If there is a criticism to be made of Colorblind, it would be its slickness. Maybe the slick is necessary to keep the synthesis of all these musical styles from sounding too schizophrenic. It is a minor complaint but an audible one. Anyone who dismisses the album solely for being too slick should be pitied as there are still so many things to like about this record.
The compactness of these songs is surprising- only one song, the Clapton duet, goes longer than five minutes. Randolph & The Family Band are known for stunning live shows. To be able to keep the song lengths in check and still incorporate so many styles and influences is amazing. If they can pack that much energy into four minutes in the studio, imagine the frenzy when these get taken out on the road.
Colorblind is never a bad listen and is sometimes a great one. With this album, Randolph has taken a step towards adding the title of "songwriter" to the crowns he already wears as a musician and performer. Here is to hoping we can add "longevity" to that list.
Article comments
1 - A.L. Harper
Fantasitc Review Darling!
2 - DJRadiohead
Thank you, Ms. A.L. It's a very good album- I listened to it a good bit more this weekend.
3 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations! This article was chosen as an Editor's Pick.
4 - DJRadiohead
I like this album more than I did when I wrote this review. "Love is the Only Way" has grown on me.
5 - El Bicho
"refusal to be shoehorned into one particular genre or style."
Absolutely. We appear to have found the same likes and dislikes. while I enjoyed it, I wanted to be awed and it never rose to that level.
See him live. I got to catch him with The Black Crowes this summer.