Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

There have been plenty of compilations around for the earlier material from The Blind Boys and of course, recent releases on Peter Gabriel's Real Time label have meant that the group have attracted attention from non gospel audiences. However there isn't much available on CD from the '70s and '80s. 'I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord' was originally released in 1982 and makes a re-appearance on CD with six extra tracks recorded in the early '80s. The classic sound of The Blind Boys is here with Clarence Fountain hollering over some great backing vocals which works particularly well on the title cut. The funky gospel sounds and parping horns of "God Is Movin" and "Jesus (He's Got What I Need)" place these tracks very much in the '80s with some very funky influences. The presence of legendary soul songsters Gamble and Huff and soul artist Cecil Womack only adds to the quality. The album is really a showcase for frontman Clarence Fountain who delivers most of the vocals and was, at this stage, keeping The Blind Boys' flame burning. One exception is "Tears For Water" where the song's writer Roscoe Robinson (who at one time was a revered soul singer) shares vocals and the result is a joy. Late fans of the group should hop on this release and enjoy some '80s funky gospel.

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