The Robert Cray Band is an American blues band led by singer and guitarist Robert Cray. Robert Cray, born on August 1, 1953, in Columbus, Georgia, is known for his soulful vocals and distinctive guitar playing, and he has been a prominent figure in the blues and blues-rock genres.
The Robert Cray Band gained widespread recognition in the 1980s with the release of their breakthrough album “Strong Persuader” in 1986. The album featured the hit singles “Smokin’ Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me),” which helped bring Cray’s blues-infused sound to a wider audience.
Over the years, The Robert Cray Band has continued to release albums and tour, solidifying their reputation as one of the leading contemporary blues acts. The band’s music often incorporates elements of soul, R&B, and rock, making their style accessible to a diverse audience.
Robert Cray’s contributions to the blues genre have earned him critical acclaim, and he is recognized for his skillful guitar work, smooth vocals, and ability to fuse traditional blues with modern sensibilities.
1. “Smoking Gun”
“Smoking Gun” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, and it was the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Strong Persuader,” released in 1986. The song is one of Robert Cray’s most well-known and successful tracks, and it played a significant role in bringing him mainstream success.
“Smoking Gun” showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and his distinctive guitar playing style. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a relationship gone wrong, with Cray suspecting his partner of infidelity. The metaphorical “smoking gun” refers to the evidence of the wrongdoing.
The success of “Smoking Gun” contributed to the widespread acclaim of the “Strong Persuader” album, which won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 1987. The song remains a classic in the blues genre and is often cited as one of Robert Cray’s signature songs.
2. “Right Next Door (Because of Me)”
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is another notable song by the Robert Cray Band, and it was also featured on their album “Strong Persuader,” released in 1986. Like “Smoking Gun,” this song played a significant role in establishing Robert Cray as a prominent figure in the blues and blues-rock genres.
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a blues ballad that tells a powerful and emotional story. The lyrics detail the narrator’s regret and guilt over an affair with a neighbor’s wife. The intense and soulful delivery of the song, coupled with Robert Cray’s expressive guitar work, contributed to its popularity.
The album “Strong Persuader” received critical acclaim and commercial success, and both “Smoking Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” helped the Robert Cray Band cross over to a wider audience. The emotional depth and musical prowess displayed in these songs have solidified them as enduring classics in the blues genre.
3. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a blues album by the Robert Cray Band, released in 1988. The title track, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” is one of the standout songs from the album and showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing.
The song addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and reassurance. In “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” Cray encourages his partner not to fear the challenges they may face in their relationship. The album as a whole continues in the blues and soul tradition for which Robert Cray is known.
While “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” may not be as well-known as some of Cray’s earlier hits, it received positive reviews and contributed to the artist’s ongoing success in the blues genre. Robert Cray’s ability to blend traditional blues elements with contemporary styles has made him a respected figure in the world of blues and rock music.
4. “Forecast (Calls for Pain)”
“Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by The Box Tops, featured on their 1968 album “Cry Like a Baby.” The song was written by Spooner Oldham and Dan Penn, who were known for their contributions to Southern soul and R&B.
“Forecast (Calls for Pain)” continues The Box Tops’ exploration of soulful and emotionally charged music. The title suggests a foreboding prediction of pain and heartache, and the song’s lyrics delve into themes of heartbreak and emotional struggle.
The musical arrangement of “Forecast (Calls for Pain)” includes soulful vocals by Alex Chilton, who was the lead singer of The Box Tops. The band’s sound, characterized by a fusion of pop, rock, and soul influences, is evident in this track. The use of horns, soulful melodies, and Chilton’s emotive delivery contribute to the song’s overall impact.
While “Forecast (Calls for Pain)” may not be as well-known as some of The Box Tops’ bigger hits, it remains a testament to the band’s ability to convey deep emotions through their music. The song is part of the broader legacy of The Box Tops during the late 1960s, a period marked by their distinctive and soulful approach to pop and rock music.
5. “I Was Warned”
“I Was Warned” is a song by Robert Cray, an American blues guitarist and singer. The track appears on the album of the same name, “I Was Warned,” released in 1992. Robert Cray is renowned for his soulful and contemporary approach to the blues genre.
“I Was Warned” showcases Cray’s signature guitar skills and smooth vocals. The song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of romantic relationships, with Cray singing about the warnings he received regarding a particular woman. Despite the cautionary advice, he finds himself drawn to her, and the lyrics explore the complex dynamics of love and desire.
Musically, the track blends traditional blues elements with a more modern and accessible sound. Cray’s expressive guitar playing, soulful vocals, and the overall polished production contribute to the song’s appeal. The combination of blues with elements of soul and R&B is a characteristic feature of Robert Cray’s musical style.
“I Was Warned” reflects Cray’s ability to bring a contemporary edge to the blues genre while staying true to its roots. The song received positive reviews and contributes to Robert Cray’s reputation as a skilled and innovative blues artist.
6. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, and it’s featured on their album “Time Will Tell,” released in 2003. The album explores various aspects of blues, soul, and R&B.
“Time Makes Two” is a slow blues ballad that highlights Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and his emotive guitar playing. The lyrics delve into the theme of lost love and the realization that time alone may not heal the wounds of a broken relationship. The expressive and heartfelt nature of the song is a testament to Cray’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
While “Time Makes Two” may not be as widely known as some of Cray’s earlier hits, it received positive reviews from critics and resonated well with fans of his blues and soul-infused style. Robert Cray’s consistent contribution to the blues genre has earned him respect and admiration throughout his career.
7. “Phone Booth”
“Phone Booth” is a song by Robert Cray, appearing on the album “Strong Persuader,” released in 1986. Robert Cray, an influential blues guitarist and singer, gained widespread acclaim for his work on this album, particularly for the song “Phone Booth.”
In “Phone Booth,” Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing take center stage. The song’s lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and betrayal, with the protagonist finding solace and release from his pain in a phone booth. The metaphor of the phone booth serves as a space for emotional confession and reflection.
Musically, “Phone Booth” combines elements of blues, soul, and R&B. The track features Cray’s distinctive guitar work, characterized by his smooth and precise playing style. The combination of soulful vocals, emotive lyrics, and skillful instrumentation contributed to the success of “Phone Booth.”
“Strong Persuader” and the single “Phone Booth” marked a commercial breakthrough for Robert Cray, earning critical acclaim and bringing blues music to a broader audience. The song’s emotional depth and musical prowess have solidified its place as one of Robert Cray’s most celebrated tracks.
8. “Playin’ in the Dirt”
“Playin’ in the Dirt” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, and it’s featured on their album “Midnight Stroll,” released in 1990. The album marked a departure from the traditional blues sound, incorporating elements of soul, rock, and R&B.
“Playin’ in the Dirt” itself is a blues-rock track that showcases Robert Cray’s distinctive guitar work and soulful vocals. The song features a gritty and energetic musical arrangement, reflecting the album’s exploration of different musical styles while maintaining the blues foundation.
“Midnight Stroll” received positive reviews for its diverse approach to music, and “Playin’ in the Dirt” contributed to the album’s overall success. Robert Cray’s ability to evolve and experiment with his sound has been a key factor in his longevity and continued influence in 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 album “Time Will Tell,” released in 2003. The album explores various aspects of blues, soul, and R&B, and “Poor Johnny” is one of the tracks that showcases Robert Cray’s signature guitar style and soulful vocals.
The song “Poor Johnny” tells the story of a character named Johnny who faces hardship and struggles in life. It’s a blues narrative that allows Cray to convey emotion and storytelling through his music. The track features a combination of traditional blues elements and modern production, creating a sound that reflects Cray’s ability to blend different musical influences.
While “Poor Johnny” might not be as well-known as some of Cray’s earlier hits, it’s appreciated by fans for its musical craftsmanship and the emotional depth of the lyrics. Robert Cray’s enduring career has been marked by his ability to create soulful and compelling 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.
