The Robert Cray Band ‎– False Accusations

The Robert Cray Band – False Accusations

A superb example of modern electric blues at its most soulful and sophisticated, False Accusations captures The Robert Cray Band developing the distinctive sound that would soon establish them as one of the most important blues acts of the 1980s. Originally released in 1985, this is the group's third studio album and a particularly strong showcase for Robert Cray's expressive guitar playing, smooth vocals and songwriting.

By the mid-eighties, Cray was helping bring traditional blues influences to a new generation of listeners. Drawing on the sounds of Albert Collins, Albert King and B.B. King, while incorporating elements of soul, R&B and contemporary electric blues, he developed a style that was both deeply rooted in the blues tradition and unmistakably his own.

On False Accusations, Cray is joined by his regular bandmates Richard Cousins on bass, David Olson on drums and Peter Boe on keyboards. The arrangements are tight and understated, allowing the interplay between Cray's guitar and the rhythm section to take centre stage. Producer Bruce Bromberg and Dennis Walker help create a warm, polished sound that retains the character and spontaneity of a live blues performance.

The album opens with Porch Light, a fine introduction to Cray's fluid guitar work and soulful vocal delivery. Change Of Heart, Change Of Mind (S.O.F.T.) brings a more upbeat R&B feel, while She's Gone and Playin' In The Dirt demonstrate the band's ability to balance accessible songwriting with authentic blues musicianship.

The title track, False Accusations, is another highlight, combining a memorable groove with Cray's expressive guitar phrasing. Elsewhere, The Last Time (I Get Burned Like This) and Payin' For It Now showcase the emotional depth and understated sophistication that distinguish his songwriting. The closing track, Sonny, provides a particularly rewarding finish to the album.

The record helped build Cray's growing reputation beyond the American blues circuit, preceding the enormous breakthrough of 1986's Strong Persuader and its celebrated single Smoking Gun. False Accusations is therefore an important part of the story of his rise, documenting the development of a musician who would go on to become one of the defining figures in contemporary electric blues.

An excellent addition for fans of modern electric blues, blues-rock, soul and classic eighties guitar music. Particularly recommended for listeners who appreciate the work of Albert Collins, B.B. King and contemporary blues artists with a strong sense of melody and groove.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Porch Light – 5:01

2. Change Of Heart, Change Of Mind (S.O.F.T.) – 3:49

3. She's Gone – 2:50

4. Playin' In The Dirt – 3:46

5. I've Slipped Her Mind – 5:15

Side B

1. False Accusations – 3:55

2. The Last Time (I Get Burned Like This) – 3:50

3. Payin' For It Now – 4:38

4. Sonny – 4:45