For the latest release from Ben Harper, he and his Innocent Criminals traveled to France following a nine-month European tour to cut an album in a Paris recording studio. In just seven days, the group was able to record an entire album straight to tape without any digital effects – something that not too many bands these days could accomplish. The result is a very soulful, bluesy, classic-sounding album that perhaps sounds as if it should belong in your parents’ vinyl collection back at home. While “Lifeline” may not rock out as hard as previous albums from Harper, such as “Fight for Your Mind,” it still deserves a listen.

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For his first studio release in America since 2001’s “Esperanza,” the Franco-Spanish singer/songwriter’s new release infuses Chao’s signature blend of reggae/ska/punk/Latin music in a clever, danceable and meaningful manner.