Artist: Ben Harper Album: The Will to Live

Year: 1997
Duration: 0:0-1

The Will to Live: Examining the Music and Career of Ben Harper

Ben Harper's music has always felt both nostalgic and fresh, with a unique blend of rock, blues, and folk-infused into the fabric of his sound. One album that perfectly encapsulates that style is his 1997 release, The Will to Live. Today, we are going to take a closer look at this album, its genre, the artist himself, and what makes it such a standout in both his career and music as a whole.
To begin, let's talk a bit about Ben Harper himself. Born in 1969, Harper was the son of a musician and grew up in Claremont, California. He began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly became enraptured by music, particularly the blues. His early career was formed by playing in coffeehouses around Los Angeles, but he eventually signed with Virgin Records and released his debut album in 1994. Since then, Harper has released over a dozen full-length albums and has become acclaimed worldwide.
Now let's talk about the album itself. The Will to Live is often grouped into the categories of alternative rock, blues rock, and folk rock. It's an album that's heavily influenced by the blues but also incorporates a modern sound. Harper's voice is raw and stirring, a perfect match for the guitar-driven tracks. One of the great strengths of the album is its versatility, with tracks ranging from the funky Faded to the introspective Beloved One.
Speaking of standout tracks, let's explore some of the best moments on the album. The song that is probably most widely known from The Will to Live is the catchy Jah Work, which features a reggae-influenced beat and some exceptional guitar work. Glory and Consequence is another notable track, with a riff that is instantly memorable and a chorus that's incredibly anthemic. Harper slows things down on Another Lonely Day, a heartbreaking ballad that is both gorgeous and raw.
Of course, the most innovative parts of the album are subjective, but for me, it's a combination of the bluesy guitar riffs, the powerful vocals, and the eclectic range of tracks. Harper is skilled in crafting songs that transport listeners, whether through his storytelling, his guitar playing, or just his presence on stage.
That being said, despite its many strengths, The Will to Live isn't perfect. At times, it can feel like it's stretching in too many directions at once, and some of the tracks don't quite measure up to the high standards of the rest of the album. However, these minor grievances for me do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the album.
All in all, The Will to Live is a fantastic album that showcases Ben Harper's talents as a musician, songwriter, and performer. From its bluesy roots to its modern sound, it's an album that's well worth exploring for any fan of rock, blues, or folk music. If you haven't yet given it a listen, make sure to add it to your playlist today and lose yourself in the music.