Search - The Robert Cray Band :: Bad Influence

The Robert Cray Band
Bad Influence
Genres: Blues, Pop, R&B, Rock

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. Phone Booth
2. Bad Influence
3. The Grinder
4. Got To Make A Comeback
5. So Many Women, So Little Time
6. Where Do I Go From Here
7. Waiting For The Tide To Turn
8. March On
9. Don't Touch Me
10. No Big Deal
11. Bonus Track: I Got Loaded
12. Bonus Track: Share What You've Got, Keep What You Need

CD Details

All Artists: The Robert Cray Band
Title: Bad Influence
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Hightone Records
Release Date: 10/25/1990
Genres: Blues, Pop, R&B, Rock
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Electric Blues, Modern Blues, Soul
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 012928800129, 042283024526

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording

When the Washington-state-based bluesman cut this album, his second, for Hightone in 1983, Robert Cray was still four years away from his major-label, Top 40 hit "Smoking Gun." Nonetheless, his signature sound is intact: horn-colored Stax-style arrangements, a backbeat laced with funk, Cray's own gospelized vocals, and the stiletto-tipped notes that he rips from his Stratocaster. A few years later Eric Clapton covered the title song; but what's most fun here is listening to Cray pay homage to his good influences. He covers numbers by Johnny "Guitar" Watson and Eddie Floyd, and charges into his guitar solos with a brittle tone and bristling attack that at times recalls the underrated Watson, Cray's mentor Albert Collins, and Chicago legend Buddy Guy. But it's really the sound of a modern virtuoso distilling his craft from the raw material of blues history. --Ted Drozdowski

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CD Reviews

A portrait of Cray as an emerging blues force

magicfred | 10/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On "Bad Influence," we get the opportunity to listen to an emerging "Young Bob." Released in 1983, this is Robert Cray when he was still just a local favorite out on the West Coast. Soulful vocals, a strong band, and biting blues guitar are all over the place here. A good portion of the album is covers; but there's much originality in the renditions."

Overall

ty7777 | USA | 02/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If this was supposed to be an all blues album I'd Give it a three and if it was supposed to be traditional I'd give it a two. If you are a purist or traditionalist or just want straight blues- stay away from cray. I really didn't like this album at first listen but now I think it's great. This guy really does have a perfect voice for the unique blend of funky-soul infused blues music he and the band play. The bass is excellent as well as the writing and composing. Cray isn't the greatest guitarist alive and not even close on this album like some people say- but I must admit few people play at all like him. He is really a very good guitar player on this record and oddly unique. His notes never get far away from him with carry or reverb and they have a real metallic sound to them. Alot of the best songs on here are really quite funny though subtle. Phone Booth sounds like a serious song because of the delivery of cray's voice bu if you pay attention to the lyrics you'll smile. It's got alot quirky songs and percussion that is not native to the blues but if you judge this record song by song with out labeling it like I suppose you should anyway- you'll probably like the second time you hear it if not the first. If you're curious about his blues reputation like me, maybe you should get a different album. But If you like more experimental blues sounds this is pretty inventive at times and will make you think twice about what blues music really is."

Robert Cray: Mr. BLUESSOUL Himself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

magicfred | Atl,Ga | 11/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First saw Robert opening for the Nighthawks at the old Moonshadow club in Atlanta in 1983. This album, "Bad Influence", had just come out. It was an exceptional show albeit very short.I think this is my favorite Robert Cray album as it has such a cross of influences that Robert felt he needed to do. You can really see his development jump on this album from his earlier albums. "Where Do I Go From Here,Don't Touch Me and I Got Loaded" shows Robert's passion for getting it right. I can always put this album on and feel better afterwards!!!!!!!!!! A must for serious music lovers."