White Lies for Dark Times (Deluxe Version)

iTunes Review

In the mood for a change, Ben Harper suspended recording with his usual backing band, Innocent Criminals, and teamed up with Relentless7, a trio of Austin to L.A. musicians who contributed to his Both Sides of the Gun release. Harper, in turn, sings with an extra looseness that points up his strengths as a vocalist. “Up to You Now” carries a genuine ache in its crescendos while the guitars blast behind him in spare, agitated strokes. “Shimmer & Shine” captures the perfect balance between rock and pop with an attractive hook. “Lay There & Hate Me” jams out on more traditional funk. “Why Must You Always Dress in Black” delivers the electric blues without pretension, eliciting the ghosts of the Mississippi Delta as well as modern practitioners like Johnny Winter. Blues and balladry are Harper’s fallbacks and as a gifted songwriter he can transform the expected into something very touching. “Skin Thin” is sweetly orchestrated. “Faithfully Remain” has the sound of an old soul classic delivered as an eloquent tribute to an era that remains buried deep in Harper’s musical soul.