Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals return with Harper's eighth effort, Lifeline, a soulfully eclectic set. The ominously nostalgic "Younger Than Today" is Harper at his most introspective; while the bluesy opening track, "Fight Outta You," is one of his all-time best. In the hands of a lesser artist, attempts to be varied just sound messy; but Harper shapes his influences, which range from Donny Hathaway to Van Morrison, into an intriguing mélange of genres. With the Innocent Criminals providing the loose-but-fitting sonic backdrop, Lifeline is an essential. - dusty culpepper


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