics. I recommend this for those who want to test out the waters.

1) He shouldn't have changed his rhythm section. 2) The writing isn't very good. 3) Production is so-so at best... I'm sorry but every record since 'Take Your Shoes Off' (the Robert Cray benchmark as far as I'm concerned), has gotten gradually less engaging (not the rhythm section's fault) with this offering for me being the final straw. It's really sad too because Robert is one of the best of all time. Few people can sing like him. Few can play guitar like him. But most importantly I haven't heard anyone who can combine the two so effortlessly. I hope his next is better, if I even buy it.....

Robert Cray - This Time

Some may not even put Cray in a blues qualifying class these days as he tends to drift into soul or R&B as much as blues, and he hasn't released the kind of smokin' blues that often lit up his earliest releases of late. Still I enjoyed this CD. He's polished and professional, the sound is clean, and he's in great voice. He's always been an expressive vocalist and includes a number of tasty licks especially early in the disc. A little funky at times, with ballads-a-plenty, but a nice overall sophisticated blues or maybe even Blues & Rhythm disc from the vet Cray.

Robert Cray became popular in the late 80's. His talent is craftsmanship is timeless. Make this CD another entry into your blues collection.

Just a good album with Cray at his best. I bought it just for one song that was on it, but soon had many favs.

Robert Cray is my favorite entertainer. However, this CD was not his best. I will buy anything he produces. He is the best contemporary blues artist.