White Lies For Dark Times
by Ben Harper And Relentless7
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 5, 2009
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17

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  1. MLJ
    May 5, 2009
    9
    If you compare this record to his past work, you're missing the point. This is supposed to be a natural and collaborative work, representative of the group. His past stuff has been product of a pretty autocratic creative process. This is Ben learning how to be in a real band, and it sounds pretty awesome to me. When he goes back to the Innocent Criminals, he's going to bring all If you compare this record to his past work, you're missing the point. This is supposed to be a natural and collaborative work, representative of the group. His past stuff has been product of a pretty autocratic creative process. This is Ben learning how to be in a real band, and it sounds pretty awesome to me. When he goes back to the Innocent Criminals, he's going to bring all this experience with him. It's just another evolutionary step in the career of a versatile and talented American artist.… Collapse
  2. MicahH
    May 6, 2009
    10
    Great sound. Rock and roll at it's best. Different sound, but same ol Ben Harper. Gotta love it!
  3. JamesM
    May 16, 2009
    10
    When few rock bands are able to inspire with hard, edgy, and thoughtful music, Ben Harper comes to the rescue. This is a throwback to the late 60's energy of Zeppelin and Cream. Those who find fault with this album take themselves way too seriously. These are great musicians giving us a gift of unfiltered, raw rock 'n roll. Enjoy this gem for what it is.
  4. david
    May 5, 2009
    10
    I've listened to Ben Harper for years, and I think it is his best effort yet. R7 is, indeed, top notch and generally kick ass. Some of the critics simply wish they could make music this good.
  5. DestroyerC
    May 5, 2009
    10
    Best studio album he has ever put out. The best rock album in a long time. The critics are way off on this, no way it should get anything below a 70.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    80
    This is the record that finally matches the excitement Harper generates in a live setting and is not to be missed.
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  2. Boston Globe
    80
    Harper leaves a few arrows unstrung from his deep musical quiver here, but the ones he fires all seem to hit their mark.
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  3. Hartford Courant
    70
    The result is a restless hybrid that never completely settles into the groove that has defined the singer and guitarist's best albums.
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