What makes Ray, Goodman & Brown by Ray, Goodman & Brown notable?

The album features the hit single 'Special Lady,' which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified the group's presence in the late '70s soul scene. Its smooth production and rich vocal arrangements influenced many contemporary R&B artists and contributed to the sound of urban music at that time. Released in 1979, this self-titled debut album marked Ray, Goodman & Brown's transition from session musicians to front-line artists. The trio had previously gained recognition as backup singers for legendary acts, and this album served as their first major step into the spotlight, establishing their distinct sound within the R&B genre.

How many songs are on Ray, Goodman & Brown?

Ray, Goodman & Brown has 8 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Ray, Goodman & Brown

Ray, Goodman & Brown · 1979

36 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth harmonies blend with soulful instrumentation, creating a lush backdrop for heartfelt storytelling.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Special Lady — This track highlights the group's signature blend of smooth vocals and lush instrumentation, showcasing their harmonizing skills while delivering a heartfelt message about love.
→
Inside of You — The opening track sets an emotional tone for the album with its engaging melody and intimate lyrics, immediately drawing listeners into the group's world.
→
Thrill / Friends — This extended track combines elements of storytelling with infectious grooves, illustrating the group's ability to blend narrative depth with danceable rhythms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal arrangements and smooth production, typical of late '70s R&B but with notable moments of originality.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with each member taking turns on lead vocals, creating a dynamic interplay.
The instrumentation features lush strings and smooth bass lines that complement the vocal arrangements, enhancing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

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

1 Inside of You 4:59
2 Special Lady 4:13
3 Slipped Away 3:54
4 The Way It Should Be 4:26
5 Treat Her Right 3:31
6 Thrill / Friends 7:52
7 Deja Vu 3:35
8 Another Day 4:11

What to play next

Listen next

Complete Stang Singles Collection

2014

Go back to

Moments With You

1976

Full Ray, Goodman & Brown discography Artists like Ray, Goodman & Brown

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata