Lifeline
by Ben Harper
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Aug 28, 2007
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    70
    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.
  2. Billboard
    80
    More satisfying than its predecessor, Lifeline is a classic-sounding album that reminds us of the power and beauty of simplicity.
  3. Boston Globe
    80
    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.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    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.
  6. Hartford Courant
    80
    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by today's standards, and it's a testament to Harper that he and his band could record a stellar album using outdated technology in a fraction the time it took to create most of the albums currently on Billboard's Top 40.
  7. Mojo
    80
    Lifeline is a classy record that never outstays its welcome. [Sep 2008, p.98]
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  8. musicOMH.com
    80
    An album which on occasion fails to inspire ends with a sense of unbridled pleasure.
  9. NOW Magazine
    60
    They occasionally slip into derivative territory, Beggars Banquet-era Stones in particular, but strong solo material saves Lifeline near the end.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    50
    There isn't a bad song on the record, but neither is there a particularly good one.
  11. Q Magazine
    60
    His most impressive feat is that the whole thing never once descends into Kravitz-sytle pastiche. [Dec 2007, p.116]
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  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    It's not that less is more--only that, in that moment, less is perfect.
  13. Spin
    60
    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.
  14. Sputnikmusic
    60
    Harper sounds hardly inspired even in a city like Paris, and his homage to past artists sounds like cheap imitation more than anything.
  15. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    These 11 tracks are mostly mellow and melodic, with some Otis Redding-style come-ons

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. Sonofspam
    Jun 27, 2011
    2
    Boring album where all the songs sound exactly the same and none of them are inspired or go anywhere at all.

    Barely passable for background    Boring album where all the songs sound exactly the same and none of them are inspired or go anywhere at all.

    Barely passable for background music.

    the production using old equipment is fine but doesn't really put any meat on the songs.    … Full Review »
  2. H3rmU
    Sep 25, 2007
    8
    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 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.… Full Review »
  3. DaiK.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    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 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.… Full Review »
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