hiphoprnbsoul rating:

The soundtrack to the inspiring and moving Ray Charles biography, Ray is a worthy ode to and overview of the genius of a music icon. Seventeen tracks, originally recorded during Charles' heydey in the '50s and '60s, represent a selection that expertly balance the range of his work.  Sampling from his jazz playing and country-soul recordings, the offerings include all of the best-known songs ("I Got a Woman," "(Night Time Is) The Right Time," "Georgia on My Mind," "Hit the Road Jack"), mixed with relatively obscure tracks (such as the early R&B cut "Mess Around"). The set also includes excellent live renditions of "Hallelujah I Love Her So," and American staples "What'd I Say," and "I Can't Stop Loving You." While no single regular-length CD can cover all of Charles' best work, Ray is a superior introduction to the music of an American legend for those who may have been introduced to him through Taylor Hackford's excellent film. - Ifè Oshun