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Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD) - Lifeline Audio CD

A fair review of the Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD) "Lifeline" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD) reviews here, or go back to the Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD) tabs.

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD) Band: Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals (CD/DVD)
Title: Lifeline
Rating:
Release Date: 2007-08-28
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 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 [Instrumental] 11: Lifeline 12: Bonus Materials [DVD]

The Innocent Criminals Go Out With A Bang!
Lifeline is an acoustic leaning effort that is for the most part upbeat and fun. 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. It gets off to a great start with "Fight Outta You" with its acoustic groove and message of encouragement - "They'll look you in the eyes and stone you/Then turn and disown you/Don't let 'em take the fight outta you". While it may seem odd to associate acoustic with energy, this song combines them nonetheless. However, don't expect to stay at a fevered pitch for the entire CD. "In The Colors" immediately dials things down to a much more mellow song to someone that Harper wants to "Dance with me into the colors of the dusk". Harper also delivers some clever lyrics on "Say You Will". I loved the second verse "Like Marie Antoinette said to Louis XVI/Man I think we're going down. /Our chances are slim and none/And I'm afraid slim just left town". Even the songs that aren't as upbeat such as "Fool For A Lonesome Train" and the instrumental "Lifeline" are still done in a way that is neither brooding nor self-absorbed. There really isn't a bad song on the CD. So, if you're looking for acoustic jams, clever lyrics, and an overall positive vibe, give Lifeline a try. I think you'll like it.

Download this: Fight Outta You.


Uninspired, flat, lacking dynamics
I even have his phenomenal 'Pleasure and Pain' acoustic album with Tom Freund (which songs later surfaced on 'Welcome. 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'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. .


Great album, not all studio retouched, just good music!
This is the first Ben Harper album I have ever bought and now want to buy more!. I like the fact that this is just good honest music, not studio retouched.


Love every song
Every song hits a special place in me. I've loved Ben Harper for any years, but this album surpasses all of his previous work. Thank you Ben for singing with your whole self, giving it all you have. . . . it really shows through in your work. .


9 months of touring, 1 week of recording, no pro tools
But this album rocks my world, because its pure. I can't help myself Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals make me feel really chill. Its innovative with its humbleness.

You can hear the tracks above, but the songwriting with Harper is always steller. the sleeve and lyrics are printed on 100% post consumer waste recycled paper.

It was recorded as mentioned before in France, and so it fittingly has a beautiful instrumental tune called Paris Sunrise. This is, and I hesitate to say it, my favorite Ben Harper album.

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals never disappoint me - but I really like the feeling of this album.


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