Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals return with their seventh studio album, "Call It What It Is," a soulful and introspective journey released on January 22, 2016, under the iconic Stax label. Clocking in at a concise 40 minutes, this album is a testament to the band's ability to blend blues, rock, and folk into a cohesive and captivating sound.
The album opens with "When Sex Was Dirty," setting the tone for a collection that is as raw as it is refined. Tracks like "Deeper And Deeper" and "How Dark Is Gone" showcase Harper's signature slide guitar work and heartfelt lyrics, delving into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The upbeat "Dance Like Fire" and the poignant "Goodbye To You" demonstrate the band's versatility, while "Shine" and "Pink Balloon" offer moments of pure, unadulterated beauty.
"Call It What It Is" is a record that demands to be experienced, from the gritty blues of "Call It What It Is" to the hauntingly beautiful "Bones." Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals have crafted an album that is both timeless and timely, a reflection of their growth as artists and their enduring commitment to their craft.
Vinylscout