Wide Open Light
Ben Harper · 2023
36 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A reflective blend of folk rock and blues, where personal narratives intertwine with soulful melodies and poignant instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Heart and Crown Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its heartfelt lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, encapsulating Harper's signature style.
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Yard Sale — In this track, Harper crafts vivid storytelling around themes of loss and nostalgia, showcasing his lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
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Wide Open Light — The title track serves as an anthem of hope and resilience, featuring a rich arrangement that highlights Harper's vocal range and artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and craftsmanship but lacks significant cultural footprint.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build in instrumentation, layering guitar and strings before introducing more complex arrangements.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the conversational quality of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a solo acoustic track that contrasts sharply with the preceding full-band sound, creating a reflective ending.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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, consistent energy levels
- short, immersive listening sessions
- introspective exploration of feelings
- contemplative mood enhancement
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and artistic growth in Harper's later career.
- Themes
- nostalgic storytelling· personal resilience· reflective blues landscapes
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Released on June 2, 2023, 'Wide Open Light' marks Ben Harper's first full studio album since 2018's 'No Mercy in This Land.' At this point in his career, Harper has established himself as a multifaceted artist, known for his exploration of different genres and deep lyrical content, further solidifying his legacy in the music world.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jack Johnson· John Mayer· Dave Matthews Band
Tracklist
- 1 Heart and Crown Start here 2:09
- 2 Giving Ghosts 4:11
- 3 Masterpiece 2:44
- 4 8 Minutes 2:16
- 5 Yard Sale 4:17
- 6 Trying Not To Fall In Love With You 3:33
- 7 Wide Open Light 4:10
- 8 One More Change 3:48
- 9 Growing Growing Gone 2:28
- 10 Love After Love 2:32
- 11 Thank You Pat Brayer 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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