Diamonds on the Inside

by Ben Harper

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	08/31/2016
Label:	Universal / Virgin
UPC:	5099926793115
Rank:	53623

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Ben Harper   Primary Artist,Bass,Drums,Organ,Guitar,Vocals,Percussion,Synthesizer,Tongue Drum,Slide Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Synthesizer Bass,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
David Raliche   Trombone
Juan D. Nelson   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Rebecca Sims   Cello
Leon Mobley   Percussion,Sound Effects,Vocals (Background)
Ladysmith Black Mambazo   Vocals
Darrel Sims   Viola
Misty Love   Vocals (Background)
Ron Blake   Trumpet
Amy Wilkins   Harp
Danielle Charles   Violin
Greg Leisz   Pedal Steel
Josef Zimmerman   Bass,Bass (Upright)
Timothy Loo   Cello
Al Anderson   Guitar
John Ingram   Vocals (Background)
Juan Nelson   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Carla Benson   Vocals (Background)
Greg Kurstin   Piano,Celeste,Clavinet,Mellotron,Synthesizer,Organ (Hammond),Piano (Electric),Vocals (Background)
David Ralicke   Trombone
Leo Chelyapov   Clarinet
Rebecca Yeh   Cello
Nicky P.   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Al Yasha Anderson   Guitar
Oliver Francis Charles   Drums,Vocals (Background)
Barbara Nightengale   Accordion

Technical Credits

Juan D. Nelson   Composer
Warren Darius Aftahi   Photography
Oliver Charles   Composer
Leon Mobley   Composer
Jon Shapiro   Photography
Gavin Lurssen   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Rail Jon Rogut   Assistant
Todd Burke   Mixing,Engineer
Juan Nelson   Composer
Ben Harper   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Greg Kurstin   Arranger,Composer
Dean Butterworth   Composer
Jun Murakawa   Assistant Engineer
Mike King   Design,Layout Design
Rick "Soldier" Will   Engineer
Ben Elder   Advisor,Research
Blue Sky   Photography
Oliver Francis Charles   Composer
Josh Florian   Assistant
Rick Will   Engineer
Kevin Dean   Assistant Engineer