ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Ray! (Rhino)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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Music biopic movie soundtracks usually are horrible. Movie studios often re-record classic songs, or worse feature the lead actor covering the performer; and then to make listening worse, they showcase weak and sappy examples of their music. Fortunately, that is not the case on the Ray soundtrack. In fact, it serves as an excellent overview of the singer's early career.

The soundtrack focuses almost exclusively on his '50s and '60s musical heyday. His earliest work at Atlantic Records produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler are especially strong. "I've Got A Women" and "Hallelujah I Love Her So" melds Charles' playing of rhythm and blues with gospel to create bright beat-centered music that replaces love of God with women. Controversial stuff! And it foreshadowed the development of rock 'n roll. His recordings for ABC-Paramount were not as controversial, but far more commercially successful. Still, it's hard to dismiss Charles' versions of such diverse songs as "Hit the Road Jack," "Bye Bye, Love" and "Georgia on My Mind." Ray is an excellent compilation of one of America's greatest musicians.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick