Diamonds On The Inside (2LP)

In the three years-plus interim between this and his last studio album, Ben Harper traversed the world, and the already introspective singer/songwriter has clearly done even more soul-searching and emerged with his most earnest (and that’s no mean feat), focused set to date. DIAMONDS ON THE INSIDE flows organically with that transcendent feeling exemplfied by lines so simple and revealing as “can you look into my eyes, or has your heart gone blind,” which harbor the ability to subtly wend their way into the subconscious and the heart simultaneously.

Harper’s gathered his acclaim via trenchant lyricism and his knack for adeptly and sincerely blending many styles into a rocking, grooving concoction. On “Brown Eyed Blues,” he channels Al Green before breaking down into a jam reminiscent of Santana or War, then follows it with the P-Funk-esque “Bring The Funk.” He recalls Sam Cooke’s spirituals on the breathtaking “When She Believes,” and can pull off a reincarnation of Cat Stevens at his apex on the title track, as well as on “Amen Omen,” and “Everything.” With this solid, thoughtful record, Harper continues the heartfelt soul-folk-funk-jam. that won him a cult following from Deadheads to indie rockers.