The Very Best of Ray Charles [Rhino] by Ray and 50 similar items

Hard as it is to go wrong when shopping for a Brother Ray package, some career-spanning compilations bundle the decades better than others. Count this one, true to its title, among the very best. The track sequencing is straight-up chronological, opening with 1954's groundbreaking blues and gospel mingling "I've Got a Woman." From there it charges through the late-'50s Atlantic era, rounding up classic singles like "Hallelujah (I Love Her So)," "(Night Time Is) The Right Time," and "What'd I Say." By the time the disc lands us in the '60s, the Genius has saddled up to explore his country side, turning in such popular-music-altering hits as "Georgia on My Mind" and "I Can't Stop Loving You." A final cut jumps into the '80s for the Willie Nelson duet "Seven Spanish Angels," leaving the listener with a solid--and deeply satisfying--sense of Charles' bold artistic wanderings. All that's missing is his soul-dunked rendition of "America the Beautiful." -Tammy La Gorce 1. I've Got A Woman 2. A Fool For You 3. Drown In My Own Tears 4. Hallelujah I Love Her So 5. (Night Time Is) The Right Time 6. What'd I Say Parts I II 7. Sticks And Stones 8. Georgia On My Mind 9. One Mind Julep 10. Hit The Road Jack 11. Unchain My Heart 12. I Can't Stop Loving You 13. You Are My Sunshine 14. Busted 15. Let's Go Get Stoned 16. Seven Spanish Angels