The Robert Cray Band is an American blues and soul band led by guitarist and vocalist Robert Cray. Formed in the late 1970s, the band rose to prominence in the 1980s with their distinctive blend of blues, soul, and rock music.
Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are central to the band’s sound. His guitar style is influenced by blues legends such as Albert Collins, B.B. King, and Freddie King, but he also incorporates elements of soul, jazz, and rock into his playing.
The Robert Cray Band gained widespread acclaim with their breakthrough album “Strong Persuader” in 1986, which featured the hit singles “Smokin’ Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me).” The album earned Cray widespread recognition and established him as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues music.
Since then, The Robert Cray Band has continued to release albums and tour extensively, earning critical acclaim and building a dedicated fan base. Their music is known for its emotional depth, impeccable musicianship, and Cray’s soulful vocals and guitar playing.
Over the years, The Robert Cray Band has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame. They remain one of the most respected and influential bands in the blues genre, celebrated for their contributions to keeping the blues tradition alive and vibrant.
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their album “Midnight Stroll” in 1990. The album, which marked the band’s ninth studio release, showcased their signature blend of blues, soul, and rock music.
In “Consequences,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are at the forefront. The song’s lyrics explore themes of regret, heartache, and the consequences of past actions in relationships. Cray’s emotive delivery adds depth and sincerity to the song, resonating with listeners and capturing the complexities of love and loss.
Musically, “Consequences” features a smooth and soulful groove, with a laid-back rhythm and melodic guitar lines. The band’s tight instrumentation and Cray’s soulful vocals create a rich and immersive listening experience, drawing listeners into the emotional landscape of the song.
“Consequences” is a standout track on “Midnight Stroll” and has become a fan favorite in The Robert Cray Band’s catalog. It showcases the band’s ability to craft poignant and evocative songs that resonate with audiences, solidifying their reputation as one of the premier blues acts of their generation.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album *Strong Persuader* released in 1986. The album marked a breakthrough for the band, receiving critical acclaim and commercial success, largely due to songs like “Smokin’ Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me).”
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a bluesy track that showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and guitar skills. The lyrics depict a man who is experiencing heartache and pain in his relationship, with the weather serving as a metaphor for his emotional state. The chorus contains the lines “The forecast calls for pain / My heart’s gonna love you in the rain,” conveying a sense of resignation and melancholy.
The song’s smooth groove and Cray’s emotive delivery make it a standout track on the album. “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” received positive reviews from critics and helped to establish The Robert Cray Band as one of the leading acts in contemporary blues.
Overall, “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a powerful blues ballad that showcases The Robert Cray Band’s talent for blending blues, soul, and rock influences into their music.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their album “Strong Persuader” in 1986. The album marked a breakthrough for the band and propelled them to mainstream success.
In “Right Next Door (Because of Me),” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are showcased. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who becomes romantically involved with his neighbor’s wife and the guilt and consequences that follow. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the turmoil and conflict of the situation, drawing listeners into the narrative.
Musically, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” features a soulful and bluesy groove, with a smooth rhythm and melodic guitar lines. The band’s tight instrumentation and Cray’s powerful vocals create a captivating and immersive listening experience, making the song a standout track on “Strong Persuader.”
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” became one of The Robert Cray Band’s most successful songs, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning them widespread acclaim. It remains a fan favorite and a classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its emotional depth and soulful delivery.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album of the same name released in 1988. The album marked a return to a more blues-oriented sound for the band after the more pop-influenced *False Accusations* album.
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a blues track with a driving rhythm and catchy melody. The lyrics convey a message of encouragement and support, with Cray singing, “Don’t be afraid of the dark / I’ll be right there to hold you in my arms.”
The song features The Robert Cray Band’s signature blend of blues, soul, and rock influences, with Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing taking center stage. The track’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a standout on the album.
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” received positive reviews from critics and became one of The Robert Cray Band’s most popular songs. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances, showcasing their talent for creating soulful and engaging blues music.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their album “Strong Persuader” in 1986. The album marked a significant breakthrough for the band, earning them widespread acclaim and commercial success.
In “Smoking Gun,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing take center stage. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who discovers evidence of his partner’s infidelity and confronts her about it. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the anger, betrayal, and heartache of the situation, drawing listeners into the emotional turmoil of the narrative.
Musically, “Smoking Gun” features a soulful and bluesy groove, with a driving rhythm and memorable guitar riffs. The band’s tight instrumentation and Cray’s powerful vocals create a dynamic and electrifying listening experience, making the song a standout track on “Strong Persuader.”
“Smoking Gun” became one of The Robert Cray Band’s most successful songs, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Performance. It remains a fan favorite and a classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its infectious groove and powerful lyrics.
6. Acting This Way
“Acting This Way” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Twenty” released in 2005. The track is a blues-infused number with Cray’s soulful vocals and his trademark guitar playing style. “Acting This Way” explores themes of love, relationships, and personal introspection, with Cray’s emotive delivery adding depth to the lyrics. While perhaps not as well-known as some of Cray’s earlier hits, “Acting This Way” remains a standout track in his discography, appreciated by fans for its musical craftsmanship and heartfelt expression.
7. She’s Gone
“She’s Gone” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album *Bad Influence* released in 1983. The album marked Cray’s major-label debut and helped to establish him as a rising star in the blues music scene.
“She’s Gone” is a slow blues ballad that showcases Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is lamenting the loss of his lover, with Cray singing, “She’s gone, and I’m blue / She’s gone, what can I do?”
The song features a classic blues arrangement, with a melancholic melody and a heartfelt vocal delivery. Cray’s guitar playing is particularly notable, with his soulful solos adding depth and emotion to the track.
“She’s Gone” received positive reviews from critics and helped to establish Cray as a talented songwriter and performer. The song remains a fan favorite and is often included in The Robert Cray Band’s live performances, showcasing Cray’s enduring appeal as a blues musician.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their album “Take Your Shoes Off” in 1999. The album showcases the band’s continued exploration of blues, soul, and rock music.
In “Will You Think of Me,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are prominent features. The song’s lyrics explore themes of longing, heartache, and the pain of lost love. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the raw emotion of the narrative, drawing listeners into the poignant and heartfelt lyrics.
Musically, “Will You Think of Me” features a soulful and bluesy arrangement, with a slow tempo and melodic guitar lines. The band’s tight instrumentation and Cray’s powerful vocals create a haunting and atmospheric listening experience, making the song a standout track on “Take Your Shoes Off.”
“Will You Think of Me” showcases The Robert Cray Band’s talent for crafting soulful and emotionally resonant songs. It remains a fan favorite among the band’s catalog, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and evocative musical arrangement.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their album “False Accusations” in 1985. It is one of the band’s signature songs and showcases their distinctive blend of blues, soul, and rock music.
In “Bad Influence,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are front and center. The song’s lyrics explore themes of temptation, redemption, and the consequences of giving in to negative influences. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the urgency and intensity of the narrative, drawing listeners into the emotional journey of the song.
Musically, “Bad Influence” features a driving rhythm and infectious groove, with memorable guitar riffs and a catchy melody. The band’s tight instrumentation and Cray’s powerful vocals create a dynamic and electrifying listening experience, making the song a standout track on “False Accusations.”
“Bad Influence” became one of The Robert Cray Band’s most successful songs, earning them critical acclaim and establishing them as one of the leading acts in contemporary blues music. It remains a fan favorite and a classic in the blues genre, celebrated for its infectious energy and powerful lyrics.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their album *Live from Across the Pond* released in 2006. The song was also included on their studio album *Twenty* released the same year.
“Time Makes Two” is a soulful ballad that showcases Robert Cray’s smooth vocals and expressive guitar playing. The lyrics speak to the passage of time and its effects on a relationship, with Cray singing, “Time makes two of us / With memories to rust.”
The song features a laid-back groove and a bluesy melody, with Cray’s guitar solos adding depth and emotion to the track. The live version of the song on *Live from Across the Pond* captures the energy and emotion of Cray’s live performances, showcasing his talent as a live performer.
“Time Makes Two” has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery. The song has become a staple of The Robert Cray Band’s live shows, further cementing its status as one of Cray’s standout tracks.