Ben Kicks You in Your Ass

Like many people I’ve been hanging out to hear the new album by Ben Harper not because I’m a massive fan of Ben, he’s got some good songs but some of his other stuff I found to be a little languid and a bit self indulgent, but because it was a new way musically for Ben fronting a new band (If you ask him he’s the lead singer of a band called Relentless 7 it’s not his band per se) playing a style of music that many of his fans have been patiently waiting for him to indulge his immense musical talents in.

And with the Relentless 7 it’s no surprise to see Bens’ album sales in New Zealand top a Quarter million. He is one of the finest songwriters of his generation proving his talents over 12 albums, 2 Grammy awards and hit songs in many different genres in a diverse range of countries like Brazil, Germany, Australia as well as here in lil ole NZ.

I’ve sometimes been called a fence sitter but here today to you I make this bold statement “THIS ALBUM KICKS YOU IN YOUR ASS!!!” There’s a real Blues Rock influence right across this album from the ballbreaking “Shimmer & Shine” and the more radio friendly groove of “Number With No Name” but for the more obstinate fans there are glimpses of Harpers more soulful lyrical character which we have come to know him for on the tracks “Skin Thin” and the quite beautiful “The Word Suicide” which a singer songwriter friend of mine who has a successful career of his own said “how does he make cheesy lyrics sound so good?”

Even if you’re not a fan of Ben Harper or Blues oriented rock like me it’s pretty hard not to find this album immensely listenable and enjoyable.

Here’s Bens latest single “FLY ONE TIME”

GO ON GET YO ASS KICKED!!

posted by The In Sound From Way Out