Virgin-2003
Track Listing:
With My Own Two Hands – 4:35
When It's Good" – 3:03
Diamonds On The Inside – 4:27
Touch from Your Lust – 4:28
When She Believes – 5:20
Brown Eyed Blues – 5:42
Bring the Funk – 4:07
Everything – 3:04
Amen Omen – 5:51
Temporary Remedy – 3:11
So High So Low – 3:44
Blessed to Be a Witness – 4:11
Picture of Jesus – 5:49
She's Only Happy in the Sun– 3:57
Diamonds on the Inside, was the first album in 10 years that didn't combine credits with the Innocent Criminals, and his 4th solo album. He's also recently joined "Fistful of Mercy" with their debut "As I Call You Down" which is released on the 5th October.
With My Own Two Hands (also re-recorded with Jack Johnson for the Cur
ious George soundtrack) is a catchy and soulfilled track. I really like the raw intro to the song, with the count in as I think it makes it a more personal experience. The whine of the electric organ with the constant and simple bass, makes this a song to slide into, makes it easy to move to. Its a great opening track, and set the mood well for the album. Lyrical content is also sound and thought provoking. If you want to change the world you must take action and use our own resources, and what better then with our "own two hands"?
Touch from your lust... Such a damn sexy and driven song. Its one of those songs that effect my mood instantly when I hear it. Its the smooth and slightly distorted vocals (in parts) which adds to the appeal. The bass and guitar is just so smooth, bringing in
the drum and electric during the chorus and bridge, to hit it home and puntuate the desperation and yearning that emminates from this song.
Everything, its just plain upbeat and pleasant to hear. I enjoy the simple but timeless combination of guitar, organ and percussion, which makes it feel like its from an other time. But as always Ben Harper has made it his own. Im always impressed with the conviction to his lyrics, and that really shines through in this track, as well as "Amen Omen".
I love the deceptive begining in "So High, So Low". The acoustic sequence at the begining which leads you into thinking it will be something totally different. It evolves into this agressive distressed scream, which gives way to a drum and bass oriented track with forceful lyrics. So punchy and in your face, but it fades just a quickly, back into piano and strings. It seems to be a passing thought.
Ben Harper never fails to impress me, or make me feel. Its something he's known for. Touching people, with his honest and heartfelt lyrics, and his fine musical skills (he plays EVERYTHING).
Whether he's with the "Blind Boys of Alabama", "The Innocent Criminals" or the "Relentless 7" (there are more then seven of them...?) your in for a treat. SITG this year would have been worth it, just for Ben Harper. Also, his documentary "Pleasure and Pain" is definitely worth checking out if your interested to know his roots.
I have a lot of respect for this man.
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