Search - Ben Harper :: Both Sides of the Gun

No one is more consistent than Harper

H Busby | Athens, GA United States | 07/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is any other artist that continues time and time again to produce quality CDs on the level of Ben Harper, please let me know. Consistently, he brings eclectic and genre transcending albums that stand alone in music today. His lyrics never fail to reach a depth that challenges the listener to go back and listen for the 50th time in order to squezze yet another drop of his insight. Simply put, Ben Harper is the prophet of our age."

Excellent, with a few exceptions

Christian D. Piatt | Pueblo, CO (USA) | 05/08/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who has spent any time with Ben's music knows that he has the tendency to wax strange now and again, and "Both Sides of the Gun" is no exception.



Not quite as masterful as his "Fight for Your Mind" days, "Both Sides" certainly is ambitious and rich in melodic texture. The mellower second disc does tend to lose unique identity from one song to another, making a more appealing background set rather than a compelling can't-turn-it-off ride from beginning to end.



The first disc, with the single "Better Way" and many other powerful, catchy tunes, is definitely the most distinctive half of this collection. Harper lays down his thick, soulful grooves in a number of tunes, and his arrangements are fresh, yet still trademark Ben Harper.



There are a few jarring moments, such as the shouting bit in "Better Way" and the fairly obnoxious "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating," but they hardly outweigh the artistry and feel of the rest of the double disc. Not the best place for Ben Harper newbies to start, but a definite must-buy for any long-time fans."