The title Atom Bomb seems like it would be more attuned to a rock or metal band release, but it's the latest work of 4-time Grammy-winning gospel singers The Blind Boys of Alabama. Atom Bomb is Christian music set forth in a variety of styles, versatility diversity giving testimony to faithful living and a commitment to really good music.

The title song starts the CD off in Elvis' blues-gospel style with "Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb," immediately drawing the listener in with the swinging sound and heavy subject matter about Judgment Day. Lead singer George Scott advises the listener to "Get your house in order" for the day when the atom bomb comes. "Demons" is a rap with a few electronic sound effects and a full band. This, in my opinion, is how rap is supposed to be performed: With real instruments, good lyrics, and a meaningful message. Effective in its message and style, "Demons" is a sudden turn from the title song in style and quite different from the next song "Talk About Suffering," which is solid blues with a 1960s psychedelic-era sounding keyboard.

More blues follows with "I Know I've Been Converted," a vocally-dominated piece with light, easy background music from the band. Scott's bass voice adds depth as the "converted" sings his praises in deep, emotion-laden tones, expressing his joy. "Old Blind Barnabas" is a combination of easy-tempo rock and blues with that Elvis vocal flavor again.

The one cover on the CD is "Spirit In The Sky." The harmonica takes this AM radio hit down a new avenue and into the world of the blues. "Faith and Grace" has a more gospel sound than the previous songs, but the blues linger on, dominating much of the album. The harmonizing vocals on this one and the subtle, twangy guitar recreate that down- home, Bible belt brand of singing sorrows and praises simultaneously. Vocals continue to lead throughout the album, and the back-up singing is an enjoyable feature on "New Born Soul," a song about being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Eric Clapton's "Presence of the Lord" features the fabulous Billy Preston on organ and Clarence Fountain on vocals. Not to diminish The Blind Boys original work on the album, "Presence of the Lord" is the highlight of the album, and the band does it justice. A sweet melody and the toned-down softness of traditional church music make this one very easy on the ears. Preston also plays organ on "Demons," but his style is more discernible on the Clapton composition. "Moses" is simply vocalists harmonizing with faint organ music in the background. Also sitting in with the band, Charlie Musselwhite's harmonica drones in with the spiritual sound of the entire band, joined by The Gift Of Gab. "Moses" has its roots in the early history of American spirituals, making a nice finale for the album.

Although the selections cross borders, giving the album a multi-cultural feel, the blues never leave the overall sound. And, rather than being Elvis imitators, it is more likely that the rocker got his rogue, riffs, and reputation by being influenced by the style of artists like The Blind Boys Of Alabama, who were gigging out for about 40 years before they recorded professionally in the early 1980s. The recording itself is not hyper polished, and roughness in a few spots lends a sense of reality and tons of character to the project.