Album Info
| Artist: | Ben Harper |
| Album: | Welcome To The Cruel World |
| Released: | Europe, 2019 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Three Of Us | 2:35 |
| A2 | Whipping Boy | 5:31 |
| A3 | Breakin' Down | 4:00 |
| B1 | Don't Take That Attitude To Your Grave | 4:25 |
| B2 | Waiting On An Angel | 3:53 |
| B3 | Mama's Got A Girlfriend Now | 2:29 |
| B4 | Forever | 3:23 |
| C1 | Like A King | 4:18 |
| C2 | Pleasure And Pain | 3:44 |
| C3 | Walk Away | 3:49 |
| D1 | How Many Miles Must We March | 3:07 |
| D2 | Welcome To The Cruel World | 5:36 |
| D3 | I'll Rise | 3:35 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
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- Happy Listening!
Description
"Welcome to the Cruel World" is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Ben Harper, released on February 8, 1994, by Virgin Records. This album marked the beginning of Harper's illustrious career, showcasing his unique blend of folk, blues, rock, and reggae influences. The album is notable for its raw, emotive lyrics and Harper's distinctive slide guitar work.
The album opens with the title track, "The Three of Us," an instrumental piece that sets the tone for the album with its haunting slide guitar. This track seamlessly transitions into "Whipping Boy," a song that highlights Harper's ability to blend blues and rock elements. The lyrics of "Whipping Boy" reflect themes of frustration and resilience, a recurring motif throughout the album.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Walk Away," a poignant ballad that showcases Harper's soulful voice and lyrical depth. The song's minimalist arrangement, featuring just Harper's voice and guitar, allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. "Walk Away" is a testament to Harper's ability to convey deep emotion with simplicity and grace.
"Welcome to the Cruel World" also features "Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now," a track that blends humor with social commentary. The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics contrast with the more serious themes explored in other tracks, providing a moment of levity on the album. Harper's ability to tackle a variety of subjects with both sensitivity and wit is one of the strengths of this debut effort.
Another notable track is "Forever," a love song that has become one of Harper's signature pieces. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of Harper's live performances. "Forever" exemplifies Harper's talent for writing timeless, emotionally resonant songs.
"Like a King" is a politically charged track that addresses racial injustice and pays tribute to Rodney King, whose brutal beating by police officers in 1991 sparked widespread outrage and protests. The song's powerful lyrics and driving rhythm make it one of the most impactful tracks on the album. Harper's willingness to confront difficult social issues in his music is a hallmark of his career.
The album closes with "I'll Rise," a song inspired by Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise." The track's uplifting message and gospel-influenced arrangement provide a hopeful conclusion to the album. Harper's ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources and incorporate them into his music is evident in this track.
"Welcome to the Cruel World" received critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising Harper's songwriting, guitar work, and vocal performance. The album established Harper as a significant new voice in the music world and laid the foundation for his subsequent success.
In summary, "Welcome to the Cruel World" is a powerful debut album that showcases Ben Harper's unique musical style and lyrical depth. The album's blend of folk, blues, rock, and reggae influences, combined with Harper's emotive voice and skillful guitar work, make it a standout release. With its mix of personal and political themes, the album remains relevant and resonant nearly three decades after its release. For fans of thoughtful, genre-blending music, "Welcome to the Cruel World" is an essential listen.
