Ben Harper – Diamonds On The Inside (2003/2016) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

Ben Harper is a musical preacher of sorts, never one to be shy in speaking his mind about social conformity. If his first two albums Welcome to the Cruel World and Fight for Your Mind didn’t clue you in, Diamonds on the Inside will definitely do so. Diamonds on the Inside marks Harper’s fifth studio effort and this time he’s emotionally in touch with what makes his heart burst. This is a passionate album, no doubt. His signature Weissenborn guitar joins him once more and Harper’s classic groovy funk is heavy; however, Harper adds worldbeat to his musical plank. From the Marley-esque vibe of ‘With My Own Two Hands’ to the African soundscapes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo on ‘Picture of Jesus,’ Harper’s purist presentation is smooth. ‘When It’s Good’ gives a little country blues twang, while ‘Touch From You Lust’ is a sexy haze of writhing riffs. ‘Temporary Remedy’ follows the funk Lenny Kravitz-style, and Harper’s a bit campy. It’s a noticeable change from his typically serious stature and a nice shift in personality, too. Diamonds on the Inside is another stunning effort from one of rock’s underground heroes. Harper has consistently worked with what appeals to him musically for nearly a decade, ignoring what fits the mainstream. Diamonds on the Inside is Harper’s sixth chapter of truth and just one listen to the electric blaze of ‘Everything’ will convince you.

Tracklist:
01. With My Own Two Hands
02. When It’s Good
03. Diamonds On The Inside
04. Touch From Your Lust
05. When She Believes
06. Brown Eyed Blues
07. Bring The Funk
08. Everything
09. Amen Omen
10. Temporary Remedy
11. So High So Low
12. Blessed To Be A Witness
13. Picture Of Jesus
14. She’s Only Happy In The Sun

Personnel:
Ben Harper, organ, guitars, bass, drums, vocals, synthesizer bass
Greg Kurstin, synthesizer, piano, celeste, Hammond organ, electric piano, background vocals, clavinet, mellotron
Greg Leisz, pedal steel
Juan Nelson, bass, background vocals
Josef Zimmerman, upright bass
Nicky Panicci (aka Nicky P.), acoustic guitar, guitar, electric guitar
Al Yasha Anderson, guitar solo on ‘With My Own Two Hands’
Leon Mobley, percussion, sound effects, background vocals
Ron Blake, trumpet
Leo Chelyapov, clarinet
David Ralicke, trombone
Darrel Sims, viola
Amy Wilkins, harp
Rebecca Yeh, cello
Timothy Loo, cello
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, vocals
John Ingram, background vocals
Misty Love, background vocals
Carla Benson, background vocals