The fact that Genius Loves Company will be Ray Charles's final new album inspires an unavoidable blue feeling. But it's also a happy reminder that the man spent the last months of his life at work doing what he loved. The overall effect of these dozen duets is autumnal and smooth. Brother Ray is on point and cruising here. Fine moments abound--you can hear his delight even in the rather stiff company of Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. His voice sounds a bit frayed by ill health at times, but it also allows for great performances like the slyness behind the ache in his version of the old soul hit "Hey Girl" with Michael McDonald and a grand "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison. Potently, he and Gladys Knight remind us of the continued timeliness of Stevie Wonder's "Heaven Help Us All." Its best moments make Company one more essential purchase for Ray Charles fans. --Rickey Wright
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Ray Charles; what a loss:
This album has a collection of the blues' genius with other great talents; and lovely performances with Norah Jones, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Van Morrison. My favorites are: "sorry seems to be the hardest word" with Elton John, and" Do I ever cross your mind" with Bonnie Raitt. A great album that can only be enhanced by listening to another wonderful collection: Ray Charles & friends
True Beauty, Pure Genius!:
Here written are many magnificent Kudos for this CD and I would just like to add a few comments from the casual listener who has always enjoyed Ray Charles from the living room armchair with much awe and many goose-bumps. As the final work of this great artist whose name is synonymous with greatness, I am hard pressed to find a single flaw in this collection. On many occasions I have popped this CD into the home or car player and just let it run its course as many as two or three times without changing it... more info
Lost & Found:
I used to own this CD even before it won 8 awards including the Album of the Year in 2005 Grammys. Unfortunately lost it in a rental car from a trip, which is not uncommon I guess. Now I am thrilled to have it back again in my car.
super genius!:
great disc, different style than ray usually churns out. interesting combos - ray and willie nelson on "a very good year"; ray and johnny mathis on "somewhere over the rainbow". you can tell a good time was had by all making this cd, it shows through the sounds created!
Tracks:
Here We Go Again - Features Norah Jones
Sweet Potato Pie - Features James Taylor
You Don't Know Me - Features Diana Krall
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Features Elton John
Fever - Features Natalie Cole
Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Features Bonnie Raitt
It Was A Very Good Year - Features Willie Nelson
Hey Girl - Features Michael McDonald
Sinner's Prayer - Features B.B. King
Heaven Help Us All - Features Gladys Knight
Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Features Johnny Mathis