Last year’s edition of Songs of Inspiration—the first gospel effort of Alabama’s three-decade career, and the group’s first release since retiring from the road—was a surprise hit, but the song choices were a tad obvious and the performances a touch sluggish. Vol. II repeats neither of those missteps, featuring an eclectic and engaging track selection delivered with a welcome dose of energy. The two new songs, including bass player Teddy Gentry’s “When It Comes My Time,” sit nicely alongside spirited renditions of traditional tunes like “I Am a Pilgrim” and “Down by the Riverside.”