Customers also search

Ray Charles
281
Audio CD
21 offers from $6.03
Ray Charles
1,201
Audio CD
17 offers from $8.62
Ray Charles
31
Audio CD
21 offers from $11.89
CHARLES,RAY
217
Vinyl
18 offers from $33.75
Ray Charles
352
Audio CD
26 offers from $4.40
Ray Charles
41
Audio CD
3 offers from $11.43

Track Listings

1	Here We Go Again - Features Norah Jones
2	Sweet Potato Pie - Features James Taylor
3	You Don't Know Me - Features Diana Krall
4	Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Features Elton John
5	Fever - Features Natalie Cole
6	Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Features Bonnie Raitt
7	It Was A Very Good Year - Features Willie Nelson
8	Hey Girl - Features Michael McDonald
9	Sinner's Prayer - Features B.B. King
10	Heaven Help Us All - Features Gladys Knight
11	Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Features Johnny Mathis
12	Crazy Love - Features Van Morrison

Editorial Reviews

"I've recorded with so many amazing artists in my career but never on a duets album of my own. I thought it was time to have some of the friends that I love & the artists that I admire come into my studio & sing with me live, the way we did it in the old days," explains Ray Charles on the genesis of Genius Loves Company. "All the guests brought their own magic to each song. That's what we wanted & that's exactly what we got." Ray's confidence is understandable. Genius Loves Company stands as a remarkable hallmark in a remarkable career. In his brilliant debut for Concord Records, Ray sings a dozen duets with a dazzling array of guest artists from virtually every genre, who have won a combined 79 GRAMMYr Awards. "We cover it all," Ray adds, "from country to R&B, pop, rock & blues. I've never let them put me in a little box, & this CD expresses that open feeling. A beautiful song is a beautiful song-and to sing with so many beautiful singers is a blessing from God."

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.88 x 5.55 x 0.55 inches; 3.53 Ounces
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Concord Records / Hear Music
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 1975977
Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 2004
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 27, 2006
Label ‏ : ‎ Concord Records / Hear Music
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0002F7I9Y
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Best Sellers Rank: #23,858 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #18 in Piano Blues
- #124 in Classic R&B (CDs & Vinyl)
- #822 in Soul (CDs & Vinyl)

Customer Reviews:
697 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		82%
4 star		9%
3 star		5%
2 star		3%
1 star		2%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Rev. Raynal A Monden

"A Look At Another Legend"

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

OH, How could we EVER (often) find or speak trash out of the lives of our most CLASSIC, "unique" voices of music melodies and creative poetic compositions. #1 NEVER, because as they lived, their lives (biographies) were their TESTIMONY... The good and the bad. Which often gave us to UNDERSTAND and clearly "define" their songs: very much in their lyrics as the melody and it's style. Ray Charles (like Stevie Wonder,) always gives you that "light at the end of ANY tunnel," finds something to say (w/music) to fit your day or any situation. This album just seems to "take you on a tour of visitors" that come by to share him in the midst of his musical world. Sadly, (I feel,) he manages quite well, enough, on his own-- but this album is nice.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Thomas O

Great CD but not so much the SACD version

Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2019

Verified Purchase

I recently purchased the SACD version of this CD, however, initially I'm preferring the standard (Red Book) CD version because it feels warmer, richer and more dynamic. On the SACD version Ray's voice only comes from the left channel while the other singer's voice only comes from the right channel, which creates a feeling of separation instead of like they're both on the same stage singing together. As a result it feels a little sterile. Even if the SACD version is more detailed, which I haven't listened to enough to make this determination, the experience of music IMHO is experiencing the soul of the people who are performing it. I want to hear the life of a song, which is why sometimes a live recorded version can be better than the studio version.
Having said all this the album itself is fantastic both for the lively perfomances and the auido quality. Audiophiles should be pleased.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Paul Tognetti

His final recording a real keepsake for baby boomers

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2004

Verified Purchase

While it is indeed true that some of Ray Charles' vocal performances on this disc are mediocre at best I am willing to cut him a bit of slack. After all, the man was 73 years old when he made these recordings. For those of us 55 and under Ray Charles has been a force in popular music just about all of our lives. When I heard that Ray Charles had died I felt much the same way I did when a major sports figure like Ted Williams or Mickey Mantle passed on. All were an important part of my era and it saddens me when they leave the scene.

But the good news is that on many of these tracks we can still hear the Ray Charles we all know and love. Remakes of two of his hits "Here We Go Again" (with Norah Jones) and "You Don't Know Me" (with Diana Krall) are wonderful reminders of some of the great music Ray made in the 1960's. I also enjoyed Ray and Natalie Cole in a funky rendition of Little Willie John's classic "Fever". Unfortunately there are some clunkers here as well, most notably Ray's duet with Willie Nelson on the Frank Sinatra hit "It Was A Very Good Year". Both men were downright awful on this one and it should have been left off the album entirely. But fortunately the disc finishes with a flourish with the final four tracks. Ray seemed to hit his stride alongside the legendary B.B. King on "Sinners Prayer". Just hearing these two men perform so well at such an advanced age is worth the price of the disc alone. Perhaps my favorite cut on this CD is "Heaven Help Us All" with one of my all-time favorites Gladys Knight. You might think the song was recorded 25 years ago. The final cut is a "live" performance with Van Morrison. "Crazy Love" was a tune Morrison recorded on his very first solo LP back in 1970. Once again, a superb job by both men here.

I was stunned when I learned that "Genius Loves Company" is currently #3 on the Billboard album chart. But when you stop to think about it there really isn't much for older folks to buy anymore. If you are looking for a great gift for that special boomer in your life then this would be the ticket. You can be sure it will be appreciated.

20 people found this helpful

Helpful

Brendon Spencer

The late great Ray Charles

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2005

Verified Purchase

If I had to use one word to describe this cd, it would be "heartbreaking". To hear the age and illness in this once great voice just brought tears to my eyes.

Some of the duet choices, as well as songs, were puzzling. Some worked (Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, BB King), some did not (James Taylor, Michael McDonald). I really liked the fact Billy Preston was there showing us how talented he is.

My favorite was the surprising Willie Nelson/Ray Charles rendition of "It Was a Very Good Year", a Frank Sinatra tune in which an old mans years is reflected through the women in his life.

The "black man, white man" in "Heaven Help Us All" I could have done without, even though Gladys Knight still has a beatiful voice and it is, for the most part, a lovely song.

B.B. and Ray absolutely shine in "Sinner's Prayer", with Preston once again showing his stuff.

Another great blending of talents was Bonnie Raitt and Ray with "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?". I had never thought of the two of them as a duo but it is one that really works.

"Hey Girl", no. Seemed strained and forced. McDonald was not at his best.

"Crazy Love". As much as I like Van Morrison, I may have to listen to this a few more times before I pronounce an opinion on this one. Same with Elton John and "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word".

Norah Jones, Dinana Krall, and Natalie Cole are lovely voices blending with Ray on some great songs. I expect excellence from these ladies and they do not disappoint. Johnny Mathis is a 'great' in his own right, and it was nice hearing him here.

I have read some of the other reviews and am aware in some minds I am committing sacrilege by implying anything other than perfection in Ray Charles' last work. He wasn't perfect, but he was great. This cd isn't perfect. Is it great? I don't know. Did this cd deserve all the Grammys? I don't think so. It got them because the great man had just died. Is it worth buying?

ABSOLUTELY.

12 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Thespionic

A Great Listen

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2015

Verified Purchase

This is a great album - I like every single track on it. It has such ‘live’ feel to it; the production is crystal clear, every instrument comes through perfectly, as does the vocals. This album deservedly won ‘album of the year’ in 2005.
Most of Ray’s recording success came in the 1960’s when he also had some chart success in the UK. This album went to Number one in the US and peaked at 18 here. Ray has his star on Hollywood walk and what an amazing career he had.
His Dad was a humble sharecropper. Ray went blind at age seven and lost members of his family whilst still young. He grew up to be a bit of a lad! He had 12 children with 10 different women and also struggled with drug addiction along the way to becoming a real legend. He finally left us his musical legacy at age 74.

2 people found this helpful

AfterTheEvent

So, so good!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2008

Verified Purchase

Apart from Ray Charles there are many fine performers and performances on this album - I particularly like the tracks with Norah Jones Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. If you like Ray Charles this is for you.

This would get 5 stars but Over The Rainbow is an absolute bummer when Johnny Mathis joins in and not not even Ray Charles can carry Van Morrison. It Was a Very Good Year sucks while Sweet Potato Pie with James Taylor doesn't really suits Ray Charles nor does Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word with Elton John.

The score so far-
3 tracks Suck - (2 if you can force yourself to listen to Van Morrison)
2 tracks OK
7 tracks Superb - so incredibly good that it almost makes 5 stars anyway.

This is still one of my current favourites and gets regular playtime.
Strongly recommended.

4 people found this helpful

Brian Challis

genious

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2016

Verified Purchase

I have a large collection of music covering nearly all genre, and occasionally I wonder why there is a preponderance of blues and soul in it. Then, just now and then you get a smack on the back of the head that says "here's why!"
A great album from one of the best ever, and populated in duet with some of my other favourites.

3 people found this helpful

Funky hair chick

Ray Charles CD

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

Lovee Ed this album it’s never been off since delivery. Great value for money, brand new and super prompt delivery

Mr. C. E. J. Jeffery

Tops

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2021

Verified Purchase

Legend great album

See all reviews

Image Unavailable

Genius Loves Company

Enhanced, Digipack

Customers also search

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Track Listings

Editorial Reviews

Product details

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

Genius Loves Company

Enhanced, Digipack

Customers also search

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Track Listings

Editorial Reviews

Product details

Videos

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries