Flashback CD Review #130 - Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Colorblind

This review originally appeared in the Reviews in Brief section of Rock Is Life.com

ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND
Colorblind
Warner Bros. Records 2006

"The rock, funk, and blues are on full display with the
latest release from phenomenal guitarist Robert
Randolph and his Family Band. Colorblind shows the
band in top notch form with some rip roaring guitar rock
and sly funk infused rhythms. The band is joined with a
guest appearance from guitar god Eric Clapton on a
cover of the Byrds song “Jesus Is Just Alright.” It’s a
rollicking good time as Randolph and Clapton trade of
licks and lyrical turns. Dave Matthews and Leela James
are among the other guest players on the album, but it’s
the Clapton collaboration that shines the brightest.

The use of a huge backing vocal arrangement on the
album elevates the songs that much more. It gives the
song arrangements a fuller sound and jacks up the
intensity level of songs. The opening song “Ain’t Nothing
Wrong With That” is a lively combination of the rock and
funk grooves with a sweet guitar riff giving the song that
important rock and roll edge. It was without a doubt my
own personal favorite track on the disc. “Deliver Me”
gets your foot tapping, but there are instances where
the vocals get drowned out by the music. The guitar
lines in “Angels” were also something of note.

I wasn’t crazy about the song “Thankful ‘N Thoughtful.”
It just kind of meandered about for me. “Thrill Of It” and
“Blessed” came off as the weaker sisters of the album’s
tracks. The music is superb. I think Randolph comes off
well vocally. There’s a lot of character in his vocal
performance, he owns the song whether it’s one of his
own compositions or a cover song. Marcus Randolph is
fantastic behind the drum kit providing his own unique
beats and rhythms to form the foundation for the songs.

All in all, this is one darn good album, despite a couple
of songs that did nothing for me. Robert Randolph & The
Family Band know their business. If they keep turning
out albums like Colorblind, business will always be
good.

4 out of 5