Ray Charles - Genius Friends Mcup (14 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

The Genius Syndrome

Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 03/12/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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"

Feel alot of Energy, Emotion and Soul from the Genius

Henry Cooper | Atlanta, GA | 04/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Soul and Emotion!!!

"Broom" | PA | 01/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Not the same

Kathryn A. Imhoff | California | 01/13/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the original Genius and Comapany and adore it! I thought this CD would be as nice but I was disappointed. Although Ray Charles' voice is engineered to be a bit stronger on this one, the overall product was a letdown."

THIS MAY NOT HAVE THE BITE THAT 'GENIUS LOVES COMPANY' HAVE,

Mr. Nightshift | Los Angeles, CA | 04/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

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