Out of the Wilderness (Quarter 2 Three Records) is the first studio album in five years from Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise. Bradley, the blind former Detroit street singer, has amazed listeners for the past dozen or so years, with his intense, gospel-influenced vocals and his unique lyrical vision. Combining his gifts with a more alternative sound from his band forms a distinct fusion of soul, blues, and rock. For this latest release, Bradley’s soul roots take center stage.

Bradley’s songs usually deal with loss or yearning or hopes for better days, and there are plenty of representative songs on Out of the Wilderness. “Beautiful Girl” deals with his daughter leaving home for the first time. “Alabama” is a longing tribute to Bradley’s home state (one which earned him a Certificate of Commendation from Alabama Governor Bob Riley), and “Americaland” is a song about trying to get by on a daily basis. “Cryin’ My Eyes Out,” and “Gotta Find A Woman” are two other standout tracks of this type.

Not all the songs are downbeat though. “Love You in the Daytime” and “Everybody Wanna Party” are both cheerier fare, and the title track finds Bradley optimistic that things will be better. Three songs on the disc (“Love You in the Daytime, “Cryin’ My Eyes Out,” and “Everybody Wanna Party”) will be featured in an upcoming motion picture, Love N’ Dancing.

Bradley’s backing musicians have changed completely since the band got their start recording in 1996. Featured are guitarists Matthew J. Ruffino and Zachary Throne, bass player Larry “Bones” Dennison, and drummer Oscar Seaton along with percussionists Craig Krampf and Scot Bihlman. Producer Bruce Robb also plays keyboards. The disc was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, which gives the disc more of a vintage R&B sound.

If you’re a fan of classic soul and R&B and are unfamiliar with the talented Robert Bradley, Out of the Wilderness is a great place to start. With his great vocals that recall Ray Charles and his incredible songwriting that rivals anyone currently active in blues or R&B, he deserves to reach a wider audience.