Is Call It What It Is a good place to start with Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals?

Yes, Call It What It Is is recommended as a starting point for new Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals listeners. A soulful blend of rock, blues, and folk that reflects on love, loss, and societal issues with heartfelt sincerity. In 2016, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals returned with 'Call It What It Is', their first album together in over eight years. This release followed a period of solo work for Harper, marking a significant reunion that showcased his evolution as an artist while reconnecting with his established sound.

Who is Call It What It Is for?

Call It What It Is works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, poignant lyrics for thoughtful listening and soulful vibes for evening relaxation.

How many songs are on Call It What It Is?

Call It What It Is has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Call It What It Is

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals · 2016

40 min · 11 tracks

A soulful blend of rock, blues, and folk that reflects on love, loss, and societal issues with heartfelt sincerity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When Sex Was Dirty Start here — This opening track sets a provocative tone, juxtaposing raw lyrics about desire with a catchy melody that captures the essence of the album's exploration of intimacy and societal norms.
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Call It What It Is — The title track serves as a powerful anthem addressing social justice issues, blending Harper's soulful vocals with poignant lyrics that demand clarity in the face of adversity.
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Goodbye to You — This closing track is an emotional farewell, featuring introspective lyrics that reflect on personal loss and resilience, encapsulating the album's overarching themes beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock, blues, and folk with strong lyrical themes, showcasing solid craftsmanship and varied song structures.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The title track stands out with its anthemic chorus and layered instrumentation, contrasting with the more stripped-down arrangements of other songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
poignant lyrics for thoughtful listening
soulful vibes for evening relaxation
intimate setting with friends
uplifting anthems for shared experiences

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showing continued vitality and relevance.
Themes: social justice urgency· intimacy and change· identity exploration
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: In 2016, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals returned with 'Call It What It Is', their first album together in over eight years. This release followed a period of solo work for Harper, marking a significant reunion that showcased his evolution as an artist while reconnecting with his established sound.