Diamonds On The Inside

Ben Harper is a musical preacher of sorts, never one to be shy in speaking his mind about social conformity. If his first two albums -- Welcome to the Cruel World and Fight for Your Mind -- didn't clue you in, Diamonds on the Inside will definitely do so. Diamonds on the Inside marks Harper's fifth studio effort and this time he's emotionally in touch with what makes his heart burst. This is a passionate album, no doubt. His signature Weissenborn guitar joins him once more and Harper's classic groovy funk is heavy; however, Harper adds worldbeat to his musical plank. From the Marley-esque vibe of "With My Own Two Hands" to the African soundscapes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo on "Picture of Jesus," Harper's purist presentation is smooth. "When It's Good" gives a little country blues twang, while "Touch From You Lust" is a sexy haze of writhing riffs. "Temporary Remedy" follows the funk Lenny Kravitz-style, and Harper's a bit campy. It's a noticeable change from his typically serious stature and a nice shift in personality, too. Diamonds on the Inside is another stunning effort from one of rock's underground heroes. Harper has consistently worked with what appeals to him musically for nearly a decade, ignoring what fits the mainstream. Diamonds on the Inside is Harper's sixth chapter of truth and just one listen to the electric blaze of "Everything" will convince you. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

そろそろ10年選手になろうとしているベン・ハーパーからひさしぶりの新作が届けられた。彼の音楽を形成する要素――ファンク、ソウル、レゲエ、ブルースなど――には大きな変化はないものの、それをルーティーンとして聴かせないだけの音楽的な成熟というものを彼が10年間で培ってきたことが如実に伝わってくるような内容だ。お馴染みのボブ・マーリー節（?）を聴かせるオープニング曲“With My Own Two Hands”からベンが戻ってきた喜びを噛みしめずにはいられないが、その後もペダル・スティールの音色も切ないタイトル曲（最高!!）、甘いストリングスをバックにしてファルセットぎみに歌われるメロウなバラード“When She Believes”などなど、次から次へと湯水のようにきらびやかなメロディーが溢れだしてくる。さりげないのに才気がほとばしり、ブルージーなのにまったく枯れていない。まだまだ彼はフレッシュだ。素晴らしい!!
bounce (C)大石 ハジメ