The Family and friend, Eric Clapton, cover the Doobie Brothers’ “Jesus Is Just Alright”.
The latter plays and sings on the first verse. If you listen closely during the guitar solos, you can hear the mantle being handed over.
The songs continue to spread positive messages. “Thrill of It” explains the joy of life comes from following your dream. “I’m on this ride for the thrill of it/ living the dream that’s what life’s all about/ and working it out.” “Blessed,” with background vocals that bring to mind Bob Marley’s The I-Threes, informs those unaware that if you are able to look for God’s blessing, you already have it. “Love Is the Only Way” is straightforward and clear. It features Dave Matthews, who co-wrote the song with producer Mark Batson, and his band mates Leroi Moore and Rawshan Ross, but sounds more like their song than Randolph’s.
Randolph and the band get back to what they do best on the last two songs. The cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Thankful ‘N Thoughtful” instrumental conveys similar ideas about the thrills and blessings of life just through being lucky enough to hear it. The soul and funk get cranked up another notch on “Homecoming” with Randolph ripping it up on the close, wisely leaving the listener wanting more.
While I enjoyed Colorblind, its sound has too much pop and polish and the messages were too repetitive. The album comes across like it’s trying to reach for a wider audience, playing songs with more structure instead of the loose jams. Personally, I prefer Randolph unleashed and wild, seemingly out of control. I hope this is a quick detour before he returns to the path less traveled. New fans should be turned onto the band’s sound, but I can’t say the same for fans gained in a live setting.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Randolph apparently did play in his church choir for many years before he ventured into this. What I've heard of this album gave me similar sentiments. It was alright, but if you've heard the man live it sure don't compare.
2 - DJRadiohead
Saleski and I both reviewed this one and we both love the record.
My main complaint with the album was that it did at times sound a little too slick. The band decided to go for a little more accessible sound this time and they still managed to make a pretty listenable album. Hell, the energy is undeniable.
What would be interesting is to hear these songs in a live setting. I like most of the songs. On album, they are compact blasts. On stage, they could get some room to stretch out and breathe a little more. They are good enough musicians to accomplish both. That Wetlands live album they released is insane.
3 - Vern Halen
I saw RR&FB on a TV clip - don't remember what - but they were HOT. Then I got a hold of one of their albums and they were not. Maybe he'll need to make a live album to get his point across.
As an aside... I just found the reissue of Frampton Comes Alive! at my local library tonight. Haven't heard that for a looooong time - we'll see if my memory serves me well or not.
4 - Mark Saleski
i've been meaning to get the Frampton anniversary reissue. great live record.
as far as Robert Randolph, i can see how you might think the studio albums aren't as good. still, this recent one has some killer stuff on it, especially "Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That"
5 - El Bicho
There's a bunch of RRFB live shows at Archive.org for the curious. Brewster's probably already there.
6 - SFC SKI
You forgot the song "Diane", definitely pop, but with a horn section and absolutely slammin' rhythm, and a sing along corus.
I bought this album last week and it has been on auto repeaat since that then. It's about time we had something both rocking and soulful, I am so tired of cookie cutter pop stars and screamo bands.
The last thing the world needs is another aimless noodling jam band and more tight songs that get your groove on in about 4 minutes.
Let RR break into the public consciousness with this album, tour behind it, and before you know it their will be another album that will give you what you are looking for. I see this album as a good introduction, and it makes me want to hear more.
7 - :seth
I came away thinking the same thing, " I wish this album was live." They still have a great sound though. To take the lap steel guitar from the ol' twangy country love songs to rock hard tasty abs is quite appealing. I was watching them play at The Crossroads Music Festival and just an unforgetable performance they put on. I love watching artists have fun with the music.
8 - El Bicho
To hear the band in a live setting, Robert Randolph & The Family Band will be the featured musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman this week! The show will air this Wednesday December 13th at 11:30pm on CBS.
9 - Bunny B.
I saw Robert Randolph for the first time on the rerun of PBS's 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Fantastic! He was on David Letterman again last night. This is a fresh exciting sound that my husband and I will follow. Please bring your tour to Seattle!