Another classic by Ben Harper
It seems like each and everyday Ben Harper's music continues to grow on me. I have known his music for a decade but didn't really become a fan until a couple of years ago. He is trully one of the most creative artists of his time. He can go from rock, soul, funk, R&B, gospal, and even bluegrass over a course of an album and it never sounds forced or chessy.
Lifeline is a fantastic album. "Into the Colors" is a great first single and the album is packed with great tracks throuhout. If you are a Ben Harper fan then you will not be disappointed with this purchase. This is one of the best albums in the music industry over the past few years.

4-1/2 stars -- Saved!
Perhaps I was a little harsh when I gave Ben Harper's last album Both Sides of the Gun a three-star rating. The problem I had with that album was that, well, I realize that Ben changes his style quite often (especially evident by sometimes doing collaborations with different backing bands for entire albums), but the songs on that album were a little TOO different from one another. Thankfully, things flow more smoothly on Lifeline.

Ben hooked back up with the Innocent Criminals this time around, and it's a good thing he did because the songs are excellent. Well, actually, the album's opener "Fight Outta You" has him singing in a very unorthodoxly low voice, but if you skip past that, you'll find quality in tunes like "Fool for a Lonesome Train", "Heart of Matters" and "Younger Than Today". And although "Needed You Tonight" isn't spiritual, the vocals still take me back to the There Will Be a Light days.

The instrumental track "Paris Sunrise #7" is also good, even better when it successfully flows into the title track. You won't need a lifeline to help you find great music after hearing this album, so check it out.

Anthony Rupert

these guys are great
My friends introduced me to Ben Harper's remake of Sexual Healing, and his killer tune Steal My Kisses. This is the first CD I bought and it's upbeat and happy. I love it. I'm going to buy more.

MODERN WITH A CLASSIC FEEL
I ABSOULTLEY LOVE THIS C.D. I HEAR THE INFLUENCE OF AL GREEN AND HINTS OF THE GREAT BOB DYLAN. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THIS C.D. BRINGS A MODERN SONG WITH A CLASSIC FEEL...I JUST LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS.

Winner of MY FAVORITE CD OF THE YEAR
Okay, so I can't bestow a prize on Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. But I would if I could! I loved this CD. It's in continual rotation on my CD player. I know all the songs by heart. And boy is my heart happy! Yes, I'm a fan, as anyone who knows me is fully aware. This band's music speaks to me. Maybe it's because their sound is kind of retro, kind of today, kind of universal. I love all kinds of music, just so it moves me emotionally. The music and words of LIFELINE definitely do that. Was it nominated for a Grammy? If not, it SHOULD have been! As a couple of other reviewers have said: It's music to groove to. You rock, guys!