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Ben Harper hails from Pomona, California. He began his career in the early 1990s and has released a total of seventeen studio albums. His music spans various genres, including folk, rock, blues, reggae, and soul. Harper’s debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World, was released in 1994, establishing him as a powerful voice in contemporary music.
Throughout his career, Ben Harper has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards: Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “11th Commandment” (2005), Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for There Will Be a Light (2005), and Best Blues Album for Get Up! with Charlie Musselwhite (2014). He has achieved significant chart success, with Diamonds on the Inside reaching the top twenty of the Billboard 200.
Ben Harper has collaborated with various artists and bands, including The Innocent Criminals and The Blind Boys of Alabama. His live performances are renowned for their energy and passion, leading to the release of several live albums and concert recordings. Harper’s ability to blend different musical styles and his dedication to social and political causes have made him a respected and influential figure in the music industry.
BEN HARPER STUDIO ALBUMS
Welcome to the Cruel World (1994)
Released: 1994
Welcome to the Cruel World is Ben Harper’s debut studio album. It showcases a blend of folk, rock, and blues, with Harper’s emotive lyrics and distinctive voice setting the tone for his career. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals, guitar, and various other instruments, and was produced by Ben Harper and JP Plunier. It was recorded at The Bomb Factory in Los Angeles, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Three of Us” – 2:35
- “Whipping Boy” – 5:31
- “Breakin’ Down” – 4:00
- “Don’t Take That Attitude to Your Grave” – 4:25
- “Waiting on an Angel” – 3:53
- “Mama’s Got a Girlfriend Now” – 2:29
- “Forever” – 3:23
- “Like a King” – 4:18
- “Pleasure and Pain” – 3:44
- “Walk Away” – 3:49
- “How Many Miles Must We March?” – 3:07
- “Welcome to the Cruel World” – 5:36
- “I’ll Rise” – 3:35
- “By and By I’m Goin’ to See the King” (hidden track)
Fight for Your Mind (1995)
Released: 1995
Fight for Your Mind is Ben Harper’s second studio album. It continues his exploration of social and political themes through a fusion of rock, blues, and reggae. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals and multiple instruments, and was produced by Ben Harper and JP Plunier. It was recorded at The Village Recorder and EMI Studios in Los Angeles, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Oppression” – 2:58
- “Ground on Down” – 4:52
- “Another Lonely Day” – 3:43
- “Please Me Like You Want To” – 4:55
- “Gold to Me” – 5:00
- “Burn One Down” – 3:31
- “Excuse Me Mr.” – 5:24
- “People Lead” – 4:13
- “Fight for Your Mind” – 4:06
- “Give a Man a Home” – 3:35
- “By My Side” – 3:34
- “Power of the Gospel” – 6:02
- “God Fearing Man” – 11:49
- “One Road to Freedom” – 4:12
The Will to Live (1997)
Released: 1997
The Will to Live is Ben Harper’s third studio album. It marks a shift towards a more rock-oriented sound while retaining his lyrical focus on personal and social issues. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals and various instruments, along with The Innocent Criminals. It was produced by Ben Harper and JP Plunier, recorded at Groove Masters in Santa Monica, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Faded” – 4:48
- “Homeless Child” – 3:51
- “Number Three” – 1:43
- “Roses from My Friends” – 6:23
- “Jah Work” – 4:54
- “I Want to Be Ready” – 4:02
- “The Will to Live” – 4:57
- “Ashes” – 3:52
- “Widow of a Living Man” – 4:10
- “Glory & Consequence” – 5:40
- “Mama’s Trippin'” – 3:45
- “I Shall Not Walk Alone” – 5:13
Burn to Shine (1999)
Released: 1999
Burn to Shine features Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals. The album blends rock, blues, and soul, showcasing Harper’s versatility and the band’s cohesive sound. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals and guitar, Juan Nelson on bass, Dean Butterworth on drums, and David Leach on percussion. It was produced by Jean-Pierre Plunier, recorded at The Factory in Sausalito, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Alone” – 3:58
- “The Woman in You” – 5:42
- “Less” – 4:05
- “Two Hands of a Prayer” – 7:50
- “Please Bleed” – 4:38
- “Suzie Blue” – 4:29
- “Steal My Kisses” – 4:05
- “Burn to Shine” – 3:35
- “Show Me a Little Shame” – 3:44
- “Forgiven” – 5:17
- “Beloved One” – 4:03
- “In the Lord’s Arms” – 3:06
Diamonds on the Inside (2003)
Released: 2003
Diamonds on the Inside is a diverse album featuring a mix of rock, reggae, and soul. Ben Harper expanded his sound with various musical styles and collaborations. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals and multiple instruments, with various contributing musicians. It was produced by Ben Harper and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “With My Own Two Hands” – 4:35
- “When It’s Good” – 3:04
- “Diamonds on the Inside” – 4:27
- “Touch from Your Lust” – 4:28
- “When She Believes” – 5:20
- “Brown Eyed Blues” – 5:42
- “Bring the Funk” – 4:08
- “Everything” – 3:01
- “Amen Omen” – 5:50
- “Temporary Remedy” – 3:12
- “So High So Low” – 3:44
- “Blessed to Be a Witness” – 4:12
- “Picture of Jesus” – 5:46
- “She’s Only Happy in the Sun” – 3:54
There Will Be a Light (2004)
Released: 2004
There Will Be a Light is a collaboration between Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama. The album blends gospel, blues, and soul, featuring spiritually uplifting and soulful songs. It was produced by Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama, recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Take My Hand” – 3:54
- “Wicked Man” – 3:32
- “Where Could I Go” – 4:09
- “Church House Steps” – 4:46
- “11th Commandment” – 1:35
- “Well, Well, Well” – 3:16
- “Picture of Jesus” – 3:44
- “Satisfied Mind” – 3:14
- “Mother Pray” – 3:00
- “There Will Be a Light” – 3:21
- “Church on Time” – 4:17
Both Sides of the Gun (2006)
Released: 2006
Both Sides of the Gun is a double album that showcases Ben Harper’s range, with one disc featuring his softer, acoustic side and the other his more rock-oriented side. The album featured Ben Harper on vocals and multiple instruments, with contributions from The Innocent Criminals and other musicians. It was produced by Ben Harper and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
Disc One:
- “Morning Yearning” – 4:09
- “Waiting for You” – 3:33
- “Picture in a Frame” – 4:36
- “Never Leave Lonely Alone” – 2:51
- “Sweet Nothing Serenade” – 2:45
- “Reason to Mourn” – 4:26
- “More Than Sorry” – 3:24
- “Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now” – 2:35
- “Happy Everafter in Your Eyes” – 2:31
Disc Two:
- “Better Way” – 3:58
- “Both Sides of the Gun” – 2:44
- “Engraved Invitation” – 2:55
- “Black Rain” – 2:57
- “Gather ‘Round the Stone” – 3:06
- “Please Don’t Talk About Murder While I’m Eating” – 2:34
- “Get It Like You Like It” – 3:28
- “The Way You Found Me” – 2:53
- “Serve Your Soul” – 8:22
Lifeline (2007)
Released: 2007
Lifeline is a collaboration between Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals. The album features a mix of blues, rock, and soul, recorded live on analog tape to capture the raw energy of the performances. It was produced by Ben Harper, recorded at Gang Studios in Paris, France, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Fight Outta You” – 4:10
- “In the Colors” – 2:57
- “Fool for a Lonesome Train” – 3:29
- “Needed You Tonight” – 2:46
- “Having Wings” – 3:26
- “Say You Will” – 2:57
- “Younger Than Today” – 3:24
- “Put It on Me” – 3:30
- “Heart of Matters” – 4:30
- “Paris Sunrise #7” – 5:17
- “Lifeline” – 4:28
White Lies for Dark Times (2009)
Released: 2009
White Lies for Dark Times marks Ben Harper’s collaboration with the band Relentless7. This album leans more towards rock and blues, showcasing Harper’s versatility and the band’s dynamic sound. It was produced by Ben Harper, Relentless7, and Danny Kalb, recorded at Eldorado Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, and released on Virgin Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Number With No Name” – 3:05
- “Up to You Now” – 5:01
- “Shimmer & Shine” – 3:06
- “Lay There & Hate Me” – 4:14
- “Why Must You Always Dress in Black” – 4:41
- “Skin Thin” – 4:33
- “Fly One Time” – 4:12
- “Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)” – 4:56
- “Boots Like These” – 3:54
- “The Word Suicide” – 5:04
- “Faithfully Remain” – 4:28
Give Till It’s Gone (2011)
Released: 2011
Give Till It’s Gone is a solo album by Ben Harper that features a blend of rock, folk, and blues. The album includes contributions from Ringo Starr and Jackson Browne. It was produced by Ben Harper and released on Virgin Records. The album was recorded primarily at Jackson Browne’s Groove Masters Studio in Santa Monica, California.
CD Track Listings:
- “Don’t Give Up on Me Now” – 3:31
- “I Will Not Be Broken” – 5:04
- “Rock N’ Roll Is Free” – 4:23
- “Feel Love” – 3:45
- “Clearly Severely” – 4:51
- “Spilling Faith” – 3:30
- “Get There from Here” – 5:54
- “Pray That Our Love Sees the Dawn” – 4:41
- “Waiting on a Sign” – 4:59
- “Dirty Little Lover” – 4:45
- “Do It for You, Do It for Us” – 4:27
Get Up! (2013)
Released: 2013
Get Up! is a collaboration between Ben Harper and blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite. The album blends blues, gospel, and roots music, showcasing the synergy between Harper’s guitar and Musselwhite’s harmonica. It was produced by Ben Harper, recorded at Carriage House Studios in Los Angeles, California, and released on Stax Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Don’t Look Twice” – 3:13
- “I’m In I’m Out and I’m Gone” – 4:37
- “We Can’t End This Way” – 3:34
- “I Don’t Believe a Word You Say” – 3:17
- “You Found Another Lover (I Lost Another Friend)” – 4:13
- “I Ride at Dawn” – 4:42
- “Blood Side Out” – 2:52
- “Get Up!” – 6:17
- “She Got Kick” – 2:56
- “All That Matters Now” – 4:53
Childhood Home (2014)
Released: 2014
Childhood Home is a collaboration between Ben Harper and his mother, Ellen Harper. The album features folk-inspired songs that reflect on family and personal history. It was produced by Ben Harper and recorded at The Machine Shop in Santa Monica, California. The album was released on Prestige Folklore.
CD Track Listings:
- “A House Is a Home” – 2:43
- “City of Dreams” – 3:42
- “Born to Love You” – 3:30
- “Heavyhearted World” – 2:57
- “Farmer’s Daughter” – 3:15
- “Memories of Gold” – 3:48
- “Altar of Love” – 3:21
- “Break Your Heart” – 3:41
- “Learn It All Again Tomorrow” – 3:03
- “How Could We Not Believe” – 3:47
Call It What It Is (2016)
Released: 2016
Call It What It Is marks the reunion of Ben Harper with The Innocent Criminals. The album features a mix of rock, blues, and reggae, addressing themes of social justice and personal reflection. It was produced by Ben Harper, Ethan Allen, and members of The Innocent Criminals, recorded at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, California, and released on Stax Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “When Sex Was Dirty” – 3:50
- “Deeper and Deeper” – 4:02
- “Call It What It Is” – 3:47
- “How Dark Is Gone” – 3:38
- “Shine” – 3:55
- “All That Has Grown” – 3:25
- “Pink Balloon” – 2:22
- “Finding Our Way” – 4:15
- “Bones” – 3:21
- “Dance Like Fire” – 3:09
- “Goodbye to You” – 5:06
No Mercy in This Land (2018)
Released: 2018
No Mercy in This Land is a second collaboration between Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite. The album delves deep into the blues, with heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances. It was produced by Ben Harper, recorded at Village Studios in Los Angeles, California, and released on Anti- Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “When I Go” – 3:45
- “Bad Habits” – 3:45
- “Love and Trust” – 3:06
- “The Bottle Wins Again” – 3:38
- “Found the One” – 2:47
- “When Love Is Not Enough” – 4:08
- “Trust You to Dig My Grave” – 3:32
- “No Mercy in This Land” – 3:45
- “Movin’ On” – 3:01
- “Nothing at All” – 3:37
Winter Is for Lovers (2020)
Released: 2020
Winter Is for Lovers is an instrumental album by Ben Harper, showcasing his skills on the lap steel guitar. The album is a single continuous piece of music, divided into movements that evoke various emotions and landscapes. It was written and arranged by Ben Harper for lap steel guitar and produced, engineered, and mixed by Sheldon Gomberg. It was released on Anti- Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Istanbul” – 1:46
- “Manhattan” – 3:08
- “Joshua Tree” – 3:55
- “Inland Empire” – 3:24
- “Harlem” – 2:26
- “Lebanon” – 0:29
- “London” – 2:08
- “Toronto” – 1:56
- “Verona” – 1:33
- “Brittany” – 0:46
- “Montreal” – 1:47
- “Bizanet” – 2:48
- “Toronto (Reprise)” – 0:37
- “Islip” – 1:48
- “Paris” – 3:02
Bloodline Maintenance (2022)
Released: 2022
Bloodline Maintenance features Ben Harper exploring themes of personal and collective history, blending soul, blues, and rock. The album was produced by Ben Harper and Sheldon Gomberg and released on Chrysalis Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Below Sea Level” – 1:47
- “We Need to Talk About It” – 2:53
- “Where Did We Go Wrong” – 2:44
- “Problem Child” – 4:31
- “Need to Know Basis” – 1:59
- “It Ain’t No Use” – 3:29
- “More Than Love” – 3:07
- “Smile at the Mention” – 3:38
- “Honey, Honey” – 3:31
- “Knew the Day Was Comin'” – 2:10
- “Maybe I Can’t” – 2:12
Wide Open Light (2023)
Released: 2023
Wide Open Light is Ben Harper’s latest studio album, featuring a blend of folk, rock, and soul. Ben Harper, Danny Kalb, and Jason Mozersky produced the album, recorded at The Carriage House in Silver Lake, the Sydney Opera House, and Henson in Los Angeles, and released it on Chrysalis Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Heart and Crown” – 2:09
- “Giving Ghosts” – 4:11
- “Masterpiece” – 2:44
- “8 Minutes” – 2:16
- “Yard Sale” – 4:17
- “Trying Not to Fall in Love With You” – 3:33
- “Wide Open Light” – 4:10
- “One More Change” – 3:48
- “Growing Growing Gone” – 2:28
- “Love After Love” – 2:32
- “Thank You Pat Brayer” – 3:54
Read More: Top 10 Ben Harper Songs
Updated August 20, 2026.
Complete List Of Ben Harper Albums And Discography article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026
