Diverse Harper proclaims what he believes with music

Record store managers often have a tough time finding a way to classify the genre-defying Harper, but they should file this latest release under the gospel or Christian section. When was the last time a pro-Jesus record sold a few million copies to the 20-something crowd?

That's not say that he and the Innocent Criminals can't rock. From 1993's relatively light "Welcome to the Cruel World" to the bold 1997 release "The Will to Live," Harper's music has become increasingly harder.

But that's not it. The title track is not some delicate campfire tune characteristic of the artist, but rather a boot-stompin', cowboy-hat wavin' country jam. The avant-garde charade continues with "Suzie Blue," a dainty ragtime tune that trots alo ng to the accompaniment of album guests, the Real Time Jazz Band. The jack-of-all-trades Harper can do grunge too: "Please Bleed" assaults the listener with sonic guitars and wailing lyrics about God.

Harper devotees need not fret. Tracks such as "The Woman in You," "Two Hands of a Prayer," and "In the Lord's Arms" all feature Harper sweetly singing at a whisper and strumming his Weissenborn. The scarcity, however, of acoustic tunes on "Burn to Shine" compared to his previous work does not limit the record. It only makes them that much more valuable.

In this secular era where the Y2K bug is feared more than a possible apocalypse, it's good to hear somebody out there who believes in something. It's also good to hear a band that can play the pants off of any other act on the scene today.

Ben Harper

Burn to Shine

Virgin Records

Reviewed by

Bill Dove

For the Daily

09-21-99