Atom Bomb by Blind Boys Of Alabama (CD, Mar-2005, RealWorld/CEMA)

While I usually enjoy this bluesy gospel vocal ensemble, this cd is not one of their better ones for sure. While definitely black gospel music, it lacks coherency both thematically and musically. Too many genres are experimented with at once. While the vocals themselves may be ok, the musical formulations are contrived and are not arranged in unique formats as their covers typically are.

Atom Bomb, while supposing to be a fun song, is trite and kind of silly. While Demons does have a cool bassline and a strange rap, it doesn't fare much better. Their renditions of contemporary spirituals are usually pulled off better on their other cd's.

Older negro spirituals, even if not redone differently, seem to fare better though. Talk About Suffering, I've Been Converted, Blind Barnabas, and Moses don't stray from their original versions and are more satisfying.

Clapton's Presence of the Lord is okay and The Eagles' Spirit in the Sky is pretty good, too. Otherwise, this cd is not as consistently good as Higher Power or Spirit of the Century. It is not as upbeat and only plods along at times.