Considered by many to be Ray Charles’ finest album, I looked forward to finding out why Modern Sounds In Country & Western Music is so revered. It doesn’t contain of Charles’ well-known hits, so the average CD-shopper would probably dismiss it. Indeed, were I not aware of the album’s significance, I’d only pick it up to hear Charles’ take on “Bye Bye Love”, a song All That Jazz has made into one of my favorites. I’m happy to report, by the way, that on that track, and most of the others on this album, Charles fails to disappoint. It’s undeniable that Ray Charles had one of the most soulful voices in musical history. He felt everything he sang, and every word and note had some special meaning to him. Even on a more gentle track like “You Don’t Know Me”, a song Charles made popular though not on of his own, each note possesses that raspy genius. I typically hate those old backing vocal sounds from Elvis tracks and stuff from that era, but on this track, Charles just seems to float above it all. This track is a time capsule whose contents are still fresh upon opening. “Half As Much” is a country track that Charles turns into a Sinatra-style swing tune. It’s amazing to see how much creative control Charles exercised over this album, considering his race and the time period. It’s a testament to what a one of a kind talent the man was. The sax solo in “Half As Much” alone makes the track worth a listen.“I Love You So Much” is a decent song made so much better by Ray’s jazz style crooning. He’s considered a pioneer of R&B and soul, but tracks like this show you how he could do any genre of music. Charles was a true master of music. “Just A Little Lovin’ (Will Go A Long Way)” brings in that soul you’ve been hearing so much about, even though on this track Ray sounds kinda like that Bill from School House Rock. “Born To Lose” is the first track on the album that kind of under-whelms me. This track, while good, lacks the spark of the other songs. There’s not nearly as much life in this one as the others. But, hey, 1 “eh” track for 5 amazing ones? I can deal.
The second side of the album eases into “Worried Mind”, another ballad that seems to possess a little more soul than the previous track. If nothing else, one has to appreciate the piano solo. “It Makes No Difference Now” keeps the same tone as “Worried Mind” but the pacing picks up a bit. Yeah, that’s all I have to say. The second half of the album doesn’t start out with the same great kick as the first side. Yet another slow ballad, “You Win Again” is…nice…but Christ what I wouldn’t give for “What’d I Say” right now. The first side of the album had such variety. And each track on side 2 is good, it’s just…bleak. This album is still brilliant, a guaranteed classic, and rightfully deserves it’s place on this list. But…I could really use some R&B. Hell, not even Ray’s R&B. I’ll take Jamie Foxx (the other Ray Charles)’s shitty auto-tuned R&B. “Careless Love” is a traditional song Charles adds a swing to and gets a little closer to an upbeat track. This track is another song that’s ok, but made much better by Ray’s vocal styling. It’s still far too slow, though. Is ONE more swinging tune too much to ask? At the time, this music was groundbreaking, and deserves respect. Now, however, some of it just fall flat.
“I Can’t Stop Loving You”, a country track Charles makes his own, picks it up a bit, with a lively string section, but it’s still sorta...dragging. I’m not gonna lie, after a whole album side of slow, you may spend this whole tracking half enjoying Ray’s voice, and half waiting for the Hank Williams classic “Hey Good Lookin’” knowing (or at least hoping) that will be somewhat upbeat. And finally, after an album side of slowness, we finally get the rocking Ray I’ve come to love. There’s his spirit, his energy, his sense of rhythm and soul. Finished with his tracks of weeping, Ray rocks out and sets your soul afire for the final 2 minutes of the album.
Ray proved many things with this album. 1) Great R&B doesn’t need 20 minute obnoxious vocal riffs (I’m talking to you American Idol), 2) Great music is great music, an a country classic can become a soul staple in the right hands, 3) An incredible album in 1962 can still be an incredible album today, and 4) Ray Charles is a legend. And after this album, I shouldn’t have to explain why any further.
By the way, if you enjoyed this album as much as I did, be sure to pick up the CD re-release with the three bonus tracks. “You Are My Sunshine” alone is worth it.
Bottom line: Definitely give it a listen. Sure, the second half drags a bit, but this right here is a true classic, and the best album Ray Charles ever put out. It should be a staple of anyone’s record collection. Yes, I said record. I’m off to o buy the vinyl later today.
-Mike
Next up, a total change of tone. #433: Another Green World by Brian Eno.
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