What makes Shame + A Sin by Robert Cray notable?

Shame + A Sin received critical acclaim and contributed to Cray's status as a modern blues icon. The album peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart, solidifying his influence on the genre during the early '90s. Released in early 1993, Shame + A Sin was Robert Cray's fifth studio album, following his breakthrough record, Strong Persuader, which established him as a leading voice in blues. At this point in his career, Cray was transitioning from mainstream recognition to deepening his artistic expression within the genre.

Who is Shame + A Sin for?

Shame + A Sin works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, heartfelt storytelling moments and soulful guitar-driven melodies.

How many songs are on Shame + A Sin?

Shame + A Sin has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Shame + A Sin

Robert Cray · 1993

50 min · 11 tracks · blues

A smooth blend of soulful guitar riffs and poignant storytelling that captures the essence of contemporary blues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Some Pain, Some Shame — This track encapsulates the album's emotional depth with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics about love and regret, showcasing Cray’s signature guitar work.
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I Shiver — A standout ballad where Cray's expressive vocals shine through, creating a palpable tension between longing and heartbreak that resonates deeply.
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Don’t Break This Ring — The song features a compelling narrative about commitment and vulnerability, highlighted by a captivating guitar solo that defines Cray’s style.

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 features strong songwriting and skilled musicianship, making it a solid entry in contemporary blues.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature prominent guitar solos that establish a confident, bluesy tone, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued vocal delivery.
Several tracks employ call-and-response structures between the vocals and guitar, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel throughout, with only slight variations in pace that keep the listener engaged.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove
heartfelt storytelling moments
soulful guitar-driven melodies
thoughtful reflections on life
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 1993, Shame + A Sin was Robert Cray's fifth studio album, following his breakthrough record, Strong Persuader, which established him as a leading voice in blues. At this point in his career, Cray was transitioning from mainstream recognition to deepening his artistic expression within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Bonamassa· Keb' Mo'· Susan Tedeschi