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 has been highly influential in the blues and blues-rock genres, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
Known for his smooth vocals and soulful guitar playing, Robert Cray has been hailed as one of the greatest contemporary blues guitarists. The Robert Cray Band’s music blends elements of blues, soul, funk, and rock, creating a distinctive sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Throughout their career, The Robert Cray Band has released numerous albums, including “Bad Influence” (1983), “Strong Persuader” (1986), and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” (1988), which earned them mainstream success and widespread recognition.
Some of The Robert Cray Band’s most popular songs include “Smoking Gun,” “Right Next Door (Because of Me),” and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” all of which showcase Cray’s soulful vocals and emotive guitar playing.
With their smooth yet gritty sound and heartfelt lyrics, The Robert Cray Band continues to be a driving force in the blues and soul music scene, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and timeless recordings.
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 1986 album “Strong Persuader.” The album was a major commercial success for the band and helped to bring them mainstream recognition.
In “Consequences,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing are prominent, characteristic of the band’s signature sound. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of facing the repercussions of one’s actions, particularly in the context of a failed relationship. Cray’s emotive delivery conveys the pain and regret of realizing the consequences of past mistakes.
“Consequences” is praised for its bluesy groove, tight instrumentation, and Cray’s captivating performance. It remains a standout track on “Strong Persuader” and continues to be a favorite among fans of The Robert Cray Band.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 1990 album “Midnight Stroll.” The album marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, incorporating elements of rock, soul, and funk alongside their traditional blues foundation.
In “The Forecast (Calls for Pain),” Robert Cray’s smooth vocals and expressive guitar work are central to the song’s sound. The lyrics explore the theme of heartache and emotional turmoil, as the narrator grapples with the pain of a broken relationship. The song’s melancholic tone and soulful groove evoke a sense of longing and introspection.
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” showcases The Robert Cray Band’s versatility and ability to infuse traditional blues with contemporary elements. It remains a standout track on “Midnight Stroll” and demonstrates the band’s continued evolution as musicians and songwriters.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” by The Robert Cray Band is a soulful blues-rock ballad that delves into themes of love, temptation, and regret. With its smooth guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals, the song carries a sense of longing and introspection. Each verse is filled with vivid storytelling and emotive lyrics that capture the complexities of human relationships.
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” resonates as a powerful exploration of the consequences of infidelity and the emotional toll it takes on all involved. The song’s soulful instrumentation and heartfelt delivery create a stirring experience for listeners, prompting them to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, communication, and forgiveness in navigating the complexities of romantic relationships.
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 1988 album of the same name. The album was a commercial success for the band, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning critical acclaim for its soulful blend of blues, rock, and R&B.
In “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing take center stage. The song’s lyrics convey a message of reassurance and support, urging the listener not to fear the challenges and uncertainties of life. With its catchy melody and infectious groove, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” became one of the band’s most popular songs and a staple of their live performances.
The Robert Cray Band’s “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is celebrated for its smooth yet gritty sound, tight instrumentation, and Cray’s emotive performance. It remains a classic of the blues and R&B genres, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and universal message of hope and resilience.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” by The Robert Cray Band is a bluesy rock song that tells the tale of suspicion and betrayal in a relationship. With its gritty guitar licks and soulful vocals, the song exudes a sense of urgency and intensity. Each verse is filled with vivid imagery and powerful storytelling that paints a picture of a lover who has been wronged.
“Smoking Gun” resonates as a cautionary tale of love gone wrong, with The Robert Cray Band delivering a raw and emotive performance that captures the pain and disillusionment of betrayal. The song’s gritty blues-rock sound and passionate delivery make it a standout track that continues to resonate with listeners, reminding them of the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of a troubled relationship.
6. Acting This Way
“Acting This Way” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 1993 album “Shame + A Sin.” The album continued the band’s exploration of blues, soul, and rock influences, showcasing Robert Cray’s smooth vocals and expressive guitar playing.
In “Acting This Way,” Cray’s soulful delivery and emotive guitar work are central to the song’s sound. The lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and relationship struggles, as the narrator reflects on the challenges of being in a troubled partnership. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth.
“Acting This Way” is praised for its soulful groove, tight instrumentation, and Cray’s captivating performance. It remains a standout track on “Shame + A Sin” and highlights The Robert Cray Band’s continued commitment to creating powerful and evocative music.
7. She’s Gone
“She’s Gone” by The Robert Cray Band is a soulful blues-rock ballad that captures the heartache and longing of lost love. With its emotive guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals, the song exudes a sense of melancholy and regret. Each verse is filled with poignant lyrics that convey the pain of separation and the emptiness left behind.
“She’s Gone” resonates as a powerful meditation on the aftermath of a breakup, with The Robert Cray Band delivering a heartfelt performance that tugs at the heartstrings. The song’s soulful instrumentation and emotive delivery create a stirring experience for listeners, evoking empathy and understanding for anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone they love.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” by The Robert Cray Band is a soulful blues ballad that delves into themes of longing and heartache. With its emotive guitar melodies and heartfelt vocals, the song carries a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Each verse is filled with poignant lyrics that express the pain of separation and the lingering hope for reconciliation.
“Will You Think of Me” resonates as a heartfelt plea for connection and closure, with The Robert Cray Band delivering a soul-stirring performance that captures the raw emotion of unrequited love. The song’s soulful instrumentation and emotive delivery create a moving experience for listeners, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, released in 1983 as the title track of their album “Bad Influence.” The album marked a significant moment in the band’s career, establishing them as one of the leading acts in contemporary blues music.
In “Bad Influence,” Robert Cray’s smooth vocals and soulful guitar playing take center stage. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of temptation and the consequences of giving in to negative influences. With its catchy melody and infectious groove, “Bad Influence” became a signature song for the band and a favorite among blues enthusiasts.
The Robert Cray Band’s “Bad Influence” is celebrated for its tight instrumentation, emotive performance, and Cray’s distinctive guitar style. It remains a classic of the blues genre, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and universal message.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 2003 album “Time Will Tell.” The album showcases Robert Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing, with “Time Makes Two” standing out as a highlight track.
In “Time Makes Two,” Cray’s emotive delivery and melodic guitar work are central to the song’s sound. The lyrics explore the theme of lost love and the passage of time, as the narrator reflects on a past relationship and the lingering feelings that remain. The song’s soulful groove and heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of longing and introspection.
“Time Makes Two” is praised for its smooth yet gritty sound, tight instrumentation, and Cray’s captivating performance. It remains a standout track on “Time Will Tell” and highlights The Robert Cray Band’s continued ability to create powerful and evocative 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.
