Pedal steel prince Robert Randolph suffers from a common problem among great instrumentalists – mediocre songs.

In the past, even Randolph’s soulful melodies and greasy feel could not hide the fact The Family Band’s songs were little more than vehicles to show off Randolph’s blazing pedal steel excursions. The band’s latest release is an attempt to compliment Randolph’s virtuosity with improved songwriting and vocals.

“Colorblind” isn’t just an improvement, it’s all-around solid.

The saw-toothed opener “Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That” and the aggressive workout “Thrill of It” both feature riffs that alternate between gently-swaying and skull-crushing, The Family Band rhythm section has a sense of attitude unheard on the band’s previous releases.

Although Randolph’s playing thrives in southern-fried blues jams and nasty funk grooves, this new album does a good job of changing musical climates faster than a kaleidoscope. The relentless funk of “Thankful and Thoughtful” juxtaposes well with the soft pedal steel melodies on “Love Is the Only Way,” and the superb background vocals of “Stronger.”

When Randolph does let loose on “Jesus is Just Alright” and “Diane,” the results are jaw-dropping. Randolph’s perfect intonation and lightning-fast lines are so ridiculous that when he slows down, it feels like he is playing a different song. Randolph knows how to coax maximum emotion from his instrument and wails on the emotive “Deliver Me” and the sublime — yet ripping — “Blessed.”

Robert Randolph is no longer a talented instrumentalist who likes to wear baseball jerseys onstage. He has mastered both the southern blues and funk idioms and has woven his influences into an original, scary style.

Keith Beebe is a music critic for the Northern Star.