Top 10 Robert Cray Albums

Renowned for his smooth vocals, sultry soul-inspired guitar playing and vivid lyricism, Robert Cray stands as one of the most influential figures in modern blues. 

Born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1953, Cray grew up immersed in music, drawing inspiration from legends like Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Otis Redding. By the late 1970s, Cray had formed the Robert Cray Band, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would redefine the genre’ contemporary scene. His distinct, song-oriented blend of blues, soul, and R&B has carved a unique identity that remains as magnetic as ever. 

To celebrate Cray’s timeless contribution to the genre we love, Blues Rock Review revisits his discography and ranks his top 10 albums.

Enjoy!

10. Sweet Potato Pie (1997)

On Sweet Potato Pie, Cray dives deep into his Southern soul influences with a storyteller’s flair. Lush tracks like “Nothing Against You”, “Back Home” and “Not Bad For Love” emphasize his pedigree as a songwriter and his command of layered, emotive arrangements.

9. In My Soul (2014)

A late-career gem, In My Soul delves deep into Cray’s soul and R&B influences. Elegant slow-burning tracks like  “Fine Yesterday”, “Your Good Thing Is About To End” and “You’re Everything” reveal Cray’s ear for exquisite mood creation.

8. Shame + A Sin (1993)

Shame + A Sin finds Robert Cray returning to a rawer, more traditional blues-focused sound, stripping back some of the slickness of his previous works. As usual with Cray, the album features sharp guitar work and emotive vocals, with standout tracks like  “Some Pain, Some Shame”, “I Shiver” and “Up And Down” showcasing his grittier, punchier side.

7. Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (1988)

Balancing catchy, pop-oriented hooks with Cray’s signature blues leads, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark remains a favorite among fans on the strength of numbers such as the alluring, horn-infused titular track, the infectious “Across The Line” and the candlelit, soft-rock-esque “Laugh Out Loud”.

6. Shoulda Been Home (2001)

Stripped-down and soul-focused, Shoulda Been Home has Cray’s sound perhaps at its most intimate. Songs like the mellow, vintage soul “No One Special”, the R&B-inflected “Out Of Eden” and the soothing blues “Help Me Forget” remind us of his gift for graceful arrangements and moving performances.

5. Take Your Shoes Off (1999)

The Grammy-winning Take Your Shoes Off has Cray once again leaning into a more mellow, soul-focused style. Numbers like the Stax-styled groove  “Love Gone to Waste”, the funky “24-7 Man”, and the suggestive late-night soul-blues “All The Way”  showcase a more relaxed yet confident side of his artistry.

4. Midnight Stroll (1990)

Funky and groovy, but also effortlessly blending blues and soul, Midnight Stroll features the backing of the Memphis Horns who lend their chops to unforgettable tracks like the hard-hitting rocker “Consequences”, the bass-driven monster “These Things” and the stellar funk-laden “The Forecast (Calls for Pain)”.

3. Nothin But Love (2012)

Often regarded as the finest release of Cray’s late career, the blues-focused Nothin But Love boasts standout songs such as the melodically-rich, pop-edged “Won’t Be Coming Home”, the beautifully tormented “Blues Get Off My Shoulder” and, of course, “I’m Done Crying”. Clocking in just shy of nine minutes, this hauntingly beautiful slow blues has it all: smooth vocals, stellar guitar work, and the type of heartfelt lyricism that defines Cray’s songwriting.

2. Bad Influence (1983)

The album that put Cray on the radar, Bad Influence brims with raw energy, muscular funk grooves and blazing guitar work. Iconic numbers such as the tastefully rugged titular track, the luscious hard-edged blues “The Grinder” and the funky beast “So Many Women, So Little Time”, with their unpolished charm and vibrant execution, make the record an instant classic.

1. Strong Persuader (1986)

The record that established Cray’s place in music history, the Grammy-winning Strong Persuader blends sleek production values with Cray’s incisive guitar work and commanding vocals to stellar results. Iconic numbers like the incendiary blues rocker “Smoking Gun”, the stylish R&B showcase “Right Next Door (Because of Me)” and the sultry slow blues” I Wonder” cemented Cray’s status as an all-time blues great.