Don't blindly buy this album

It's been three years since Robert Randolph and the Family Band released its debut album, which earned critical success and garnered a large fan base. The Orange, NJ. band concocts a potpourri of musical styles, including rock, blues, funk, jam, soul, and gospel. RRFB lives and dies by its frenzied concerts, and Unclassified provided rousing material to bolster those early live shows. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Colorblind.\nA significant change this time around sees a less prominent pedal steel guitar, which is a mortal sin for anyone who has ever heard Randolph play. A couple party numbers include the club-bouncer "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That," which beats to the rhythm of an Outkast tune, while the sexy, suave "Angels" could serve as an aphrodisiac at the same club.\nI would say "Jesus is Just Alright" is the most satisfying song, but that would be too easy. Or would it? After 45 primarily disappointing minutes have passed, "Diane" serves as the Doobie Brothers classic's only competition. Eric Clapton and Randolph shred their way through a slow mid-section on "Jesus," trading licks like they were vying for a Battle of the Bands top spot.\nRobert Randolph and Dave Matthews have collaborated before on DMB's 2005 summer tour. The two acts might be phenomenal stage performers, but they mix worse than oil and water when it comes to songwriting. "Love is the Only Way" is one of those songs that, if played live, will force the audience to clap along because the band seems enthused about the new joint effort.\nAside from the gleaming pedal steel work on "Thankful 'N Thoughtful," listeners have nothing to be thankful for because the song title represents the only lyrics, which can solely be described as thoughtless.\nThe man who once busted out moves on stage that rivaled those of Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson has lost the raw energy on his second trip to the studio. The blistering attitude on Unclassified that catapulted listeners into a possessed state has been exorcised from Colorblind. Unlike Hendrix, Randolph doesn't wrathfully attack his guitar; unlike Jackson, he doesn't scream at listeners to induce hysteria. His live performances are guaranteed to drop jaws and make heads spin, however. Save your money and go see him at the IU Auditorium on November 8.