The album 'Strong Love Affair' was released in 1996 by Qwest Records, a label founded by Quincy Jones, distributed by Warner Bros. Records. It was Ray Charles's last studio album released during his lifetime, though not his final posthumous release. The record was primarily produced by Ray Charles and Jimmy Lewis, focusing on contemporary R&B and soul.
The album included original songs written by Jimmy Lewis and Ray Charles, as well as covers of classic tunes. Notable tracks include the title song 'Strong Love Affair' and the emotional ballad 'Out of My Life'. The production was more intimate than in previous works, with Charles taking a central role in musical direction.
Despite not generating major commercial hits, 'Strong Love Affair' was well received by critics, who praised Charles's vocal maturity and emotional honesty. The album peaked at number 148 on the Billboard 200 chart. It is considered a testament to Charles's ability to remain relevant in the 1990s.