Call It What It Is

Reunited with his original band, The Innocent Criminals, Ben Harper has put out a very good record with, as is his custom, a wide variety of style (blending blues, rock, folk, country, RnB, gospel, and reggae) and subject matter (we hear about police brutality, love, growing older, etc.) Great songwriting and good performances throughout.

No FCC issues.

1 * Mid-tempo. Crunchy guitar chords, wood block, and fun nostalgic lyrics. (3:50)
2 ** Mid-slow. Pretty ballad done with a sweet sounding Cat Stevens-like voice. (4:02)
3 *** Slow. The title track is a powerful statement on recent police killings of blacks. Stark resonator guitar, forceful drums. (3:47)
4 Fast. Spirited folk-rock tune with guitars, horns, strong drumming. (3:38)
5 * Mid-fast. Granted this happy love song got commercial radio play, but you still gotta love it. Fun wah-wah guitar. Great summertime hit. (3:55)
6 Slow. Thoughtful & a little melancholy. Just a resonator guitar and Ben’s voice. (3:25)
7 *** Mid-fast. A fun, hard rocking song about a girl who wears a sexy accessory. (No, it’s not a raspberry beret.) (2:22)
8 * Mid-tempo. Reggae with Ben’s quasi-religious sentiments. Good sound and beat. (4:15)
9 Slow. Sweet, swaying soul like Smoky Robinson. (3:21)
10 * Mid-slow. Nice, mellow song. Good slide guitar. Sounds just like Ben Harper. (3:09)
11 Slow. Sad break-up song. Dreamy sound with both piano & organ. (5:06)