The challenge for Robert Randolph has been how to stay true to his constituencies and make a good record. Considering his reputation for fireworks on the pedal steel guitar live, that’s easier said than done. Since he comes from spiritual music, remaining true to that in a way that doesn’t put off secular audiences that typically don’t really warm up to proselytizing lyrics might be a bigger challenge. To his credit, Randolph strikes a pretty solid balance on Colorblind. The album never takes off like his live shows do, but the tracks have the uplifting spirit and hint how they could rave up in concert. Lyrically, he displays a good Christian spirit, but the closest he gets to preaching is the hippy spirituality of “Jesus is Just Alright” (with guest Eric Clapton). Perhaps it’s no surprise that an album of striking balances is a little moderate, and an excessive moment—a burning extended solo, a stronger lyrical statement—would make this a little more satisfying. As is, though, Colorblind is a perfectly good record, and it says that the essence of Randolph’s art can be captured on disc. Now it would be nice to see if they can record something that shows why people rave about him.