by Ryan Randall Goble
Fight for Your Mind fully embraces Ben Harper's influences (Dylan, Marley, Havens, and Hendrix) into a complete sound while simultaneously broadening his thematic and musical palette. Oliver Charles' tactile drumming and Leon Mobley's percussion work give a sparkle to Harper's music that was absent on his debut. Songs like &Gold to Me& and &Excuse Me Mr.& show Harper growing as a poet, approaching ideas via more subtle avenues. The single &Ground on Down& and epic jam &God Fearing Man& capture some of the explosive energy of his live performances. The latter makes allusions to &While My Guitar Gently Weeps,& and that's exactly what Harper does -- allows his trademark Weissenborn guitar to scream out to his audience. The only misstep on this album is his sophomoric weed anthem &Burn One Down,& but one might argue that a little tarnish adds character.