User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Lifeline
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Lifeline Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • Summary: The San Francisco Bay Area native recorded his latest album in seven days after a tour in Europe.

Top Track

Fight Outta You
They'll look you in the eyes and stone you then turn and disown you don't let it take the fight outta you they'll walk all over your name till they... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List ยป
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 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.
  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.
  4. Rolling Stone
    70
    It's not that less is more--only that, in that moment, less is perfect.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    50
    There isn't a bad song on the record, but neither is there a particularly good one.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. mikea.
    Sep 20, 2007
    10
    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 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!… Expand
  4. SuhanG.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    It is a whole album. Very evenly spaced styles, smoothly running tracks. Great album from a great talent.
  5. DanielC.
    Sep 5, 2007
    8
    A heartfelt collection of tunes. A must-listen for any Harper fan.
  6. JaredC.
    Sep 9, 2007
    7
    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 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.… Expand
  7. JD
    Sep 13, 2007
    3
    Weak effort. The songs are flat and often insipid. Does anyone consider the phrase "Happiness is having wings" inspired writing? Please. 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.… Expand
  8. 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.    … Expand

See all 8 User Reviews