Search - Ben Harper, Innocent Criminals :: Lifeline (Bonus CD)

Different but great

Olah Imre Peter | Hungary | 08/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is different to other BH-releases in many ways. First of all the genesis of this record was very different than on previous ones. The album was recorded at a long tour about to end in Paris and it was done with all members of the Innocent Criminals putting in their own input in many ways. Then there's the way how it was recorded: in one week on full-analogue vintage equipment. Oh yes, and it was recorded in Paris, France.



The other difference to Ben Harper's earlier albums is that there's not great variation of different styles. This is an acoustic-soul album, like the band already had said. The songs are great in my opinion and the band plays really tight and groovy and Ben's singing is better and more powerful than ever before.



The record is very coherent and really works as an album. It's a pleasure to listen to it from the beginning to the end.



I know that this isn't what a number of fans were expecting but I think that this is a great piece of music and am glad that Ben Harper always does something which is a bit different than things's he has done before.



Oh, and I'm really jealous of the american people that have the opportunity to attend the shows of the Lifeline-tour this fall in the US.



Buy this album, it's really great!"

Advice from distant Italy: Buy it!

GiGi | Italy | 09/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ben Harper is relatively more famous here on Italy than on USA, I saw him play live for the first time on a small club on 1995 when he was unknow.

One of the most emotional concert of my life.

I saw him live last time at the end of 2006 during the european tour, few months before recording this wonderful CD.

I like almost every B.H. CDs, but I love way more is live performance ant this album reflect all the intensity of the long tour just done.

On the first concert was his guitar skill to stand, on the last was his voice...

...I will never forget when while performing "Where Could I Go" (from the CD with "Blind Boys of Alabama") he just make the (great) band to stop playing

and resume singin' alone outside of the mic, no amplification, only pure emotion!

This is the feeling you can find on this piece of art.

So (if you love this kind of music) buy it!

And if you can, GO to see one of his live concert..."

This one could be it

R. Kyle | USA | 09/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It baffles me why Ben Harper doesn't receive more accolades than he does. He's one of the best singer-songwriters around. His performances are like vintage soul with new themes added to a timeless groove.



"Lifeline" could be it--the CD that actually gets him those awards. Til then, psst--you can say you liked Ben Harper early.



Harper often traverses the whole emotional gamut in his music and "Lifeline" is no different. His opener, "Fight Outta You" could be a father's advice, a commencement speech, or just a pick-me-up on a bad day:



it will be in your honor

'til you're not needed any longer

don't believe the headlines

check it for yourself sometimes

the lies you live become you

the love you lose it numbs you

they say that you've arrived

that's just a high class bribe

don't let them take the fight

outta you



"In the Colors" is the hit from this CD if KGSR-Austin's playlist is any indication. It's another song that offers hope to the hopeless:



when you again start hoping

with your arms wide open

dance with me into the colors

of the dusk



If you're a fool for train songs like I am, you're going to love "Fool For a Lonesome Train." You can almost hear the whistle in the rain.



Several songs deal with lost love, including "Younger than Today."



"Lifeline" has something for just about every mood and I can honestly say that most of the tracks stand out in one way or another. It's very hard for me to believe that Harper and the Innocent Criminals managed to record this CD in 7 days in Paris, but if anyone could, this talented group is the one!"