Ben Harper: Welcome to the Cruel World (Virgin)
Jon Young, Spin, March 1994
STILL PONDERING his options, Ben Harper raises an array of tantalizing possibilities on this confident, sometimes inspired debut. His spicy guitar work and Dobro licks foretell a greasy virtuoso in the Ry Cooder mold. The callow desire of 'Waiting on an Angel' suggests a dewy-eyed troubadour able to sell platinum quantities; at least the tart 'Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now' adds a zing to his lighter side. Inexperience only becomes a factor when he tries to get lowdown on 'Whipping Boy', although the deep moan of the title track proves he can nail down a blue note with authority.
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