Customer Reviews

Atom Bomb

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Blind Boys of Alabama are so much more than a gospel group, albeit they're undoubtedly the most successful such minstrels in history. This CD -- to my ears -- will win their fifth consecutive Grammy in 2005. That's quite a predicition for a March release, but you'll believe me when you listen.

I particularly enjoy how they retool modern classics, illustrated here by Blind Faith's "Presence Of The Lord" or Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit In The Sky." In each instance the Boys put their signature vocals and arrangements to good work, making them both standards and refreshingly new.

Not a weak cut anywhere to be found. Solid commitment to the higher spirit that guides their lives consistently shines through.

Can I get a witness? Lord-amighty, I say yeah! A-men brother, and count your blessings.

I listened to this CD at one of those "listening stations" in a record store-- and bought it 15 minutes later! (...even though I had to scrounge in my pockets for my last 13 bucks.) It hasn't been off my rotation since. I'd never heard of these guys before, never really listened to so-called Gospel music before-- honestly, virgin ears. But.... wow! Spectacular.

For those coming from other musical regions (I myself am partial to blues,) or for those who never considered "Gospel" before, I beg you, give this album a try. While this album is broadly defined as "Gospel" there is so much more musically here. There is Gospel, of course, but also a healthy dose of blues (Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica), a hint of funk, a sprinkling of soul, a new interpretation of rock (Clapton, Norman Greenbaum), and one (surprisingly effective) nugget of rap--- all stirred with a soul-nourishing positive vibe, and filtered through the Blind Boys' unique musicality.

This is a very special and magical brew that will bring you up and leave you there, even after the music stops.

Give it a try!

Even if you aren't into gospel music, you will like this CD.
A little Blues, a lot of funk. I have played this cd over and over and will be purchasing more of the Blind Boys of Alabama.

From gospel came hip-hop, blues and rock n roll. The Blind Boys of Alabama's "Atom Bomb" puts various genres of music together to spread the good word while staying true to their gospel harmonic roots. I was first introduced to The Blind Boys of Alabama a few years ago when I went to see them with my grandmother in Charleston, NC (soulful live performers) they were GREAT! My favorite song on the album is "I Know I've Been Converted" lead by founding member Jimmy Carter who belts and testifies about turning his life and spirit over to God (Hallelujah). The "Atom Bomb is a must have for new and old Blind Boy of Alabama fans a like!!

The Blind Boys get help from David Hidalgo (Los Lobos), Billy Preston, and Charlie Musselwhite on this release - not that they need it, but wow, what players. There is great, authentic stuff here. A particular standout is the atmospheric "Demons", a memorable production. (Yes, it includes guest rappers The Gift of Gab, but I'm 53 and I STILL like it, so......)

In a way, I wish I could give it 4.5 stars, because two cuts feel like filler. Still, it's easy to recommend.

This is a terrific CD of the work of these men. I was first introduced to their work through NPR. I am now a fan.

Bought it for the title song, the rest is a little different in style than that song. Some great gospel on this CD. Not usually one to buy Gospel, but these guys move me. Since this CD, I got 2 more of thiers.

If you like Gospel music and I mean real Gospel music you know what I mean, that Southern Black deep in the roots and heart of christianity seated in that deepest area of faith coming from the soul kind of Gospel music, then you really need to listen to this album, of course if you are into that kind of Gospel then you already know who The Blind Boys of Alabama are. the title track is wonderful in how it takes a fear of the Atom Bomb the way it was to the people in the late 40's and the 50's when people were building fallout shelters in their yards and schools started having drills for nuclear blasts and turns it into a worship of god. They also do a cover version of Eric Clapton's "Presence of the lord" that is way cool.

I have a fondness for Gospel music thought I don't have much experience listening to it. Still, I listened to this CD on a whim and found it adequate, but mostly uninspiring. The songs seemed like (are?) gospel standards and the Blind Boys showcased them with there unquestionably beautiful voices. But out of the ten songs that comprised the CD, I only really found myself connecting to track 2 "Demons" and track 9 "Presence of the Lord". The rest of the tracks were nice, which is to say mediocre. I may check the Blind Boys of Alabama out again, in hopes that maybe their other CDs have a more interesting selection of songs.

Features a fair cover of Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" and a tepid version of Blind Faith's "Presence of the Lord" from 1969. Maybe I was expecting too much from the producers, but I thought that this song could/ should have been re-interpreted in a way that redefined the song for the 21st century. It doesn't even challenge the rather incendiary original version; and why redo a song if you don't even try to surpass the original? Taking the safe route results in a squandered opportunity.