Ben Harper - White Lies for Dark Times
Rating
RIYL
Xavier RuddAsh Grunwald
John Butler Trio
Release Date
05/05/2009
Label
Virgin RecordsTracklist
1.) Number with No Name2.) Up to You Now
3.) Shimmer and Shine
4.) Lay There and Hate Me
5.) Why Must You Always Dress in Black
6.) Skin Thin
7.) Fly One Time
8.) Keep it Together (So I Can Fall Apart)
9.) Boots Like These
10.) The Word Suicide
11.) Faithfully Remain
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Some might have been rightfully nervous and skeptical when Ben Harper announced that he was making a new album that wasn’t a solo or an Innocent Criminals record. To be honest, Lifeline, the last Innocent Criminals record, was pretty lackluster compared to past releases. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, though, is a force to be reckoned with.
White Lies for Dark Times, while interestingly titled, is a different path taken by Harper, mainly crunching out gritty blues songs along with a few ballads. Harper has seemed to ditch his earthy tones for just a little bit in order to break out and have fun with these energetic tunes. The Relentless 7, though only containing 4 members, is a remarkable group of musicians that hold their own on each song of the record.
Bassist Jesse Ingalls is the backbone of this entire record, shifting and shaping which way each song goes. His walking bass lines are what most of the songs are centered around, along with the ferocious beats laid down by drummer Jordan Richardson. The sound is immensely tight as the band all work well together which cements that Harper just loves to surround himself with great musicians.
Harper time and time again proves his lyrical ability is impressive, and with a different style of music that characteristic has not left him. The lyrics on this album are mostly metaphorical but can be incredibly witty and creative as well. He still keeps them socially conscience and introspective, but some fit in a powerful blues element. Also, in case you are wondering, he hasn’t left behind his good friend the lap steel guitar.
The album opens up with a high energy groove as you hear Harper’s lap steel lead the way. "Number with No Name" sets the tone for how the rest of the album will follow as Harper explains, “I’m serenaded by a chorus / of a thousand cigarettes / you’ve been taking chances mamma while I’ve been placing bets,” along with warning everyone, “The very thing that drives you / it drives you insane.” "Why Must You Always Dress in Black" is another fast paced barn burner with Harper busting out a relentless lap steel riff. Even at his age, now 39, Harper has not lost the authority and range in his voice as he reaches for high notes with ease.
Along with Harper’s usual powerful vocals, he certainly hasn’t lost his soul and beauty either. "Up To You Now" showcases his vocal diversity. It’s a beautiful rock song where the bridge leaves Harper on his own as he screams, “There’s no sound louder than war.” There is also a bit of funky R&B found in the song "Lay There and Hate Me" as he heatedly warns, “Never trust a woman who loves the blues.” Even with all of the high velocity moments, the Relentless 7 still finds room for a soft, heart wrenching ballad or two.
Softer moments can be found in songs like "Skin Thin", a fragile acoustic song where you can hear Harper’s voice take a softer touch, and "Fly One Time" brings a more triumphant feeling as he proclaims, “In a world that gives you nothing / you give everything.”
Harper is a musical traveler, constantly exploring all facets of music while juggling several projects in his career. With the Relentless 7 Harper proves he can conquer rock along with anything else. He still keeps his identity in these songs, putting his own spin on them and fortunately succeeding at it. These compositions are just as powerful live where songs like "Boots Like These" show how tightly wound this group is as they can follow each other's every move. It’s an exciting new time in the life of Ben Harper, so those who might be upset about him cheating on the Innocent Criminals, the Relentless 7 is certainly a welcomed mistress.
--Andrew Beam
Comments
Lehigh Valley, PA
Excellent review Andrew, it's dead on. Ben Harper is an amazing musician who does not get the credit and exposure he deserves.
Minnesota
Uggghhhh, I can't stand Ben Harper. When I was in college (all the way back at the beginning of this millennium) all anyone ever played was Ben Harper and Dave Matthews. Every other dorm room had one of the two blaring all the time. Ever since then I have a violent, uncontrollable reaction whenever I hear either Matthews or Harper.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Lehigh Valley, PA
Wow...sorry to hear that Rick. Out of all the punk, metal and hardcore I listen to, nothing can come close to the talent Ben Harper and Dave Matthews have.
Minnesota
What was really the clincher for my Harper hate is that he came and performed my junior year (I think it was that year... it was kind of a blur) and he put on, without a doubt, the most boring performance I ever witnessed in my college years.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Baton Rouge
Not of big fan of his stuff from the 90s (at least what I can remember from high school), but the stuff he did a while back with The Blind Boys of Alabama won me over.
Boobs
http://thenicsperiment.blogspot.com/
Somewhere in New York
I saw him at the Bluesfest at a festival in Australia, and they played only songs off of this album. While everyone was kind of upset he didn't played old stuff, but those songs live were incredible. I've never seen Harper jump all over the stage like that before.
"If someone gives you a kazoo and toots around the house to MTV, they're not gonna fuck you." - David Cross