"Ray" is a great soundtrack that consists largely of some very early recordings, dating back to 1953, with "Mess Around", through 1962, and then 3 cuts from a terrific 1964 concert at the Shrine Auditorium, and 3 more cuts from a 1976 concert in Japan.
The re-mastering of these tracks is very good, giving the CD an overall even sound quality for the 23 year span of recordings.
"(Night Time Is) The Right Time" has been a favorite since its release as a single in '58, and other standouts for me are the electric "What'd I Say" from the Shrine concert, and "Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I)", which are two of the five songs included in this collection that Ray Charles wrote.

"Georgia on My Mind" (1960) was a big breakthrough recording for Ray, using the lush string arrangements of Ralph Burns, and a crossover into the pop music market, later to move into the country market with such songs as "Born to Lose" ('62).
These early recordings are thick with memories from my teen years, and the many LPs and 45s that were worn through with constant play. "Ray" may be the soundtrack of an Oscar Award winning 2004 film, but for many of us born during and soon after WWII, Ray's music was the soundtrack to some of the most important years of our lives.

"Ray" received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Director, Film Editing and Costume Design, and Oscars were given for Best Sound, and to Jamie Foxx for Best Actor. The booklet insert has complete recording info, interesting liner notes by director Taylor Hackford, lots of photos of Ray and Jamie, and on the back cover, a marvelous shot of them together. Total playing time is 54'36.

I think it's pretty much impossible to create a single disc Ray Charles greatest hits collection. There's just too much good stuff.

That said, I think this one comes as close as we're ever gonna get. Yes, there's no "America The Beautiful" and a few others, but the song selection, and the song "version" selection, here is unimpeachable.

OK...maybe they didn't have to put TWO "Georgias" on here, but that's about as negative as I'm going to get.

A Ray Charles fanatic may find a new version or twist here, and a novice will uncover a wealth of riches.

It's also a terrific keepsake of the film.
To people who perhaps were properly introduced to Mr. Charles via that film, this is the way to get started.

I'm not a big fan of soundtracks in the least bit, but this is one that I spared the out of pocket money for. I really enjoy this showcase of Ray Charles' work. My favorites will always remain "Uncain my heart" "What'd I say" and "Marianne." I would reccomend this for any Ray fan, even those who despise soundtracks.

i can imagine the soundtrack is wonderful, and i will love to get it but the "Ulmamite Collection" has all the songs that is also from the movie and then some. For the past few days i have been in Ray Charles World. i bought the CD, and played it to the hilt, i got the DVD which i have looked at i don't know how many times, (a weekend ritual) and now i ordered the companion book to the movie and a poster! I am hooked on Ray! i have a condition called "Raycharlesitis" I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU...I MADE UP MY MIND!" '-)

I have played this CD over and over for months and still am not sick of it. Ray rules!!! While "Genius Loves Company" won all of the Grammys, this is the CD that better captures the talent and versatility of Ray Charles and the one he should have won a Grammy for. This recording shows what Ray could do when he was firing on all cylinders. Apparently according to the liner notes Ray went into the vaults to pick out the selections himself.
From the songs that will make you want to dance in your car right in the middle of traffic.... "I've Got a Woman", "Unchain My Heart", the fabulous "Nighttime is the Right Time" to the great live version of "Let the Good Times Roll", Ray is just on fire. When he slows things down on the touching "Born to Lose", "You Don't Know Me" and of course "Georgia On My Mind" he is just as powerful and quite poignant.
There is not a bad cut on this whole CD. Buy this CD and you will be hooked...not on heroin but on the real Genius of Ray Charles.