The Robert Cray Band is an American blues band formed by guitarist and singer Robert Cray. Cray is known for his soulful voice and distinctive guitar playing, which blends blues, soul, and rock influences.
The band’s breakthrough album, “Strong Persuader,” was released in 1986 and featured the hit singles “Smoking Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me).” These songs helped Cray gain mainstream success and brought his music to a wider audience.
Since then, The Robert Cray Band has continued to release albums and tour extensively, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Cray’s music is known for its smooth, polished sound and heartfelt lyrics, making him a respected figure in the blues and rock music scenes.
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a studio album by the Robert Cray Band, released in 2014. The album features Robert Cray’s signature blend of blues, soul, and R&B, with his emotive vocals and expressive guitar playing taking center stage. “Consequences” received positive reviews from critics, praising Cray’s songwriting and musicianship. The album includes tracks like “What Would You Say,” “You Move Me,” and “Fine Yesterday,” showcasing Cray’s ability to deliver soulful performances with lyrics that often explore themes of love, heartache, and personal reflection. Overall, “Consequences” is a solid addition to the Robert Cray Band’s discography, beloved by fans of blues and soul music.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a blues song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Midnight Stroll,” released in 1990. The track showcases Robert Cray’s distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals, backed by the band’s tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” delves into themes of heartache and emotional turmoil, with Cray lamenting the inevitable pain that comes with a troubled relationship. The song’s smooth groove and melancholic melody capture the essence of the blues, conveying a sense of longing and resignation. “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a standout track on the album, highlighting The Robert Cray Band’s talent for crafting soulful and emotive blues music.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a blues song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Strong Persuader,” released in 1986. The track showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and distinctive guitar playing, backed by the band’s tight instrumentation. Lyrically, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” tells the story of a man who becomes entangled in a love triangle, realizing that his actions have caused pain and suffering for those involved. The song’s emotional intensity and raw honesty capture the essence of the blues, conveying a sense of regret and redemption. “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a standout track on the album, earning The Robert Cray Band critical acclaim and commercial success.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark
“Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark” is a blues song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album of the same name, released in 1988. The track showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and masterful guitar work, backed by the band’s tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark” addresses themes of fear and uncertainty, urging listeners to confront their inner demons and find strength in the face of adversity. The song’s infectious groove and uplifting melody capture the spirit of resilience and hope, making it a standout track on the album. “Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark” is a testament to The Robert Cray Band’s ability to blend blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, creating timeless music that resonates with audiences.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released in 1986 on their album “Strong Persuader.” The song was a major hit for the band, reaching number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Performance.
“Smoking Gun” is a blues-rock song with a catchy guitar riff and soulful vocals from Robert Cray. The lyrics tell the story of a man who discovers evidence of his partner’s infidelity, comparing it to finding a “smoking gun” at a crime scene. The song’s infectious groove and Cray’s emotive delivery helped it become one of the band’s most popular songs and a classic of the blues-rock genre.
6. Acting This Way
“Acting This Way” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, from their album “False Accusations” released in 1985. The track showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and the band’s tight musical arrangements. “Acting This Way” delves into themes of relationships and miscommunication, with the narrator expressing frustration and confusion over their partner’s behavior. The song’s smooth groove and emotive lyrics capture the complexities of love and human emotions. “Acting This Way” is a testament to The Robert Cray Band’s ability to blend blues, soul, and rock elements into a cohesive and captivating sound.
7. She’s Gone
“She’s Gone” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their album “False Accusations,” released in 1985. The song is a bluesy ballad that showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and guitar playing.
In “She’s Gone,” Cray sings about the pain of losing a loved one. The lyrics describe the emptiness and heartache that come with the end of a relationship, as Cray laments the departure of his partner. The song’s melancholy melody and emotional lyrics strike a chord with listeners, capturing the feelings of loss and longing that often accompany a breakup.
“She’s Gone” is a standout track on “False Accusations” and is often praised for its heartfelt lyrics and Cray’s expressive performance. It remains a fan favorite and a powerful example of Cray’s talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their album “Midnight Stroll,” released in 1990. The track showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and evocative guitar playing, backed by the band’s tight instrumentation. Lyrically, “Will You Think of Me” explores themes of love and longing, with the narrator reflecting on a past relationship and wondering if their former partner still holds them in their thoughts. The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the bittersweet emotions of reminiscing about lost love. “Will You Think of Me” is a standout track on the album, highlighting The Robert Cray Band’s talent for crafting soulful and emotionally resonant blues music.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their album “False Accusations,” released in 1985. The song is an upbeat blues-rock track that showcases Cray’s soulful vocals and guitar playing.
In “Bad Influence,” Cray sings about the allure of a reckless and rebellious lifestyle. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s struggles with temptation and the consequences of giving in to his vices. Despite knowing that his actions are self-destructive, he finds himself unable to resist the “bad influence” of his surroundings.
“Bad Influence” is a gritty and energetic song that highlights The Robert Cray Band’s signature sound. The song’s infectious groove and Cray’s powerful vocals make it a standout track on “False Accusations” and a fan favorite at their live shows.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a soulful blues ballad by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Live From Across the Pond,” released in 2006. The track showcases Robert Cray’s emotive vocals and expressive guitar playing, backed by the band’s tight musicianship. Lyrically, “Time Makes Two” explores themes of heartache and regret, with the narrator reflecting on the passage of time and its effect on a troubled relationship. The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful melody capture the complexities of love and loss, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt sincerity. “Time Makes Two” is a standout track on the album, showcasing The Robert Cray Band’s talent for crafting soul-stirring blues music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
