BEN HARPER
WIDE OPEN LIGHT
(Chrysalis)
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Videos by American Songwriter
It has always been a challenge predicting what style singer/songwriter Ben Harper will direct his attention to next. Throughout his 30-year career, he has bobbed and weaved between genres with the dexterity of a prizefighter. From soul to folk, blues to rock, and gospel to reggae, Harper remains a moving target who has maintained a robust cult following despite—or perhaps because of—his unpredictability. And he’s not stopping now.
This mostly solo project strongly contrasts with the edgy, heavily political, tough funk/rock/soul excursion Bloodline Maintenance (2022). The largely acoustic set (Harper describes it as “deliberately minimalist”) frequently focuses on difficulties in romantic relationships. The songs emerge from an intensely personal mindset where Harper bares himself with sparse accompaniment singing with his soulful, poignant voice, similar to early Cat Stevens.
His sensitivity is displayed both instrumentally and expressively. The former is evident in his measured, subtle guitar work throughout the 11 tracks and the ominous/playful piano chords of “Trying Not to Fall in Love With You.” He’s lyrically astute on “Growing Growing Gone,” a tender tune ruminating on the conflicted emotions of watching his daughter mature.
Harper carefully crafts this delicate, introspective music with attention to detail. Jack Johnson joins for the somber duet “Yard Sale,” a treatise on love, comparing it to the titular event. Blues is referenced on the lap steel-led “Giving Ghosts,” the disc’s lone live track. He reflects on romance for “Love After Love,” softly strumming his acoustic with elusive percussion, sounding like he’s in the room with you musing, Now I sit and watch myself go insane / It’s a bittersweet freedom / But it’s freedom just the same.
Two atmospheric opening and closing guitar instrumentals create a laconic, pensive tone but feel like filler, especially on a disc that barely breaks a half hour. Regardless, the rest infuses a tantalizing, understated intimacy few other singer/songwriters can conjure with this spare, dialed-down approach.
Photo by Emanuele Perrone/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.