Ben Harper

Ben Harper

Diamonds on the Inside (Virgin) Four years since his last studio album, Ben Harper re-emerges in a world dominated by the likes of John Mayer and Jack Johnson, guitar virtuosos borrowing from his acoustic-based formula. Maybe Harper should be worried, but he doesn't sound all that concerned with anything -- including good songs -- judging by Diamonds on the Inside. True, the soul-inspired vocalist wants to change the world and take care of his loved ones, themes that dominate the album, whether in songs about identifying the beauty in the one you love ("Everything") or simply bringing the funk ("Bring the Funk"). This is all well and good, but Harper relies on his talented musicianship and infectious voice rather than sound compositions on the album's many, many portraits of romance and spirituality. There's a delightful stomp to bluesy tunes like "When It's Good," but it's a somewhat reserved howl, as if Harper is afraid that he might scare away the Dave Matthews and Widespread Panic fans if he cuts loose. "When She Believes" is the one true standout, where Harper blends gorgeous strings with an accordion to create a song as romantic as its words suggest. Not even a nice turn from world-beat choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo on "Picture of Jesus" can help Diamonds stand up against the competition. Harper proves that he's got a lot of work ahead of him in sorting out his songwriting before he can even begin to think about changing our world. (Ben Harper plays the Backyard Wednesday, April 30.)