Ben Harper - Welcome To The Cruel World (2016) [Hi-Res]

The aggressive, powerhouse sound singer/songwriter Ben Harper would introduce with his band the Innocent Criminals on 1998's „The Will To Live“ is not present on the artist's debut, „Welcome To The Cruel World“. Instead, this '94 album shines a spotlight on Harper's acoustic guitar, plaintive voice, and soulful folk songs. Harper's intensity as a performer is clear from the opening guitar instrumental 'The Three of Us' (which commands attention with its subtle, simple repetitions) to 'I'll Rise,' a gospel-inflected interpretation of Maya Angelou's poem 'And Still I Rise.'

Sonically, the record is of a piece, with understated dynamics and an emphasis on intimate, acoustic, bluesy folk-rock. But Harper impresses most with his penchant for incorporating a range of stylistic influences, such as the late-'60s reggae cast of 'Breakin' Down' and the Cajun-country romp of 'Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now.' Moreover, Harper strikes an admirable balance between songs that address issues of social injustice ('Like a King') and those that touch on personal concerns of love and identity ('Pleasure and Pain'). This combination, on top of Harper's obvious musical talents, makes for an impressive, thoroughly enjoyable first effort.

„The full range of Ben Harper's influences would not come to bear until later albums, but his debut, Welcome to the Cruel World, lays a strong foundation. 'Like a King' and 'Take That Attitude to Your Grave' burn with a political conviction rarely heard during the 1990s. 'Forever' has a tenderness which demonstrates Harper's emotional range. Lackluster hippie jams that cultivated his early following may have served a purpose but feel fluffy by comparison when compared to the meatier tracks. Ben closes the album with a song that frequently closes his concerts, 'I'll Rise.' This song, built around Maya Angelou's 1979 poem 'And Still I Rise,' reminds one of art's ability to pierce through society, self, and the soul.“ (Ryan Randall Goble, AMG)

Ben Harper, vocals, multiple instruments
Richard Cook, Uillean pipes
John McKnight, bass, accordion
Rock Deadrick, percussion, drums, background vocals
Tommy D. Daugherty, drum programming
Clyde Allen, background vocals
Clarence Butler, background vocals
Clabe Hangan, background vocals
Jelani Jones, background vocals
Ken McDaniel, background vocals
John Taylor, background vocals
Kevin Williams, background vocals
Suzie Katayama, cello

Recorded 1994 at The Convent, London
Engineered by Mikal Reid
Produced by Ben Harper, J.P. Plunier

Digitally remastered