A Portrait of Ray cover

A Portrait of Ray

Ray Charles · 1968

32 min · 10 tracks · country · jazz · R&B

A soulful blend of blues and jazz that captures Ray Charles' emotive vocal prowess and masterful piano skills.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo emotional flow
  • soulful reflections on love
  • for intimate gatherings
  • engaging storytelling through vocals

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles format

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1968, 'A Portrait of Ray' came during a prolific period for Ray Charles, following his commercial resurgence with hits like 'I Can't Stop Loving You' in the early 1960s. This album showcases his ability to reinterpret contemporary songs while firmly establishing his unique sound within the soul genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Sam Cooke· Otis Redding· Aretha Franklin

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Never Say Naw 3:00
  • 2 The Sun Died 3:51
  • 3 Am I Blue? 4:05
  • 4 Yesterdays 4:34
  • 5 When I Stop Dreamin’ 2:59
  • 6 I Won’t Leave 3:28
  • 7 A Sweet Young Thing Like You 2:10
  • 8 The Bright Lights & You Girl 2:31
  • 9 Understanding 3:07
  • 10 Eleanor Rigby 2:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata