Lifeline :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Another classic by Ben Harper

2008-06-16
It seems like each and everyday Ben Harper's music continues to grow on me. I have known his music for a decade but didn't really become a fan until a couple of years ago. He is trully one of the most creative artists of his time. He can go from rock, soul, funk, R&B, gospal, and even bluegrass over a course of an album and it never sounds forced or chessy.
Lifeline is a fantastic album. "Into the Colors" is a great first single and the album is packed with great tracks throuhout. If you are a Ben Harper fan then you will not be disappointed with this purchase. This is one of the best albums in the music industry over the past few years.

4-1/2 stars -- Saved!

2008-04-06
Perhaps I was a little harsh when I gave Ben Harper's last album Both Sides of the Gun a three-star rating. The problem I had with that album was that, well, I realize that Ben changes his style quite often (especially evident by sometimes doing collaborations with different backing bands for entire albums), but the songs on that album were a little TOO different from one another. Thankfully, things flow more smoothly on Lifeline.

Ben hooked back up with the Innocent Criminals this time around, and it's a good thing he did because the songs are excellent. Well, actually, the album's opener "Fight Outta You" has him singing in a very unorthodoxly low voice, but if you skip past that, you'll find quality in tunes like "Fool for a Lonesome Train", "Heart of Matters" and "Younger Than Today". And although "Needed You Tonight" isn't spiritual, the vocals still take me back to the There Will Be a Light days.

The instrumental track "Paris Sunrise #7" is also good, even better when it successfully flows into the title track. You won't need a lifeline to help you find great music after hearing this album, so check it out.

Anthony Rupert

these guys are great

2008-03-29
My friends introduced me to Ben Harper's remake of Sexual Healing, and his killer tune Steal My Kisses. This is the first CD I bought and it's upbeat and happy. I love it. I'm going to buy more.

MODERN WITH A CLASSIC FEEL

2008-03-03
I ABSOULTLEY LOVE THIS C.D. I HEAR THE INFLUENCE OF AL GREEN AND HINTS OF THE GREAT BOB DYLAN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THIS C.D. BRINGS A MODERN SONG WITH A CLASSIC FEEL...I JUST LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS.

Winner of MY FAVORITE CD OF THE YEAR

2007-12-23
Okay, so I can't bestow a prize on Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. But I would if I could! I loved this CD. It's in continual rotation on my CD player. I know all the songs by heart. And boy is my heart happy! Yes, I'm a fan, as anyone who knows me is fully aware. This band's music speaks to me. Maybe it's because their sound is kind of retro, kind of today, kind of universal. I love all kinds of music, just so it moves me emotionally. The music and words of LIFELINE definitely do that. Was it nominated for a Grammy? If not, it SHOULD have been! As a couple of other reviewers have said: It's music to groove to. You rock, guys!

Superb!

2007-12-13
At the end of a nine month European tour, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals landed in a Paris recording studio and completed their new album, Lifeline, in just seven days. The result: a soulful masterpiece with beautifully direct lyrics, undeniable grooves and an effortless energy that recalls the best works of Otis Redding, Bill Withers and Beggars Banquet-era Rolling Stones. Yeah...it's that good.

It's no surprise that most bands today don't record albums live, straight to tape, in one room, no Pro Tools, no auto-tune. There are only a handful of modern artists that can pull it off. Since Ben & The Innocent Criminals were so musically connected after such a long tour, they entered the studio immediately. And on a sixteen track tape machine and one full week in the City of Lights, they successfully recorded and mixed an album that will sit alongside all of your old favorites...just like a classic record should.

Finest Work in Ages 2007-12-06
From beginning to end, I feel like this album is Ben's strongest in years. I love every single song equally for completely different reasons. There is so much variety here that I can listen to the album start to finish daily and not get tired of it. Songs that stood out initially to me were "Fool for a Lonesome Train", "Say You Will", "Fight Outta You" and "Needed You Tonight." And even though these tracks stood out initially, all the tracks have grown on me to a point where I can't pick a favorite. For me personally, this is my favorite Ben Harper record since "The Will to Live." Definitely check it out.

More Good Retro Style 2007-11-16
If you've been around for a while, these songs sound slightly familiar to 1970's combination of rock, blues, and soul music. But that shouldn't detract you too much from giving this CD a few good listens, before you make up your mind about it's quality. After all, good music is still good music, and sometimes going back in time is a good thing.

Pretty good 2007-11-02
I wanted to review this at 3 1/2 stars but it didn't work. My favorite songs are Having Wings, Lonesome Train and Younger Than Today. I always like Ben's prettier songs more than the rocking blues songs.

Unfortunately Ben's voice is too loud on the title track Lifeline which drowns out the guitar part. It's also a bit too loud on the first song Fight Outta You. I think he produced it himself which might explain these obvious mistakes.

Yeah Ben Harper! FANTASTIC!!! 2007-11-02
We can't say enough about this CD--- absolutely Ben's best yet. A must have for any music lover any age!