The Robert Cray Band is an American blues band led by guitarist and vocalist Robert Cray. Formed in the late 1970s, the band is known for its smooth blend of blues, rock, and soul. Robert Cray’s distinctive guitar playing and emotive voice have earned him widespread acclaim. The band gained prominence with albums like “Strong Persuader” (1986), which featured hits such as “Smoking Gun” and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Performance. The Robert Cray Band is celebrated for its ability to merge traditional blues with modern sounds, maintaining a significant presence in the blues genre.
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 1986 album “Strong Persuader.” The track showcases Robert Cray’s signature blues guitar style and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of regret and the repercussions of one’s actions, reflecting the band’s blend of blues with contemporary influences. “Consequences” contributes to the album’s critical success, which played a significant role in solidifying The Robert Cray Band’s reputation in the blues genre. The album as a whole was a commercial and critical hit, helping to bring Cray’s blues sound to a wider audience.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their 1989 album *”Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.”* This track is a powerful blues ballad featuring Robert Cray’s signature guitar work and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of emotional turbulence and anticipation of difficult times ahead, using weather metaphors to illustrate the themes of struggle and heartache. The combination of Cray’s expressive guitar solos and the band’s tight instrumentation makes “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” a standout track, highlighting their ability to blend classic blues elements with modern sensibilities.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” by Robert Cray Band is a standout track from their 1986 album *Strong Persuader*. The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and guitar work, blending elements of blues, rock, and R&B. It tells the story of a man who finds himself at the center of a troubled relationship, exploring themes of infidelity and personal regret. With its catchy rhythm, expressive guitar solos, and poignant lyrics, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” showcases Cray’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and musically compelling blues. The track played a significant role in establishing Cray as a leading figure in contemporary blues music.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” by Robert Cray is a track from his 1986 album *Strong Persuader*. The song showcases Cray’s smooth, expressive guitar work and soulful vocals. It features a blend of blues and R&B elements, with a focus on overcoming fears and confronting personal challenges. The track combines a mellow groove with heartfelt lyrics, reflecting Cray’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a testament to Cray’s skill in creating compelling blues that resonate with listeners on both a musical and emotional level.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” by Robert Cray is one of his most well-known songs, released in 1986 as part of his *Strong Persuader* album. The song features a blend of blues, rock, and R&B, with Cray’s signature smooth vocals and compelling guitar work. The lyrics tell a story of betrayal and heartbreak, using the metaphor of a “smoking gun” to represent the undeniable evidence of a lover’s infidelity. With its catchy hook, memorable guitar riffs, and emotional depth, “Smoking Gun” became a major hit and played a significant role in Cray’s rise to prominence in the blues genre.
6. Acting This Way
“Acting This Way” by Robert Cray is a track from his 1986 album *Strong Persuader*. The song features Cray’s distinctive blend of blues and R&B, with a smooth, engaging groove and soulful vocals. The lyrics address themes of disillusionment and personal reflection, focusing on the consequences of one’s actions and behavior. With its compelling guitar work and introspective lyrics, “Acting This Way” showcases Cray’s ability to infuse blues with a contemporary edge, contributing to the overall success of the *Strong Persuader* album and solidifying Cray’s reputation in the blues genre.
7. She’s Gone
“She’s Gone” is a song by The Robert Cray Band, featured on their 1986 album *”Strong Persuader.”* The track highlights Cray’s smooth guitar work and soulful vocals. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and loss, as the narrator reflects on a past relationship and the pain of a loved one leaving. “She’s Gone” stands out for its emotional depth and Cray’s ability to convey vulnerability through his performance. The song contributed to the album’s success, which was pivotal in establishing The Robert Cray Band as a prominent force in modern blues.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” is a track from Robert Cray’s 1986 album *Strong Persuader*. This soulful blues song features Cray’s signature smooth vocals and expressive guitar work. The lyrics revolve around themes of longing and reflection, expressing a desire for remembrance and connection despite the challenges in a relationship. With its poignant melody and heartfelt delivery, “Will You Think of Me” highlights Cray’s ability to convey deep emotion and connect with listeners through his blues-infused sound. The track is a testament to Cray’s skill in blending blues with personal storytelling and emotional depth.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a track from Robert Cray’s 1983 album *Bad Influence*. The song showcases Cray’s blend of blues, R&B, and rock, featuring his smooth vocals and signature guitar work. The lyrics explore the impact of a problematic relationship or person who leads to negative outcomes, emphasizing themes of temptation and personal accountability. With its infectious groove, compelling melody, and expressive performance, “Bad Influence” highlights Cray’s talent for crafting engaging blues music that resonates with listeners while maintaining a strong emotional core.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by The Robert Cray Band from their 1986 album *”Strong Persuader.”* The track features a smooth, bluesy melody and showcases Robert Cray’s emotive guitar playing and vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of the passage of time and its impact on relationships, reflecting on how time can change and sometimes heal personal connections. “Time Makes Two” is noted for its blend of traditional blues elements with contemporary influences, and it contributed to the album’s acclaim, which played a significant role in elevating Cray’s career in the blues genre.