Few artists have the power to captivate audiences and redefine a genre the way the Robert Cray Band has. With a career spanning over four decades, Robert Cray and his band have become synonymous with modern blues, blending soul, rock, and traditional blues into a sound that is both timeless and uniquely their own. From heartfelt ballads to fiery guitar solos that leave listeners mesmerized, the band’s music is a testament to the power of storytelling and raw emotion.
This article takes you on a journey through the Robert Cray Band’s most iconic tracks—songs that have not only topped charts but have also left an indelible mark on the world of blues and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, these top 10 songs showcase the band’s unparalleled mastery of their craft. From Grammy-winning hits to deep cuts that have become fan favorites, each track is a window into the soul of an artist who has inspired countless musicians and audiences worldwide.
So, grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we celebrate the brilliance of the Robert Cray Band with their most unforgettable songs of all time!
1. “Smoking Gun” (1986)
Released in 1986 as the lead single from the critically acclaimed album Strong Persuader, “Smoking Gun” stands as one of Robert Cray’s most iconic tracks. The song seamlessly blends blues and soul, showcasing Cray’s smooth vocals and masterful guitar work. Lyrically, it delves into themes of betrayal and heartbreak, painting a vivid picture of a man confronting infidelity. The track’s catchy rhythm and sharp guitar riffs immediately captivate listeners, making it a staple in modern blues. “Smoking Gun” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity helped propel Strong Persuader to mainstream acclaim, with the album eventually selling over two million copies. Critics praised the song for its contemporary take on traditional blues, with AllMusic noting its “arresting, up-tempo groove” that ushered in a new era for the genre. The accompanying music video also garnered attention, earning Cray a nomination for Best New Artist in a Video at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards. “Smoking Gun” remains a defining moment in Robert Cray’s career, exemplifying his ability to modernize blues while staying true to its roots.
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2. “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” (1986)
Also featured on the Strong Persuader album, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a poignant exploration of guilt and regret. Released in 1986, the song narrates the internal turmoil of a man who realizes his actions have led to the breakdown of a neighboring relationship. Cray’s emotive storytelling is complemented by a haunting melody and subtle instrumentation, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The track’s introspective nature showcases Cray’s depth as a songwriter, delving into the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of one’s actions. Musically, the song blends blues with soul influences, creating a sound that’s both timeless and deeply moving. While it didn’t achieve the same chart success as “Smoking Gun,” “Right Next Door” resonated with audiences for its raw honesty and emotional depth. Critics lauded the track for its mature narrative and Cray’s ability to convey vulnerability through music. Over the years, it has become a fan favorite, often cited as one of Cray’s most compelling performances. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of remorse and the ripple effects of personal choices, solidifying its place in the pantheon of modern blues classics.
3. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” (1988)
Released in 1988 as the title track of Robert Cray’s Grammy-winning album Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, this song perfectly showcases the band’s ability to blend smooth blues with hints of funk and soul. It kicks off with a laid-back groove, but don’t let that fool you — the track carries a powerful emotional message. Cray’s vocals are warm and reassuring, offering a kind of gentle comfort to someone weighed down by fear, heartbreak, or hesitation. The lyrics suggest vulnerability isn’t something to fear — especially when love is on the other side of it.
There’s something incredibly inviting about the way the guitar weaves in and out of the verses, understated but full of feeling. The production is slick without being over-polished, striking that perfect balance between polish and raw emotion that Cray is known for. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” was more than just a title track — it was a statement. It showed that the blues could evolve without losing its soul. The song earned the band widespread recognition and radio play, helping to cement Cray’s reputation as a bluesman for a new generation. It still holds up today as a warm, soulful reminder not to let fear get in the way of love.
4. “I Guess I Showed Her” (1986)
From the Strong Persuader album, “I Guess I Showed Her” is Robert Cray at his most playful and ironic. On the surface, it sounds like a classic post-breakup triumph song — a guy walking away, seemingly proud of how he handled a failed relationship. But as you listen closer, the irony of the lyrics becomes clear. Cray’s delivery is sly, full of subtle wit, as the narrator convinces himself he’s won the breakup, even as the cracks in his bravado begin to show.
Musically, the track is upbeat and infectious, driven by a tight rhythm section and clean guitar licks that are signature Cray. The groove is smooth, toe-tapping, and just funky enough to keep things interesting. It’s blues with a wink — clever, confident, and incredibly catchy.
What really makes “I Guess I Showed Her” stand out is its storytelling. Cray has a knack for creating characters that feel real and flawed, and here he paints the picture of a man trying to mask his heartbreak with swagger. It’s that blend of emotional complexity and musical finesse that keeps listeners coming back. The song remains a standout in Cray’s catalog, a perfect mix of humor, heart, and top-tier musicianship.
5. “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” (1990)
Released in 1990 on the Midnight Stroll album, “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a moody, soulful track that captures the raw emotional weight of heartbreak. Right from the opening notes, the song sets a tone of unease — like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Cray’s voice, usually smooth and effortless, takes on a hushed, almost weary quality, as he sings about a relationship heading toward inevitable trouble.
The lyrics are rich with imagery, using weather metaphors to mirror emotional turmoil. “The forecast calls for pain” becomes more than a clever line — it’s a gut-punch of recognition for anyone who’s seen love turn dark. The arrangement is beautifully restrained, with organ swells and subtle guitar flourishes adding depth without overpowering the vocals.
What makes this track particularly powerful is its slow burn. It’s not flashy or dramatic, but it builds tension quietly, drawing listeners into its stormy emotional landscape. Cray’s guitar solo here is one of his best — soulful, aching, and perfectly placed.
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a masterclass in blues storytelling. It’s mature, deeply human, and full of feeling — a perfect example of why Robert Cray has remained one of the most respected voices in modern blues.
6. “Phone Booth” (1983)
“Phone Booth,” from the 1983 album Bad Influence, is a gritty blues number that captures the desperation of love on the brink. The song paints a vivid scene — a man in a phone booth, frantically trying to reach the person he can’t stop thinking about. You can almost feel the cold metal of the receiver, the flickering fluorescent light overhead, the tension building with each unanswered ring. Cray’s guitar opens with a sharp, attention-grabbing riff, and from there, it’s a steady build of blues-soaked emotion.
Cray’s vocal performance here is raw and urgent, perfectly matching the mood of the story. He doesn’t just sing — he pleads, he aches, he fights with every syllable. The arrangement is tight but not crowded, leaving plenty of space for the emotion to breathe. There’s a kind of cinematic quality to “Phone Booth,” like a scene pulled from a late-night noir film where everything’s gone wrong but there’s still a glimmer of hope.
This track is often cited as one of the early highlights that helped put Cray on the map, and with good reason. It’s a perfect example of how he takes traditional blues themes and reinvents them with a modern, emotionally honest twist.
7. “Bad Influence” (1983)
The title track of Bad Influence is a blues tune with a swagger that’s hard to resist. Released in 1983, “Bad Influence” is playful, tongue-in-cheek, and loaded with charm. Cray steps into the role of a man whose questionable ways might just be rubbing off on his friends — and he seems more than okay with it. “I’m just a bad influence — and I don’t care” he sings, with a sly smile in his voice that makes the line land like a punchline at the end of a good joke.
Musically, the track is upbeat and catchy, driven by a funky bassline and crisp guitar work. Cray’s guitar tone here is clean and punchy, perfectly matching the fun-loving energy of the lyrics. The song plays with the idea of trouble without ever dipping into darkness — it’s the sound of someone enjoying a little harmless mischief.
This song helped define Cray’s style in the early days: blues that wasn’t afraid to have a little fun while still staying rooted in authenticity. It’s one of those tracks that instantly lifts your mood, and it still sounds fresh decades later. “Bad Influence” shows the lighter side of the blues — witty, sharp, and endlessly groovable.
8. “Nothin’ But a Woman” (1988)
“Nothin’ But a Woman,” off the Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark album, is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of love, framed by one of Cray’s most infectious grooves. Released in 1988, this track carries a blend of blues, R&B, and just enough funk to get your feet moving. Lyrically, it’s a simple but powerful message — out of everything in the world, what this man needs more than anything is the love of one woman.
There’s something joyful about the way Cray delivers this one. His vocals are smooth and sincere, and the band backs him up with a tight, rhythmic arrangement that’s pure ear candy. The horn section punches through with just the right amount of flair, adding color without overshadowing the main melody.
More than just a love song, “Nothin’ But a Woman” feels like a statement of values — a reminder that even amid success, temptation, or chaos, love can be the grounding force. It’s one of those tracks that’s easy to put on repeat — warm, catchy, and full of soul. Cray’s ability to mix emotional honesty with musical finesse shines brightly here, making it a standout in his catalog.
9. “Time Makes Two” (2003)
“Time Makes Two,” from Cray’s 2003 album Time Will Tell, is an emotionally rich ballad that hits right in the heart. The song is built around a slow, aching groove and Cray’s deeply soulful vocal delivery. It’s a meditation on love, patience, and the distance that can grow between two people — whether physical, emotional, or both.
Cray’s voice is full of vulnerability here. You can hear the longing in every note, the way he stretches syllables as if he’s trying to reach someone who’s just out of arm’s length. His guitar work is equally expressive, with clean, weeping notes that echo the song’s sentiment without ever overstepping. The whole track moves at a deliberate, reflective pace, giving you space to absorb every lyric.
“Time Makes Two” is the kind of song that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or bombastic — it’s subtle, intimate, and quietly devastating. It’s a highlight not just of the album, but of Cray’s entire career. Few songs manage to feel both timeless and deeply personal, but this one does. It’s a reminder that love, like music, is often at its most powerful when it’s at its most honest.
10. “You Move Me” (1999)
Released in 1999 as part of the album Take Your Shoes Off, “You Move Me” is a sultry, slow-burning track that blurs the line between blues and classic R&B. It’s one of those songs that wraps around you like a warm evening breeze — smooth, soulful, and full of quiet intensity. Cray’s vocals are laid-back yet emotionally rich, drawing you in with each line. There’s no rush here — every note, every beat, is given space to breathe.
The groove is subtle but irresistible, built on a foundation of understated percussion, a velvety bassline, and Cray’s signature guitar, which glides effortlessly through the mix. Lyrically, it’s all about deep connection — the kind that goes beyond infatuation. It’s about how someone can shift your whole world with just a look or a word.
“You Move Me” stands out for its emotional maturity. It’s a song for late nights, for quiet reflection, for those moments when love feels both heavy and uplifting. Cray doesn’t need to shout to make you feel something — his gentle touch on the mic and the fretboard is more than enough. It’s an elegant, intimate closer to this list, and a beautiful example of Cray’s enduring talent.
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.
