The Robert Cray Band is a renowned American blues band led by singer and guitarist Robert Cray. Cray, born in 1953, is known for his soulful voice and distinctive guitar playing style, which blends elements of blues, soul, and R&B. The band gained prominence in the 1980s with a string of successful albums and singles, including “Smoking Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me).” Their music often explores themes of love, heartache, and social issues, delivered with Cray’s emotive vocals and expressive guitar work. The Robert Cray Band continues to tour and record, maintaining a dedicated fan base and earning critical acclaim for their contributions to the blues genre.
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a studio album by the Robert Cray Band, released in 2014. The album features Robert Cray’s signature blend of blues, soul, and R&B, with his emotive vocals and expressive guitar playing taking center stage. “Consequences” received positive reviews from critics, praising Cray’s songwriting and musicianship. The album includes tracks like “What Would You Say,” “You Move Me,” and “Fine Yesterday,” showcasing Cray’s ability to deliver soulful performances with lyrics that often explore themes of love, heartache, and personal reflection. Overall, “Consequences” is a solid addition to the Robert Cray Band’s discography, beloved by fans of blues and soul music.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Midnight Stroll” released in 1990. The track is a bluesy number with soulful vocals and the distinctive guitar work characteristic of Robert Cray’s style. The song delves into themes of heartache and emotional turmoil, with Cray’s emotive delivery adding depth to the lyrics. “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” received critical acclaim and remains a fan favorite, showcasing Cray’s talent for blending blues, soul, and R&B into memorable and impactful songs.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Strong Persuader” released in 1986. It’s one of Cray’s most well-known songs and has become a blues classic. The track tells a powerful story of love, infidelity, and regret, with Cray’s emotive vocals and soulful guitar playing driving the narrative. “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its raw emotion and musical craftsmanship. It remains a standout track in Robert Cray’s catalog and is often considered one of the defining songs of the blues genre.
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 track is a blues-rock number with a driving rhythm and Cray’s soulful vocals and intricate guitar work. The song’s lyrics offer encouragement to someone going through a difficult time, urging them not to be afraid and to keep moving forward. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” was a commercial success and earned critical acclaim for its infectious groove and Cray’s powerful performance. It remains a beloved track among fans of blues and rock music.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, released in 1986 as part of their album “Strong Persuader.” It became one of Cray’s most successful singles, reaching number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and earning Cray a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording.
The song features Cray’s distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals, with lyrics that tell the story of a man who suspects his partner of infidelity, finding evidence (“smoking gun”) of her unfaithfulness. The track’s catchy melody and bluesy groove contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring status as one of Robert Cray’s signature songs.
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 “Midnight Stroll” released in 1990. The track is a soulful ballad that showcases Cray’s emotive vocals and expressive guitar playing. “She’s Gone” explores themes of heartbreak and loss, with lyrics that tell the story of a man grappling with the departure of his loved one. Cray’s soulful delivery adds depth and emotion to the song, making it a poignant and memorable addition to his catalog. “She’s Gone” is appreciated by fans for its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melody.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, included on their album “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” released in 1988. The track is a soulful ballad that showcases Cray’s emotive vocals and his skillful guitar playing.
The song explores themes of love, longing, and the uncertainty of a relationship. With heartfelt lyrics and a melancholic melody, “Will You Think of Me” captures the emotional depth and introspection characteristic of Cray’s music.
While perhaps not as widely recognized as some of his other hits, “Will You Think of Me” remains a favorite among fans of Robert Cray for its sincerity and soulful delivery.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album of the same name, released in 1983. The track is a blues-rock number with a gritty edge, showcasing Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing.
The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s struggles with a person who has a negative influence on their life, leading them astray and causing trouble. Despite the adversity, the narrator acknowledges their own responsibility for the situation.
“Bad Influence” received critical acclaim for its raw energy and musical intensity, establishing Cray as a prominent figure in contemporary blues music. The song remains a staple in Cray’s live performances and is celebrated by fans for its powerful message and infectious groove.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, included on their album “Live from Across the Pond,” released in 2006. The track is a soulful ballad that showcases Cray’s emotive vocals and his skillful guitar playing.
The song explores themes of love, heartache, and the passage of time in relationships. With heartfelt lyrics and a poignant melody, “Time Makes Two” captures the emotional depth and introspection characteristic of Cray’s music.
While perhaps not as widely recognized as some of his other hits, “Time Makes Two” remains a favorite among fans of Robert Cray for its sincerity and soul-stirring delivery.
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.
