All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Entertainment Weekly

Lifeline thankfully favors songs over jamming, but there's a casual profundity to tunes like 'Fight Outta You' and 'Say You Will' that a more complicated process might've squelched. Just add applause.

Read Full Review >

Hartford Courant

The bare-bones production style of Lifeline is practically experimental by today's standards, and it's a testament to Harper that he and his band could record a stellar album using outdated technology in a fraction the time it took to create most of the albums currently on Billboard's Top 40.

Read Full Review >

Billboard

More satisfying than its predecessor, Lifeline is a classic-sounding album that reminds us of the power and beauty of simplicity.

Read Full Review >

Boston Globe

It's a beautifully composed disc that Harper fans should love -- and it should also convince boomers, especially, that there's still great new music out there.

Read Full Review >

musicOMH.com

An album which on occasion fails to inspire ends with a sense of unbridled pleasure.

Read Full Review >

Mojo

Lifeline is a classy record that never outstays its welcome. [Sep 2008, p.98]

The Phoenix

These 11 tracks are mostly mellow and melodic, with some Otis Redding-style come-ons

Read Full Review >

All Music Guide

Whether or not you prefer the rowdier version of Harper and his band, it is inarguable that this recording is a concentrated effort coming down on the side of a couple of musical notions that weave together artfully and meaningfully.

Read Full Review >

Rolling Stone

It's not that less is more--only that, in that moment, less is perfect.

Read Full Review >

Spin

Lifeline is a commanding, unjammy take on gospel-influenced rock, featuring his most spiritual singing since 2004's Grammy-winning collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Read Full Review >

Sputnikmusic

Harper sounds hardly inspired even in a city like Paris, and his homage to past artists sounds like cheap imitation more than anything.

Read Full Review >

NOW Magazine

They occasionally slip into derivative territory, Beggars Banquet-era Stones in particular, but strong solo material saves Lifeline near the end.

Read Full Review >

Q Magazine

His most impressive feat is that the whole thing never once descends into Kravitz-sytle pastiche. [Dec 2007, p.116]

Prefix Magazine

There isn't a bad song on the record, but neither is there a particularly good one.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

H3rm U gave it an8:
Great album, beautiful melodies and transitions as we know he does best. Like all his albums this one just won't stop spinning in my cd player. But some songs just are just so annoying hearing them to often; Needed you tonight. Such a shame. I can't help skipping it... it kinda spoils the album.

Dai K. gave it a10:
I do like this album! I fell in love with Ben Harper after seeing him perform "Get Up, Stand Up" at Bonnaroo. I had gone specifically to see Manu Chao, (who was GREAT!), but I'm so glad I saw Ben Harper as well. You should check out Manu Chao's new album, La Radiolina! Like Ben Harper, he's also influenced by Marley.

mike a. gave it a10:
Ben Harper writes music not to sale or impress, but too express his feelings on what he tackles in everyday life. I love him not because he has the unique talent of Ottis Redding, Marvin Gaye bla bla bla, but because when i listen to him i like what i hear!

J D gave it a3:
Weak effort. The songs are flat and often insipid. Does anyone consider the phrase "Happiness is having wings" inspired writing? Please. Major disappointment from a man and band who had been on fire with their last two releases.

Suhan G. gave it a9:
It is a whole album. Very evenly spaced styles, smoothly running tracks. Great album from a great talent.

Jared C. gave it a7:
It has the beat, It has the style, It just doesn't have the taste. Sure some songs have the jazz to them, but most songs just flew out of the birds nest too early.

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Lifeline

Album Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases