Most CD reviews are intended to convince the reader whether or not the artist or band has a good sound and writes good music. When the artist in question is Ray Charles, that isn't necessary. His body of work over fifty years speaks for itself. So the question is, what makes this collection a must have?
Before the film hit the theaters, the soundtrack, Ray, was released. The soundtrack included most of Charles' biggest hits, such as "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia On My Mind." However, after the spotlight on Charles after his death and the huge success of the film, More Music From Ray was put together. With an artist as prolific as Ray Charles, it's not hard to make two greatest hits CD's--you could probably make five if you wanted to--but there have been tons "best of" compilations made of his music. A partial list includes His Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and 2, 18 Golden Hits, The Genius of Ray Charles, Ultimate Hits Collection, and numerous box sets, just to name a few.
With so many greatest hits albums to choose from, you would hope for some rare and live tracks unearthed for the film's release, rare tracks that highlight a musical genius's career. Yet there is only one live track ("Making Whoopee") and nothing too rare. The real gems for huge Ray Charles fans are three re-recorded tracks, made in 2003 specifically for the film, including the bluesy "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand," which features a guitar solo from former GN'R axeman Slash in an unlikely pairing. The rest of the CD, with the exception of a moving version of "America the Beautiful" from 1972, cover only the years 1954-1966. The three new songs give a broader look at his career. Although Charles stopped writing original songs in the late 60s, his voice and style evolved over the years, and the inclusion of the re-recorded tracks show this.
As for the rest of the studio tracks, there are numerous great songs included. The energetic "Leave My Woman Alone," the melancholy "Losing Hand," and a great instrumental called "Rockhouse Pts. 1 & 2" are the best of the best.
The booklet includes numerous photographs from the film and notes from Ray director Taylor Hackford, which are very informative as he talks about what it was like to work with Charles in the making of the soundtrack. In the end, this is a very good buy for anyone who wants an introduction to Ray Charles's music. Yet for hardcore fans, it doesn't distance itself from all the other greatest hits CD's and doesn't offer too much besides the three new tracks.
3/4
