Robert Randolph & The Family Band – Unclassified

Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Artist: Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Title: Unclassified
Label: Warner Bros.
Rating: 7.5/10

Company Line: Unclassified strikes very close to home. It is, like the gospel and hymns they still play on visits back to Orange, as much about the message as the messenger. “I’m just a young guy who comes from a neighborhood where I was surrounded by negative things,” Randolph sums up. “But because I play this instrument, I’ve overcome all that. I want people to understand that they don’t have to follow anybody. You’ve got your own heart and soul, and you should find it. That’s what I’m trying to say.”

The Good:
“I Need More Love” – You will feel alive. There is something natural here, something
you don’t seem to get with the more antiseptic music of the day.
“Nobody” – If you love music that makes you feel good, with a guitar solo added for good measure, you’ll love this.
“Squeeze” – Funny thing is, this instrumental jam gets off harder than most of the songs.
“Why Should I Feel Lonely” – Good question from a song that doesn’t sound so lonely.

The Average:
“Going In The Right Direction” – Nice but slim as an opener.
“Smile” – Tepid ballad.
“Soul Refreshing” – Not as refreshing as it sounds – actually it’s a tad stale.
“Good Times” – Good times – sort of – until we get the chant of ‘good times’ and then it doesn’t quite sound so good.

The Ugly:
Huh?

Frankly: Robert Randolph & The Family Band is refreshing in the face of so many bands becoming awash in the corporate drudgery of monotonous rock. You don’t have to be old to appreciate what these folks have to offer.

+ Rae Gun


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