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Track Listings
| 1. Fight Outta You |
| 2. In the Colors |
| 3. Fool For a Lonesome Train |
| 4. Needed You Tonight |
| 5. Having Wings |
| 6. Say You Will |
| 7. Younger Than Today |
| 8. Put It On Me |
| 9. Heart Of Matters |
| 10. Paris Sunrise #7 |
| 11. Lifeline |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Eight albums in just over a dozen years: validation that Ben Harper--mind or body--rarely rests, be it on the road with backing jam band the Innocent Criminals or buried in a studio, where the gifted singer-songwriter lays down his brand of peace-chanting, love-tilting music. His latest is lighter on the rock, with a greater emphasis on gospel, blues, and deeply burning soul. Harper isn't concerned about letting listeners inside that soul, confessing in the title track, "I don't want to wait a lifetime/Yours or mine." The solo acoustic closer is classic wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve, a trait that seems to drift in and out of songs like the ominous ballad "Younger than Today," which remembers earlier days being better days, or its mood-opposite "Say You Will," where the exultance of a flamboyant piano and gospel backing vocals offset cheesy lines such as "love you like a candle loves a flame." The latter is a standout, along with the bluesy opener "Fight Outta You"; the island-splashed "In the Colors," which recalls early-'70s Van Morrison; and "Put It on Me," with its brilliant lyric, "She cuts cherry pie when she looks you in the eye." All eyes, as his legion builds, are on Ben Harper. All ears, too. --Scott Holte
Ben Harper Photos
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More from Ben Harper
 Both Sides of the Gun |  Diamonds on the Inside |  Fight for Your Mind |
 Live at the Hollywood Bowl |  Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama: Live at the Apollo |  Pleasure & Pain |
Product Description
At the end of a nine month European tour, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals landed in a Paris recording studio and completed their new album, Lifeline, in just seven days. The result: a soulful masterpiece with beautifully direct lyrics, undeniable grooves and an effortless energy that recalls the best works of Otis Redding, Bill Withers and Beggars Banquet-era Rolling Stones. Yeah...it's that good.
It's no surprise that most bands today don't record albums live, straight to tape, in one room, no Pro Tools, no auto-tune. There are only a handful of modern artists that can pull it off. Since Ben & The Innocent Criminals were so musically connected after such a long tour, they entered the studio immediately. And on a sixteen track tape machine and one full week in the City of Lights, they successfully recorded and mixed an album that will sit alongside all of your old favorites...just like a classic record should.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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!
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!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By GiGi
Format:Audio CD
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...
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...
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
"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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
Ben is a soulful sound that will make you lean back and smile. I only discovered Ben recently and love his sound.
Published 10 days ago by TaraB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable
My favorite Ben Harper CD. Everytime I play it people ask "Who is that?" and make a note to buy it. I actually bought this one for a friend to prevent him from stealing mine!
Published 15 months ago by opinionbmv
4.0 out of 5 stars
Overall a pretty decent disc
Overall a pretty solid effort from Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. It has some excellent tracks such as Less, Say You Will and Heart of Matters are the strongest efforts on... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Kevin P. Fahy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ben Harper's most focused album in recent history
Ben Harper always makes fun and very listenable albums. This is no exception - in fact, if I could rate it 4.5 stars I would. Read more
Published on February 27, 2011 by Jerome Szpila
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Innocent Criminals Go Out With A Bang!
Lifeline is, at least for now, Ben Harper's last recording with The Innocent Criminals, but this ensemble certainly gives a good account of themselves. Read more
Published on May 25, 2009 by Philip R. Heath
1.0 out of 5 stars
Uninspired, flat, lacking dynamics
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. Read more
Published on April 7, 2009 by S. Hanley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album, not all studio retouched, just good music!
I like the fact that this is just good honest music, not studio retouched. This is the first Ben Harper album I have ever bought and now want to buy more!
Published on March 27, 2009 by Galadriel Salazar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love every song
I've loved Ben Harper for any years, but this album surpasses all of his previous work. Every song hits a special place in me. Read more
Published on February 15, 2009 by Nature Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars
9 months of touring, 1 week of recording, no pro tools
I can't help myself Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals make me feel really chill. But this album rocks my world, because its pure. Its innovative with its humbleness. Read more
Published on January 13, 2009 by Delaney
4.0 out of 5 stars
A pleasant surprise
I've sort of lost interest in Ben Harper over the years, even though I was a raving fan a few years ago. I thought his music had become too formulaic and cliché. Read more
Published on October 16, 2008 by Andalee
