The Robert Cray Band is an American blues and soul band led by guitarist and singer-songwriter Robert Cray. Formed in the late 1970s, the band has been influential in the blues and blues-rock genres, known for their distinctive sound that combines traditional blues elements with soulful vocals and contemporary musical styles.
Robert Cray’s guitar playing is a central feature of the band’s sound, characterized by his soulful phrasing, expressive tone, and melodic sensibility. Cray’s vocals are also a defining aspect of the band’s music, often delivering heartfelt performances that convey the emotion and depth of the blues.
The Robert Cray Band gained widespread acclaim with their breakthrough album “Strong Persuader” in 1986, which featured the hit singles “Smokin’ Gun” and “Right Next Door (Because of Me).” The album earned Cray widespread recognition and established him as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues music.
Since then, the Robert Cray Band has continued to release albums and tour extensively, maintaining a dedicated fan base and garnering critical praise for their live performances and recordings. They have won multiple Grammy Awards and have been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Overall, the Robert Cray Band remains one of the most respected and influential groups in the blues genre, known for their soulful and sophisticated approach to the music. Their contributions to the blues have helped to keep the genre vibrant and relevant in the modern music landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Consequences
“Consequences” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, released as part of their album “Twenty” in 2005. The album marked the band’s twentieth anniversary, hence its title.
In “Consequences,” Robert Cray delivers soulful vocals accompanied by his signature guitar work, blending elements of blues, soul, and rock. The song’s lyrics explore themes of regret, reflection, and the consequences of actions taken. Cray’s emotive delivery adds depth and resonance to the poignant lyrics, creating a powerful listening experience.
While “Consequences” may not be as well-known as some of the band’s earlier hits, it showcases their continued musical prowess and ability to craft compelling and soulful music. The song serves as a testament to the enduring talent of the Robert Cray Band and their ability to captivate audiences with their heartfelt performances and meaningful songwriting.
2. The Forecast (Calls for Pain)
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” is a song by the American blues musician Robert Cray and his band, The Robert Cray Band. It was released on their album “Midnight Stroll” in 1990.
The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and distinctive guitar playing, accompanied by the band’s tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” tells the story of heartbreak and emotional turmoil, with the narrator lamenting the end of a relationship and anticipating the pain that lies ahead.
“The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” showcases Cray’s talent for blending blues, soul, and rock influences into his own unique sound. The song’s soulful melody and Cray’s emotive delivery helped it become a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Midnight Stroll” album.
Despite its relatively low chart performance, “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)” remains a beloved song among fans of Robert Cray and is celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and soulful musicality.
3. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is a song by the American blues musician Robert Cray. It was released on his album “Strong Persuader” in 1986.
The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing, accompanied by a tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” tells the story of a man who becomes entangled in a romantic affair with his neighbor’s wife. The narrator grapples with guilt and remorse over his actions, realizing the pain and turmoil he has caused for both himself and those around him.
“Right Next Door (Because of Me)” is notable for its emotionally charged lyrics and Cray’s powerful delivery, which captures the intensity of the narrator’s feelings. The song’s bluesy groove and memorable guitar riffs helped it become a hit for Cray, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning him widespread acclaim.
The song’s themes of love, temptation, and consequences resonated with audiences, making “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” one of Robert Cray’s most enduring and iconic songs. It remains a favorite among fans of blues and soul music, and it continues to be celebrated for its raw honesty and musical craftsmanship.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of The Dark
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, released as the title track of their album in 1988.
In “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” Robert Cray delivers soulful vocals over a bluesy, guitar-driven instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics convey a message of reassurance and encouragement, urging the listener to confront their fears and embrace the unknown with confidence.
The track was a commercial success for the Robert Cray Band, receiving significant airplay on blues and rock radio stations. It also earned critical acclaim, showcasing Cray’s skill as a vocalist and guitarist, as well as the band’s tight musical chemistry.
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” remains a fan favorite and a staple of the Robert Cray Band’s live performances. Its timeless message and infectious groove continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of the standout tracks in the band’s discography.
5. Smoking Gun
“Smoking Gun” is a song by the American blues musician Robert Cray. It was released on his album “Strong Persuader” in 1986.
The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar playing, accompanied by a tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “Smoking Gun” explores themes of betrayal and suspicion in a romantic relationship. The narrator confronts their partner about their infidelity, presenting evidence of their wrongdoing and expressing their disappointment and anger.
“Smoking Gun” is characterized by its catchy groove, memorable guitar riff, and infectious chorus. The song’s bluesy sound and Cray’s impassioned delivery helped it become a hit for Cray, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning him widespread acclaim.
The song’s themes of love gone wrong and the search for truth resonated with audiences, making “Smoking Gun” one of Robert Cray’s most well-known and beloved songs. It remains a staple of his live performances and a favorite among fans of blues and soul music.
6. Acting This Way
“Acting This Way” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, featured on their album “Shoulda Been Home” released in 2001.
In “Acting This Way,” Robert Cray’s soulful vocals are complemented by the band’s smooth and melodic instrumentation, blending elements of blues, soul, and rock. The song’s lyrics explore themes of relationship struggles, self-reflection, and the complexities of human emotions. Cray’s emotive delivery adds depth and authenticity to the heartfelt lyrics, creating a compelling listening experience.
While “Acting This Way” may not be as well-known as some of the band’s earlier hits, it exemplifies their continued musical prowess and ability to craft poignant and soulful music. The song showcases Cray’s talent as a vocalist and songwriter, as well as the band’s tight musical chemistry.
Overall, “Acting This Way” is a standout track on the “Shoulda Been Home” album and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Robert Cray Band’s music. Its emotive lyrics and smooth groove resonate with listeners, making it a favorite among fans of blues and soul music.
7. She’s Gone
“She’s Gone” is a song by the Robert Cray Band from their album “Midnight Stroll,” released in 1990.
In “She’s Gone,” Robert Cray delivers soulful vocals over a bluesy instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man grappling with the pain and heartache of losing his lover. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the anguish and longing expressed in the lyrics, creating a powerful and poignant listening experience.
“She’s Gone” showcases the band’s ability to blend elements of blues, soul, and rock into a cohesive and expressive musical statement. The song’s haunting melody and soulful instrumentation contribute to its emotional impact, resonating with listeners on a deep and personal level.
While “She’s Gone” may not be as well-known as some of the band’s other hits, it remains a standout track in the Robert Cray Band’s discography. Its heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance make it a favorite among fans of blues and soul music, reaffirming the band’s status as one of the premier acts in the genre.
8. Will You Think of Me
“Will You Think of Me” is a song by American blues musician Robert Cray. It was released on his album “Midnight Stroll” in 1990.
The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and emotive guitar playing, accompanied by a smooth rhythm section. Lyrically, “Will You Think of Me” explores themes of longing and heartache in a romantic relationship. The narrator reflects on the end of a relationship and wonders if their former partner will still think of them after they’re gone.
“Will You Think of Me” showcases Cray’s talent for blending blues, soul, and rock influences into his own unique sound. The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners, capturing the emotions of loss and yearning.
Although “Will You Think of Me” may not be as well-known as some of Cray’s other songs, it remains a favorite among fans of his music for its poignant lyrics and soulful performance.
9. Bad Influence
“Bad Influence” is a song by the Robert Cray Band, released on their album of the same name in 1983. The track “Bad Influence” served as the title track of the album.
In “Bad Influence,” Robert Cray delivers soulful vocals over a bluesy instrumental arrangement. The song’s lyrics explore the theme of temptation and the negative influences that can lead a person astray. Cray’s emotive delivery captures the angst and frustration expressed in the lyrics, creating a compelling and powerful listening experience.
“Bad Influence” exemplifies the Robert Cray Band’s ability to blend elements of blues, soul, and rock into a cohesive and expressive musical statement. The song’s infectious groove and soulful instrumentation contribute to its timeless appeal, resonating with listeners on both a musical and emotional level.
While “Bad Influence” may not be as well-known as some of the band’s other hits, it remains a standout track in their discography. Its raw energy and soulful performance make it a favorite among fans of blues and soul music, showcasing the band’s talent and versatility as musicians.
10. Time Makes Two
“Time Makes Two” is a song by American blues musician Robert Cray. It was released on his album “Live from Across the Pond” in 2006.
The song features Cray’s soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing, backed by a tight rhythm section. Lyrically, “Time Makes Two” explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time in a relationship. The narrator reflects on the ups and downs of love, expressing a desire to reconcile with their partner despite the challenges they’ve faced.
“Time Makes Two” showcases Cray’s ability to blend blues, soul, and jazz influences into his own unique sound. The song’s smooth groove, heartfelt lyrics, and Cray’s emotive delivery make it a standout track on the album.
Although “Time Makes Two” may not be as well-known as some of Cray’s earlier hits, it remains a favorite among fans of his music for its soulful performance and timeless appeal.
