The Neville Brothers

Walkin' in the Shadow of Life is the first studio effort by the Neville Brothers since 1999's Valence Street. The Neville Brothers are sporting a new label (Back Porch), and with it a rejuvenation of their combined strengths. Calling Walkin' in the Shadow of Life a concept album might be a stretch, but at the very least it is a song cycle. These 13 tracks blend contemporary funk with socially aware lyrics, particularly on "Streets Are Callin','' "Your Life (Fallen Soldiers)," "Carry the Torch," "Can't Stop the Funk," and one of the finest moments on this disc, a reworking of the Temptations' 1970 Motown hit "Ball of Confusion." The set is truly a family affair, with Aaron's son Ivan playing keyboards and Art's son Ian on guitar. Walkin' in the Shadow of Life finds the Neville Brothers reaching back into their distant past to extend a universal message of peace and hope while developing this fully realized album in the process. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide