Armed with a pedal steel guitar, Robert Randolph mixes gospel, rock and blues in his latest CD, “Unclassified.”
“Unclassified” marks Robert Randolph & the Family Band’s first major label release with Warner Bros. Records.
Randolph produces a variety of sounds using electric, acoustic and bass guitars along with a B-3 organ and piano.
Through a balanced mix of ballads and rock songs, the music on “Unclassified” has a style all its own.
Randolph’s mastery with the guitar compares to that of Lenny Kravitz or Jane’s Addiction’s Dave Navarro.
The music is nothing short of amazing. Almost every track on the album forces body movements to the beat of the song.
Unfortunately, music and lyrics together determine the fate of an album. Randolph’s lyrics are good on paper, but the music drowns them out on the majority of songs.
Songs like “Going in the Right Direction” and “Soul Refreshing” contain a good blend between the lyrics and the music.
The breakout songs on this album are two instrumental pieces called “Squeeze” and “Run For Your Life.” The absence of lyrics drives home the point that this band is musically good.
“Unclassified” is a decent attempt from Randolph, but future albums only can get better. Robert Randolph & the Family Band will continue making music for years to come.
They will play at the Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans on Nov. 2.
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