Song #72 - "I Can't Stop Loving You" - Ray Charles

#1 for weeks of June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30th, 1962. 

     It is common in the music world that artists of one genre cover a song which is a polar opposite genre. Sometimes this really works like in Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" which surpasses the original and then some. Sometimes it truly doesn't like in Limp Bizkit's abominable butchering of The Who's untouchable "Behind Blue Eyes". Poor Pete Townshend...

     What usually manages to impress me the most is when an artist manages to successfully incorporate some elements of this new style they are covering, while keeping their own sound intact to give the song a unique sound. Ray Charles' cover of "I Can't Stop Loving You" perfectly captures that essence. 

     Originally written and recorded by Don Gibson in 1957, "I Can't Stop Loving You" was a pure country ballad. I went and listened to this version out of curiosity and it certainly doesn't even remotely have any pop or R&B sounds to it. 

     Ray Charles on the other hand decided to be adventurous, with his crossover album Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music. This is an entire album devoted to taking country or rockabilly classics, and adding that magic Ray Charles sound, without sacrificing the feel of the original songs. 

     Ray's version of "I Can't Stop Loving You" from that album is a perfect blend of R&B and country balladry. It is certainly the former that is more prominent due to the very Ray Charles-esque string and piano arrangement. Adding to the country aspect is the backing vocals and the overall andante tempo of the song. All in all, it is a nice combination which is made even better due to Ray's timeless singing voice. 

Final Verdict - Ray Charles is always a welcome entry on this list, and this genre-crossing cover certainly showcases his vocal talents and musical diversity quite well. Give it a listen to hear just how to cover a song that's outside the singer's genre. 

                 Coming Up Next - "The Stripper" by David Rose. 

 Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, with Modern Reviews In Rock And Pop Music.