Search - Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals :: Lifeline

Uninspired, flat, lacking dynamics

S. Hanley | us | 04/07/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Clearly I'm alone on this Amazon forum in the opinion that this is by far his least interesting album, and I'm a BH completest. I even have his phenomenal 'Pleasure and Pain' acoustic album with Tom Freund (which songs later surfaced on 'Welcome..' ) I've enjoyed his sonic palate experimentation on 'Both Sides' and the eclectic nature of all of his albums, but this one is just a boring construction that sounds like a pale tribute to 'The Band'. Gone are the Biting Sardonic lyrics of the past, (only the first track even hints at the greatness that was 'Fight For Your Mind' or 'Don't Take That Attitude..' ) Gone are the Weissborn fireworks that were so unique to his sound, the solos are simplistic and boring. The lyrics are trite and unoriginal. Even his instrumental, 'Paris Sunrise 7' is by far his least interesting acoustic instrumental ever. This album is like some irritating imitation of Neil Young and The Band with lyrics on par with a fifteen year old's love poems..'Needed you Tonight' has the most promise of rocking, until you realize the Black Crowes did this song 15 years ago.. 'Put it On Me' is another knockoff of 'Steal My Kisses' at a slightly faster tempo, and most of these songs sound like the slow dance songs at a 1995 high school prom. (Heart of Matters actually brings to mind 'Lights' by Journey)

Too Much Piano, Too Little Fire, No great guitar solos, quite disappointing and a MAJOR snoozer."