Ray Charles Songs Ranked
Ray Charles Robinson (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Among friends and fellow musicians he preferred being called “Brother Ray.” He was often referred to as “The Genius.” Charles was blinded during childhood due to glaucoma. For his musical contributions, Charles received the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the Polar Music Prize. He won 17 Grammy Awards, including 5 posthumously.[10] Charles was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987, and 10 of his recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone ranked Charles No. 10 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and No. 2 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Here are all of Ray Charles songs ranked.
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20. Say No More (Strong Love Affair, 1996)
“Lyrically the beginning of this song is so strong. When the beat comes in shortly after it hooks you and gets you right into the song. With the lyrics continuing at a high level this song is perfect”
19. Seven Spanish Angels (Always On My Mind, 1982)
“This is the big deals guys, incomparable lyrics with Willie it was so good I like this track very much its heals the wound of my heart. Great duet with Willie.”
18. I’m Movin’ On (The Genius Hits The Road, 1960)
“Without a doubt the best opening lines to any of their songs. It pulls you in and pumps you up. Then the rest of the song is well written”
17. You are My Sunshine (Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, 1962)
“The most unique, creative, exciting version there has ever been of this classic. This is also the very best ever performance by the icon.”
See more: Ray Charles Albums Ranked
16. Greenbacks (Hallellujah I Love Her So (HD Remastered), 1957)
“This song is super sexist, but also super funny! Great chorus and a fun, bouncy song. Charles bounces back and forth between speaking and singing, and his delivery is hilarious!”
15. If I Could (Forever, 1993)
“Proves Ray can give soul to any song, even one that definitely raises your blood sugar to dangerous levels. Seriously, this is his best song in my opinion. Very underrated”
14. Night Time is the Right Time (Ray Charles at Newport, 1958)
“One of the best (if not the best) songs from their best album. Maybe this isn’t number one, but it definitely deserves to be higher.”
13. One Mint Julep (Genius + Soul = Jazz, 1961)
“I can’t really say what this song does to me, but the combination of the lyrics and the melody are so amazing. It gives me the best feeling when I’m listening to this great song!”
12. You Don’t Know Me (Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, 1962)
“This song speaks to you may people this made me a true fan this is the first song I ever heard and can’t stop listening to it… If you look up the lyrics or listen to them they are so well written”
11. In the Heat of the Night (In the Heat of the Night, 1967)
“Just a lush soulful grove put together by long time collaborator Quincy Jones. I hadn’t heard this song until now… Wow… It’s incredible!”
10. Let Me Hear You Call My Name (Jazz & Blues Collection 3: Ray Charles, 1995)
“Love this song, its what made me a Ray Charles fan, sure they have some great song but listen to the lyrics that are so well done and the melody”
9. Hallelujah, I Love Her So (Hallelujah, I Love Her So, 1965)
“This song is so deep, so powerful, my brain explodes whenever I hear this song! Lyrically, one of the best out there. Tune wise, the same.”
8. Unchain My Heart (Greatest Hits (2020 Remastered Version), 1962)
“It is simply his best song. Ray Charles was a very good artist and he shows his greatness in this song. The lyrics of this song are so beautiful, artistic and meaningful. The rhythm blows my mind every time I hear it.”
7. I Got a Woman (Hallellujah I Love Her So (HD Remastered), 1957)
“The fact that this isn’t in the top two means that people didn’t notice a blues artist’s best jazz song. Hell, they don’t even know the difference between jazz and blues. I have no words to this music, just perfect!”
See more: Curtis Mayfield Albums Ranked
6. Shake Your Tail Feathers (The Blues Brothers, 1980)
“Most recognised song by Ray Charles, courtesy of the blues brothers. Neewer generations would heard of this song as well, this song gives a great vibe when listened to, RAY CHARLES BEST SONG EVER!”
5. Mess Around (Mess Around, 1953)
“Very good song, really like the intro in the beginning with the guitars. This song is melodic rise against at its best! Any stop singing it and I always wanna play it loud!”
4. I Can’t Stop Loving You (Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, 1962)
“This song really is amazing. I love Ray Charles and this song is by far one of his best. If I had a song that represented my life, this song would be perfect. It really hits me.
3. What’d I Say, Pts. I & 2 (What’d I Say, Pts. I & 2, 1959)
“One of the best songs of all time, his only rock n roll tune and just amazing and so fun. I listen to it every day at least once and I never get tired of it. It’s just the best thing that ever happened to me. Is extremely fun to play and listen to, and every time I hear it I dance, way better than anything else he ever did.”
2. Georgia on My Mind (The Genius Hits the Road, 1995)
“Classic spin on a classic song. His passion and musicality is clearly heard through the arrangement. Would also recommend the version honoring his by Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis”
1. Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles Greatest Hits, 1962)
“This song is awesome!. Not only created a new genre of music (called soul). Also, it was make completely improvised in a concert. And is really good”