Burn to Shine

Ben Harper & Relentless7, Ben Harper

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 21, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 21, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B00001IVI6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,949 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Alternative Rock > Singer-Songwriters

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Harper's soulful musical mix continues to defy genre categorization and his growth as an artist continues to amaze. Burn to Shine is his most ambitious work to date, tapping a multitude of styles and moods and revolving as usual around his incredibly expressive vocals and searing guitar work. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description

Ben Harper Photos

More from Ben Harper

Fight for Your Mind	Diamonds on the Inside	Welcome to the Cruel World
Live From Mars	The Will to Live	Live at the Hollywood Bowl

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ben Harper keeps growing as a recording artist, November 30, 1999

By	Jake Sand (Lynnwood, Washington) - See all my reviews

I am writing this review simply because, after that last one (the guy who gave it 3 stars) there are somethings that need to be said. This is a great album. The songwriting is great. The musical performance is spectacular. Yes, this album is more "studioized" and not as "rootsy". Throughout the album he goes out on a limb almost every song. I respect an artist whose willing to try new things and make the music that's in their head and their heart. Anyone can write a follow up album that's just like their last one, and while it'll would be great, I respect an artist who's willing to take a chance. Bands who put out album after album of the exact same sound may be great, but they are stagnant. Ben Harper's music is progressing and maturing. And yes, this album isn't as political. The songs are much more personal. But the songs are still honest and heartfelt. Should Ben write political songs just because people expect it? That would be selling out. He's writing from his soul, and if it's more personal that political this album, the that's fine with me. All in all, this is as great an album as his first three. If you want to agree or argue with me, than write me and we'll duke it out. Thanks for reading.

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crows/Kravitz Fans - Don't Pass This Up, January 6, 2000

By	Jason Scott (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

The fact that Ben Harper remains largely unknown while lesser talents like Lenny Kravitz, Counting Crows and Live are so successful is one of those minor crimes against creativity and true musical expression. Don't get me wrong, I like those other guys, but Harper easily outshines them all. His songwriting chops are strong: "Two Hands of a Prayer," "Burn to Shine," "Suzie Blue" and "Less" all prove this. Production is impeccable, with each song delivering a unique sound to mirror it's emotional intensity - the delicate strings in "Beloved One," the chants and gongs subtly layering "Two Hands," the old-time fun of "Suzie," the raucous "Alone" and the triumphant "Forgiven."

Hopefully, in an alternative universe, Ben Harper is a major rock god while Kravitz, Duritz, Dave Matthews et al are relegated to being considered barely fair imitations. Just because you're not hearing this guy's music on car and shoe commercials means that in this world, it's hard to hear him on the radio. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great Harper single, December 21, 1999

By	Arthur Bamford (Oak Brook, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Burn to Shine (Aus) (Audio CD)

It's always great when a band you like releases a new CD not only because of the album, but because of the singles. This single features the great title track of Ben's new record Burn to shine, which sounds like eric Clapton's "Lay Down Sally" It has a great old skool rock flavor. The first B-Side is Waiting on an Angel recorded live at a sold out show at Royal Albert Hall. Like any acoustic performance by Harper this song is performed with an unparalled level of emotion you can only hear at one of Ben Harper's shows. The second b-side appeared on some singles off of Fight For your Mind. It's a gospel tune called If I could hear my mama pray again. It is acapella with a small choir and Ben just singing his heart out. It's really a great song that is seldom performed live. If you can afford to drop the 12 bucks or whatever this is a great CD for any Harper fan.