It is a rock-based interpretation of George Frideric Handel's oratorio Messiah.

The album features arrangements by Axelrod played by a 38-piece orchestra conducted by Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.

[1][2] Los Angeles Times writer Martin Bernheimer described the album as "relatively straight and square, as much concerned with Handel and jazz and the gospel tradition as it is with blatant rock".

[1] Ebony writer Phyl Garland described the album as "Jesus Christ Superstar on a bad trip", also stating "The whole thing just seems so unnecessary.

All tracks composed and arranged by David Axelrod This 1970s rock album–related article is a stub.