Ray Charles- Friendship-LP

• Format: LP
• Label: Columbia, CBS Inc., CBS Inc., Columbia Records, CBS Inc., Eleven Eleven Studio, Soundshop Recording Studios, Pedernales Studio, RPM International Studios, Custom Mastering
• Catalog number: FC 39415
• Country: US

Friendship finds Ray Charles stepping into the mid-1980s Nashville sound with a polished blend of country-pop that topped the country charts for an impressive 70 weeks. Produced by Billy Sherrill, the album leans into contemporary styles of its era, offering tracks like the playful "Two Old Cats Like Us" alongside the heartfelt duet "Seven Spanish Angels." While much of the material reflects the commercial polish of its time, this record remains a notable chapter in Ray’s later career, showcasing his ability to navigate genres beyond his R&B roots without missing a beat. This 1984 vinyl pressing presents those slick country-pop arrangements with all the clarity and sheen you'd expect from that period’s production values—think of it as a snapshot of Ray Charles meeting Nashville’s studio pros squarely in their own territory. The record is graded VG+, meaning it’s ready for regular play with only minor surface marks that don’t interfere with listening. If you’re curious about an acoustic ensemble setting where Ray’s vocals and piano sit front and center amid a tidy country backdrop, this pressing offers a straightforward way to explore that crossover moment without the distraction of heavier wear.

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