Ben Harper

Editor's Review:

''I can't keep making records like Welcome to the Cruel World," says Ben Harper referring to his phenomenal 1994 debut. He knows that after releasing two beautiful mood albums, his devotees expect some seriously solemn, introspective, deep songs. That's what earned him the accolades, the tours with PJ Harvey and Pearl Jam, and the comparisons to legends like Bob Marley, Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix. Now Mr. Sensitive's gone "electric" with his new album, and die-hard fans may never forgive him.

The Will to Live boldly opens with the boom of electric guitar, a far cry from Harper's trademark acoustic Weissenborn guitar (a hollow-neck lap slide guitar built by Herman Weissenborn more than 70 years ago). But it's a bad call. While "Faded" makes a statement, it's also the weakest song on the album. Subsequent songs prove he's dabbling with more produced sounds, whether it's a blues shuffle ("Homeless Child"), rock ditty ("The Will to Live") or soul/funk track ("Mama's Trippin'"). Not surprisingly, it's the gorgeous folk songs like "Roses From My Friends," "Widow of a Living Man," "I Shall Not Walk Alone" and "Ashes" (which even has a horn solo) that remind you how starkly powerful Harper's vocals can be.

It's amazing what happens when someone turns up the volume, adds some new instruments and busts some new moves. Harper's found that he can still explore quasi-religious and political worlds — however cliched — using new vehicles to reach new musical destinations. That's what makes this album feel less cohesive yet far more adventurous. Harper may lose some old fans, but he gets points for breaking out of the neo-folkie caricature.

– James Cury

First appeared in BAM magazine 6/27/97
Courtesy and © BAM magazine, internet © Synthesis Network.


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Record Label Virgin Released April 2001

Tracks 1. Faded 2. Homeless Child 3. Number Three 4. Roses From My Friends 5. Jah Work 6. I Want To Be Ready 7. The Will To Live 8. Ashes 9. Widow of a Living Man 10. Glory & Consequence 11. Mama's Trippin' 12. I Shall Not Walk Alone