Get Up! cover

Get Up!

Ben Harper · 2013

40 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A raw fusion of blues and rock, driven by gritty guitar riffs and heartfelt vocal exchanges between Harper and Musselwhite.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Don't Look Twice Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    I'm in I'm Out and I'm Gone — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its infectious rhythm and interplay between Harper's soulful vocals and Musselwhite's expressive harmonica, creating a dynamic listening experience.
  • →
    Get Up! — The title track serves as an anthem for perseverance, blending upbeat instrumentation with a powerful message that reflects both artists' commitment to social issues.
  • →
    You Found Another Lover (I Lost Another Friend) — This song stands out for its poignant exploration of heartbreak, combining emotional lyrics with a classic blues melody that highlights Harper's vocal depth.

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 blues and rock effectively, showcasing strong musicianship and thematic depth.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Each song prominently features harmonica solos that interact dynamically with Harper's guitar riffs and vocals.
  • The album closes with a gradual build-up in intensity, culminating in the final track which maintains a steady rhythm but shifts to a more contemplative tone.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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 pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • inviting sing-along choruses
  • for afternoon drives
  • consistent flow with emotional peaks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy song explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its raw sound and collaboration with Musselwhite.
Themes
social justice anthems· heartbreak blues· gritty urban resilience
Career context
Get Up! marked Ben Harper's third collaboration with harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite, following their successful album, 2011's 'Get Up!' This album arrived during a period where Harper was exploring deeper blues influences while maintaining his roots in folk and rock, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Jack Johnson· John Mayer· Dave Matthews Band

Tracklist

  • 1 Don't Look Twice Start here 3:12
  • 2 I'm in I'm Out and I'm Gone 4:37
  • 3 We Can't End This Way 3:34
  • 4 I Don't Believe a Word You Say 3:16
  • 5 You Found Another Lover (I Lost Another Friend) 4:12
  • 6 I Ride at Dawn 4:41
  • 7 Blood Side Out 2:51
  • 8 Get Up! 6:16
  • 9 She Got Kick 2:56
  • 10 All That Matters Now 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata