The Robert Cray Band is a musical powerhouse that has left an indelible mark on the blues and soul genres. Led by the incomparable Robert Cray, a gifted guitarist and soulful vocalist, the band has been a driving force in contemporary blues since its formation in the late 1970s.
Known for their smooth blend of blues, soul, and R&B, the Robert Cray Band brings a fresh and modern approach to traditional blues structures. Cray’s expressive guitar playing, characterized by clean and sharp tones, coupled with his emotive singing, creates a signature sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The band gained widespread acclaim with albums like “Strong Persuader,” released in 1986, which featured the Grammy-winning hit “Smokin’ Gun.” Their music often explores themes of love, heartache, and social issues, and Cray’s storytelling prowess infuses each song with authenticity and depth.
With a career spanning decades, the Robert Cray Band continues to captivate audiences with their soul-stirring performances and a musical style that seamlessly fuses the roots of blues with contemporary sensibilities. Their influence extends beyond the blues community, making them a revered and enduring force in the world of American music.
1. “Smoking Gun”
“Smokin’ Gun” is a standout track by the Robert Cray Band, released as part of their acclaimed album “Strong Persuader” in 1986. Led by the soulful vocals and masterful guitar work of Robert Cray, the song became a signature hit for the band and earned them widespread recognition, including a Grammy Award.
“Smokin’ Gun” showcases Cray’s ability to seamlessly blend blues, soul, and R&B influences. The song’s infectious groove, complemented by Cray’s smooth and expressive guitar playing, captures the essence of traditional blues while injecting a contemporary flair. The lyrics tell a tale of suspicion and heartbreak, with Cray’s emotive vocals conveying the emotional weight of the narrative.
The success of “Smokin’ Gun” helped propel the “Strong Persuader” album to commercial success, and it remains one of Robert Cray’s most well-known and enduring songs. The track’s impact on the blues genre, as well as its crossover appeal to a broader audience, solidified the Robert Cray Band’s status as a influential force in contemporary blues music.
2. “Right Next Door (Because of Me)”
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their 1986 album “Strong Persuader.” The song was written by Robert Cray himself and has become one of the band’s signature tracks.
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a bluesy and soulful ballad that tells the story of a man who becomes aware of the troubles in his neighbor’s relationship. The narrator reveals that he is having an affair with his neighbor’s wife and expresses remorse and guilt over the situation. The song is characterized by Robert Cray’s emotive vocals, poignant lyrics, and the band’s skillful blues-rock instrumentation.
“Strong Persuader” marked a significant commercial breakthrough for The Robert Cray Band, and “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” received critical acclaim. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and the song helped establish Robert Cray as a prominent figure in the blues and rock music scenes.
The combination of Cray’s soulful vocals, the evocative storytelling, and the band’s musical prowess makes “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” a standout track in The Robert Cray Band’s discography.
3. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a blues song by The Robert Cray Band, released on their 1988 album of the same name. The song was written by Cray along with Dennis Walker and Don Robey. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” showcases the band’s signature blues sound with Robert Cray’s emotive vocals and impressive guitar work.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of reassurance and comfort. The narrator urges someone not to be afraid of the dark and emphasizes that they are not alone. The song’s emotional depth, coupled with Cray’s soulful delivery and the band’s tight instrumentation, contributes to its impact.
The album “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying The Robert Cray Band’s position in the blues genre. The title track, in particular, became one of their well-known songs, and its bluesy charm and compelling narrative make it a notable piece in the band’s repertoire.
4. “Forecast (Calls for Pain)”
“Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a track by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” released in 1988. The album, like much of the band’s work, showcases Robert Cray’s skillful guitar playing and soulful vocals within the context of contemporary blues.
“Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is characterized by its smooth bluesy groove and Cray’s emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics, as with many of Cray’s compositions, delve into the complexities of relationships, focusing on the anticipation of emotional distress. Cray’s guitar work, marked by clean and precise phrasing, adds a layer of sophistication to the track.
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” as a whole continued the Robert Cray Band’s exploration of blues and soul influences, earning critical acclaim and maintaining their reputation as one of the prominent acts in the contemporary blues scene.
“Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a testament to Cray’s ability to infuse traditional blues themes with a modern sensibility, creating music that resonates with both longtime blues enthusiasts and those discovering the genre for the first time.
5. “I Was Warned”
“I Was Warned” is a blues track by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album of the same name, released in 1992. Robert Cray, renowned for his soulful vocals and impeccable guitar skills, leads the band in delivering a compelling and emotionally charged performance in this song.
“I Was Warned” delves into themes of heartbreak and self-awareness. The lyrics tell a tale of a warning unheeded, leading to the inevitable pain of a broken relationship. Cray’s expressive vocals, combined with his nuanced guitar playing, create a bluesy atmosphere that captures the essence of the emotional narrative.
The album “I Was Warned” marked a continued exploration of blues and soul elements in the Robert Cray Band’s sound. It showcased their ability to blend traditional blues structures with contemporary influences, keeping their music relevant and appealing to a broad audience.
As with many of Robert Cray’s compositions, “I Was Warned” demonstrates his storytelling prowess and his capacity to convey deep emotions through both his vocals and his guitar artistry. The song remains a notable addition to the band’s catalog, contributing to their legacy as influential figures in the modern blues landscape.
6. Time Makes Two
This soulful blues number showcases Robert Cray’s smooth guitar riffs and stirring vocals. It highlights the idea that time is a powerful force when it comes to healing broken hearts. With its jazzy undertones and raw emotion, the song is a fan favorite and has become one of the band’s signature tracks. The melancholic lyrics touch upon regret and lost love, making it a poignant addition to Robert Cray Band’s discography.
A standout track from their album ‘Twenty,’ Time Makes Two oozes with sensuality and longing. The song has a languid pace that is powered by the horns, which create a sense of laziness as they add texture to the track. Robert Cray’s raspy voice conveys sadness and desire in equal measure, while his guitar work shines through in the rousing solo. ‘Time Makes Two’ may be one of the slower songs in their repertoire, but it packs an emotional punch like no other.
The song was co-written by Jim Pugh, who played keyboard for the Robert Cray Band at the time. He also contributes soulful organ lines that provide depth to this already rich composition. The backing vocals add another layer of complexity to this tune, making it alluring and captivating from start to finish.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Robert Cray Band, ‘Time Makes Two’ is a fantastic starting point that will give you a glimpse into just how masterful this group can be at crafting moving ballads with phenomenal musicianship.
Listening to Bad Influence by Robert Cray Band is like getting a lesson in how to be a rebel without actually having to break any rules.
7. “Phone Booth”
“Phone Booth” is a blues song by the Robert Cray Band, released in 1983 as part of their album “Bad Influence.” The song, written by Robert Cray and Dennis Walker, became one of the band’s signature tracks and is widely regarded as a classic in contemporary blues music.
“Phone Booth” features Cray’s soulful vocals and his expressive guitar work, combining traditional blues elements with a modern sound. The song’s lyrics tell the story of heartache and betrayal, with the protagonist finding solace in a phone booth while dealing with the pain of a failed relationship. The metaphor of the phone booth becomes a powerful symbol of isolation and emotional turmoil.
The song’s memorable guitar riff and Cray’s distinctive vocal delivery contributed to its commercial success and critical acclaim. “Phone Booth” earned the Robert Cray Band a Grammy nomination and solidified their position as one of the leading acts in the blues genre during the 1980s.
“Phone Booth” remains a staple in Robert Cray’s live performances and is celebrated for its blues authenticity, emotional depth, and the enduring impact it has had on the blues music landscape.
8. “Playin’ in the Dirt”
“Playin’ in the Dirt” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their 1995 album “Some Rainy Morning.” The album marked a continuation of Robert Cray’s exploration of various blues styles, incorporating elements of soul and R&B.
“Playin’ in the Dirt” is characterized by its blues-rock sound, featuring Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar work. The lyrics of the song, like many of Cray’s compositions, explore themes of love and relationships. The title and lyrics suggest a playful and perhaps mischievous quality in the dynamics between individuals.
The album “Some Rainy Morning” received positive reviews for its musical diversity and Robert Cray’s continued excellence as a guitarist and vocalist. “Playin’ in the Dirt” contributes to the overall bluesy and soulful atmosphere of the album, showcasing Cray’s ability to navigate various facets of the blues genre.
9. “Consequences”
The repercussions of actions detailed in the previous section can be seen in various elements of life.
Actions have consequences that affect individuals and society as a whole.
The gravity of consequences varies based on the actions taken by people.
Consequences can provide an opportunity for introspection, growth, and positive change.
It is imperative to comprehend that tallying up favorable solutions while considering potential outcomes is essential to making optimal choices.
Interestingly, Robert Cray’s song “Consequences” explores the implications of one’s decisions with insightful lyrics that draw attention to how actions affect others.
(Source: AllMusic Review by Mark Deming)
You know what they say, time heals all wounds…unless you’re listening to ‘Time Makes Two’ by Robert Cray Band, in which case it just opens them back up again.
10. “Poor Johnny”
“Poor Johnny” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their 2001 album “Shoulda Been Home.” The track is a bluesy composition that showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and skillful guitar playing.
In “Poor Johnny,” the lyrics tell the story of a man named Johnny who is facing challenges and hardships in life. The song explores themes of struggle, resilience, and the impact of difficult circumstances on an individual’s life.
The album “Shoulda Been Home” received positive reviews for its blues-infused sound and Robert Cray’s continued dedication to the genre. “Poor Johnny” is an example of Cray’s ability to convey emotional depth through his music, and the song’s narrative reflects the storytelling tradition often found in blues songs.
As with many of The Robert Cray Band’s compositions, “Poor Johnny” is a testament to the band’s commitment to the blues genre and their ability to create compelling narratives within their 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.
