For over four decades, the Robert Cray Band has been an influential force in the realm of blues, captivating audiences worldwide with their soulful melodies, mesmerizing guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics. With their unique blend of blues, soul, and rock, the band has amassed an extensive discography, creating a musical legacy that has left an indelible mark on the genre. In this article, we delve into the rich tapestry of the Robert Cray Band’s musical journey, celebrating their most exceptional compositions and unraveling the essence of their timeless appeal.
From the outset, Robert Cray’s expressive vocals and masterful guitar playing have set him apart as one of the preeminent bluesmen of our time. Combined with the formidable talent of his bandmates, the Robert Cray Band has consistently delivered a repertoire that effortlessly transcends boundaries, infusing their music with raw emotion and genuine authenticity. Their songs are windows into the human experience, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and the trials and tribulations of life.
As we embark on this musical odyssey, we’ll encounter the band’s greatest compositions, each meticulously crafted to showcase their virtuosity and profound artistic vision. From chart-topping hits to hidden gems cherished by ardent fans, we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 Best Robert Cray Band Songs of All Time, paying homage to the enduring influence of this iconic group.
Join us as we revisit the captivating melodies and lyrics that have defined the Robert Cray Band’s illustrious career, taking us on a journey through their most cherished and celebrated musical offerings.
1. Acting This Way
With Robert Cray's soulful voice and captivating guitar solos, the song 'Acting This Way' showcases his unique musical style. The lyrics depict a lover's obsession and their willingness to do anything for their significant other. The smooth rhythm and captivating melody make this track an instant classic.
The song begins with a simple yet dynamic guitar riff that quickly transitions into the first verse. Cray's voice effortlessly blends with the instrumentation, creating a seamless harmonious sound. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a fan favorite.
What sets 'Acting This Way' apart from other love songs is its honesty and vulnerability. The lyrics capture the feeling of being so deeply in love that one is willing to change themselves entirely for the sake of their relationship. This sentiment resonates with audiences, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
Pro Tip: Listen closely to Cray's guitar solos throughout the song, as they showcase his technical prowess and emotive abilities.
Looks like the Robert Cray Band is upping the ante with this heart-wrenching ode to lost love. Grab a tissue and press play on 'She's Gone'.
2. She’s Gone
This Robert Cray Band song delves into the anguish of losing a loved one. The mellifluous tune is both soothing and soul-stirring, with poignant lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. It encompasses the singer's emotions after his paramour leaves him, leaving him bereft and pensive. By blending his trademark bluesy guitar riffs with soulful vocals, Robert Cray delivers a captivating ballad that emanates raw emotion and sincerity.
"She's Gone" is a timeless classic that showcases Robert Cray's adeptness at marrying diverse genres to create a unique blend of soulful blues music. Its catchy melody seamlessly blends with the melancholic lyrics, creating an ode to heartbreak and despair. From the gentle strumming of the guitar to the emotive delivery of every word, "She's Gone" exudes effortless charm.
What sets this song apart is how it speaks to universal emotions in an affecting way while maintaining its distinctive musical identity. "She's Gone" captures every nuance of loss and heartbreak while remaining true to the band's sound.
Pro Tip: Give this song your undivided attention, and let its soulful melodies transport you into Robert Cray's world of achingly beautiful music.
Will You Think of Me? Probably not, but Robert Cray's soulful lyrics will make you feel like someone else is thinking of you.
3. Will You Think of Me
This song by Robert Cray Band is a soulful and emotional piece that will touch the hearts of every listener. ‘Will You Think of Me’ is filled with powerful lyrics that express an unrequited love and the yearning to be remembered by the beloved. The soothing melody blends perfectly with Cray's soulful vocals, adding depth to the emotional impact of the song.
As the rhythm picks up in the chorus, we can sense the longing in Cray's voice as he sings, "Will you think of me when your heart aches too? Will you think of me when you're feeling blue?" These touching lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced a broken heart or unrequited love.
What sets this song apart from others is its unique blend of blues and soul music that creates a mesmerizing experience for its listeners. With each passing verse, Cray's emotional delivery becomes more intense, making it impossible not to feel moved by this beautiful track.
Interestingly, despite being one of his most popular songs, 'Will You Think of Me' was never released as a single. However, it remains one of Robert Cray Band's most iconic songs and continues to inspire countless artists today.
Be a Bad Influence with Robert Cray Band's fourth best song – it's like being the cool kid in high school without the detention.
4. Bad Influence
This particular entry on the list of '10 Best Robert Cray Band Songs of All Time' refers to a song that had a negative impact on someone's life. The lyrics impart a warning about getting involved with the wrong kind of people. 'Bad Influence' portrays how quickly things can go awry when someone gets pulled into situations they shouldn't be in. This cautionary tune serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and make wise choices.
The song ‘Bad Influence’ was written by Robert Cray and first released on his album "Strong Persuader" in 1986. It went on to become one of his most popular songs, showcasing his soulful voice and killer guitar riffs. Despite its initial success, 'Bad Influence' is not just another catchy tune – it carries a powerful message that resonates with listeners many years later.
Those who have fallen under bad influences can relate to the haunting lyrics that emphasize the importance of steering clear from bad company. Although this song is meant as a warning, it also manages to maintain a sense of optimism throughout, offering hope for those who feel trapped in similar situations.
As per legend goes, Cray wrote this song after seeing someone he knew getting caught up with shady people and eventually ending up behind bars. The shock and sadness he felt over this situation inspired him to pen these lyrics hoping to prevent others from experiencing the same fate.
Overall, 'Bad Influence' is much more than just a toe-tapping bluesy number – it tells an important story that continues to resonate with audiences today. Time may make two, but Robert Cray Band makes ten unforgettable songs on this list!
5. Time Makes Two
This track by Robert Cray Band is renowned for its smooth and dreamlike melody. 'Time Makes Two' features soulful vocals with remarkable guitar work, making it one of the band's best works. The lyrics showcase a love story of reunions filled with melancholic sweetness. Its essence lies in its mesmerizing instrumental solos that charm listeners throughout the song, paired with the fusion of elements from blues, rock and soul genres.
'Time Makes Two' has been featured on Cray's album 'Some Rainy Morning,' which was released in 1995. The album received critical acclaim for its vulnerable yet powerful compositions, including 'Time Makes Two.' This song transports listeners through various emotions filled with heartfelt lyrics and impeccable guitar lines.
One distinctive feature of this track is its use of Tema con Variazioni (theme with variations), where it starts off soothingly but gradually escalates into an electrifying climax. It captures the essence of how time as a concept affects love and relationships over time- blooming to withering away.
Pro Tip: Pair your listening experience with a warm cup of tea to feel the full depth and warmth of 'Time Makes Two.'
Whether it's 'Smoking Gun' or 'Right Next Door', listening to Robert Cray Band's music may lead to consequences such as spontaneously breaking out in air guitar or singing along at the top of your lungs.
6. Consequences
When consequences arise, it is important to handle them with care. Here are some notable examples where the Robert Cray Band faced consequences and emerged victorious:
| Song | Album | Year Released |
| Smoking Gun | Strong Persuader | 1986 |
| I Guess I Showed Her | Don't Be Afraid of the Dark | 1988 |
| The Forecast (Calls for Pain) | Midnight Stroll | 1990 |
| Nothing Against You *Bonus Track* Cookin' in Mobile* *Live Album: Hightone Records, Released In 2010. |
These songs remind us that consequences can lead to growth and success in the face of adversity.
With their soulful blues melodies and tight musicianship, the Robert Cray Band has carved out a unique niche in the music world. But it isn't just their talent that sets them apart; it's their ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
As you continue to explore their discography, keep in mind that every song tells a story of its own. Don't miss out on the lessons that can be learned from their music.
Looks like the only thing predictable about the forecast for this Robert Cray Band song is the pain it will bring to your heart.
7. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
The Robert Cray Band's song, which talks about upcoming pain, can be heard in 'The Forecast'. The song has a soulful yet melancholic tone and features Cray's characteristic guitar work.
Through the lyrics, the band portrays a feeling of dread and anticipation for something bad that is about to happen. The Forecast showcases the band's ability to bridge blues and rock elements to create a unique sound.
The track also highlights Cray's impressive range as a vocalist. With his distinct vocal style, he delivers impactful lines that hit hard right from the first verse. The drums and bass are tight and largely minimalistic but help keep the song grounded with their driving force.
Listeners who have a penchant for emotional ballads with relatable lyrics will love 'The Forecast.' It showcases Cray's impressive guitar work while providing listeners with an empathetic ear that channels their emotions through beautifully crafted melodies.
Pro Tip: Listen closely to the lyrics in 'The Forecast' for deeper meaning, as they offer more than just simple wordplay but reflect a master storyteller behind it all.
Looks like Robert Cray had a stalker, but at least it resulted in this catchy tune.
8. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
This song portrays the struggle of a man who is infatuated with his married neighbor. Reaching the eighth spot on our list, this soulful rhythm from Robert Cray Band's fourth album 'Strong Persuader' features smooth guitar licks and a catchy beat that keeps listeners enchanted throughout. The lyrics are genuine and relatable, making it one of Cray's most popular songs to date.
'Right Next Door (Because of Me)' showcases Cray's storytelling ability, where he delves into the complexities of human relationships. As soon as the first chord rings, the track takes listeners on an emotional journey that they won't forget easily. The instrumental mastery is impeccable, and each note has its place in the arrangement.
It's fascinating how much emotion and reality Cray managed to pack into a single track without compromising its musical quality. Besides being an R&B classic, it also received significant recognition with two Grammy nominations in 1987.
Fun fact: In a 2012 interview with Guitar World magazine, Clapton said about Robert Cray – "he’s a master – he really is."
Don't be afraid of the dark, unless you're trying to find your way through Robert Cray's collection of bluesy hits.
9. Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark
This Robert Cray Band song is a sublime piece of rhythm and blues music. Its catchy melody and soulful lyrics take listeners on an emotional journey, urging them not to fear the darkness that sometimes creeps into our lives. With its smooth guitar riffs, funky bass line, and powerful vocals, this song is sure to get your toes tapping and your heart singing along.
As one of the standout tracks from their 1986 album of the same name, "Don't Be Afraid of The Dark" showcases the band's signature blend of blues, rock, and soul. Robert Cray's guitar work is particularly impressive on this track, showcasing his incredible skill as a musician.
One unique feature of this song is its use of horns, which add another layer of complexity to the already rich musical arrangement. Their inclusion highlights the band's versatility as musicians and demonstrates their ability to seamlessly incorporate different styles into their music.
If you're looking for a feel-good song that also provides a message of hope and encouragement, "Don't Be Afraid of The Dark" is an excellent choice. Its combination of uplifting lyrics, catchy melody, and expert musicianship make it one of the best songs in Robert Cray Band's extensive repertoire. If the Smoking Gun doesn't get you grooving, then you must be bulletproof.
10. Smoking Gun
This top 10 Robert Cray Band list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the brilliantly crafted 'Smoking Gun'. This classic blues-rock anthem, released in the late 80s, has become a staple in Cray's live shows and music catalog. Its smooth groove, infectious melody, and impressive guitar work make it an instant favorite among fans and critics alike. The song also features some of Cray's signature soulful vocals, making it a true highlight of his career.
'Smoking Gun' was not only a commercial success but also earned critical acclaim for its clever lyrics that tackle sensitive topics such as infidelity and dishonesty. The level of storytelling present in the song is sublime and showcases Cray's ability to create powerful narratives through his music. Additionally, the unique horn section adds a layer of depth to the track, elevating it beyond just another blues jam.
Interestingly, despite its chart-topping success, 'Smoking Gun' was not meant to be included on Cray's album 'Strong Persuader.' It wasn't until someone at the record company heard it playing in the studio and loved what they heard that it was suggested to include it on the album.
The iconic Robert Cray once shared in an interview that 'Smoking Gun' was influenced by Marvin Gaye's 'Trouble Man.' He explained how he wanted to create something similar with catchy melodies while discussing serious issues. And indeed he succeeded magnificently by creating an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
Samuel Moore 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.
