What can be said about a group that has been on the road for 60 years.  Though many members have come and gone The Legendary Blind Boys of Alabama have stood the test of time.  Just recently the group lost one of its lead singers, George Scott. Mr. Scott was a founding member of the group.  He died on March 9, 2005, at the age of 75.  For those familiar with the Blind Boys, you know that Mr. Scott was the booming baritone voice of the group.  Although, he retired from the road in 2004, his voice remained strong and is very prominent on the Blind Boys new release, Atom Bomb.  The other members of the group at the time of this release were the legendary Clarence Fountain, the renowned Jimmy Carter, Joey Williams, Rickey McKinnie, Bobby Butler and Tracy Pierce. 

On the heal of their fourth Grammy Award for their collaboration with Ben Harper, There Will Be a Light, The Blind Boys of Alabama has delivered another outstanding project.  The project is titled "Atom Bomb."  This one should garner many accolades and awards.

The project beings with George Scott singing lead on Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb.  What a fitting way to begin this project.  This is the shortest song on the project, but it is vintage Blind Boys, with an upbeat 2000 sound.  Mr. Scott gives you a little gospel quartet rap on this song.  In fact, rap is showcased prominently on the song "Demons."  More about that in a moment.

Mr. Scott also leads on the songs "Old Blind Barnabas" and "New Born Soul."     If this was to be Mr. Scott’s last recording with the Blind Boys, what an outstanding way to top a 60 years career singing praises to our Lord and Savior.  The song “Old Blind Barnabas” will probably remind you of many of the Blind Boys songs of the 50’s and 60’s.  "New Born Soul" will take you back to the golden days of gospel quartet music.  With the three songs on which Mr. Scott sings lead you get the full dimension of his extraordinary musical talents.  From his ability to sing the upbeat Atom Bomb, the traditional "Old Blind Barnabas," to the smooth sound of "New Born Soul."

One of the hallmarks of a solid, strong and professional singing group is the ability to change with the times and yet stay true to their roots.  The Blind Boys showed their ability to do just that with their collaboration with Ben Harper.  They displayed this ability again on the song “Demons.”   On this track the group The Gift of Gab joins the Blind Boys.  Together, they give us a gospel rap song that should appeal to young listeners and should also bring a new generation to the music of this historic group. 

Clarence Fountain can be head singing lead on “Talk About Suffering” and “Presence Of The Lord.”  “Talk About Suffering” may be a little bluesy, but it has an outstanding message about the benefits of serving our Lord and Savior.  “Presence Of The Lord” is probably one of the best songs on the project.  This song will also take you back to the 50’s and 60’s.  But what is most remarkable about the song is that you realize Mr. Fountain’s voice is still as strong as ever.  He really puts his all and all into this ballad, including his signature “yeah!”

Jimmy Carter sings lead on “I Know I’ve Been Converted” and “Faith and Grace.”  Both songs will also take you back to the 50’s and 60’s.  It is obvious that, with this project, the Blind Boys wanted to take you back to their earlier days.  And these two songs are emblematic of that fact.

If you want to hear the best in gospel quartet music from the 50’s and 60’s this is the project for you.  If you want to hear a project from a gospel quartet group that is traditional, buy yet has a 2000 flair to it, this is the project for you.  If you want to hear the remaining founding members of the Blind Boys sharing lead duty on one CD, this is the project for you.  If you want to hear the Blind Boys at their best, this is the project for you.  If you are a traditional gospel quartet music fan, then this is definitely the project for you. 

You will not be disappointed with this project.  There are ten tracks on this project.  Some tracks have very little instrumentation.  You will not find a drive song on this project.  But you will find the best in traditional gospel quartet music. 

On the whole this release from The Blind Boys of Alabama is an excellent project.  We give The Blind Boys of Alabama “Atom Bomb" a 9 out of 10.  To order this project click “Atom Bomb.”  Click on the title to hear “New Born Soul.”

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