Amazon.comWith the release of his seventh studio album, the double-disc
Both Sides of the Gun, Ben Harper offers his signature mix of rock, soul, and folk music, while also venturing into new territory. "I was hoping I could come back to the root of my earlier records, the sparseness and intimacy," he says, "and also branch out further in a produced sound than ever before." From the blazing Curtis Mayfield/Stevie Wonder-style funk of "Black Rain" to the gentle sway of "Morning Yearning" to the full-on power ballad "Waiting for You," the eighteen songs on
Both Sides reveal a master stylist at the peak of his game.
Special Edition includes Bonus CD featuring four alternate mixes and two live tracks.
Ben Harper Photos
More from Ben Harper
Fight for Your Mind | 
Diamonds on the Inside | 
Welcome to the Cruel World |
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I'm a Ben Harper fan and wanted to get to know more of his music I LOVE these discs.
2008-05-08 Excellent, with a few exceptions
Anyone who has spent any time with Ben's music knows that he has the tendency to wax strange now and again, and "Both Sides of the Gun" is no exception.
Not quite as masterful as his "Fight for Your Mind" days, "Both Sides" certainly is ambitious and rich in melodic texture. The mellower second disc does tend to lose unique identity from one song to another, making a more appealing background set rather than a compelling can't-turn-it-off ride from beginning to end.
The first disc, with the single "Better Way" and many other powerful, catchy tunes, is definitely the most distinctive half of this collection. Harper lays down his thick, soulful grooves in a number of tunes, and his arrangements are fresh, yet still trademark Ben Harper.
There are a few jarring moments, such as the shouting bit in "Better Way" and the fairly obnoxious "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating," but they hardly outweigh the artistry and feel of the rest of the double disc. Not the best place for Ben Harper newbies to start, but a definite must-buy for any long-time fans.
2008-04-22 Half and Half
This is a very interesting cd. I'm not crazy about disc 1 (the softer acoustic). I know Ben has a tremendous musical gift and is very versatile. I prefer his upbeat funk music like on disc 2. I think "Better Way", "Gather 'Round the Stone", and "Black Rain" are my favorites on this cd due to their overall message.
"Black Rain" particularly hit me in an amazing way because of my political stand point on the current administration. I think its great that such a name as Ben Harper is making such an honest and truthful message. The song gives me the chills and 'pumps me up' every time I hear it.
Worth buying the CD, and you have the option of the softer disc 1 or the heavier bold disc 2.
2008-03-21 Not that great
To tell the truth, the only song i ever really liked by ben harper was "Faded" which is on a differant album. The album design is awesome, but the songs need a little more energy. Sure, i liked some of them, but overall, its not something i would want to listen to more than once. If you are a young person, like me, and desires music with a BANG, to it, don't buy this album.
2007-07-10 No one is more consistent than Harper
If there is any other artist that continues time and time again to produce quality CDs on the level of Ben Harper, please let me know. Consistently, he brings eclectic and genre transcending albums that stand alone in music today. His lyrics never fail to reach a depth that challenges the listener to go back and listen for the 50th time in order to squezze yet another drop of his insight. Simply put, Ben Harper is the prophet of our age.