Welcome to the Cruel World

by Ben Harper

Welcome to the Cruel World cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 8 February 1994
  • Label: Virgin
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 53:20
  • Community rating: 3.29/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Ben Harper's debut album introduced his masterful lap steel guitar work and soulful, politically conscious songwriting to the 1990s alternative scene. Striking a delicate balance between Delta blues, folk, and classic 1970s soul, the acoustic-driven record established a deeply warm, organic roots-rock sound amidst an era dominated by grunge.

Genres

Descriptors: Acoustic, acoustic, melodic, rhythmic

Tracklist

  1. The Three Of Us (2:35)
  2. Whipping Boy (5:31)
  3. Breakin' Down (4:00)
  4. Don't Take That Attitude To Your Grave (4:25)
  5. Waiting On An Angel (3:53)
  6. Mama's Got A Girlfriend Now (2:29)
  7. Forever (3:24)
  8. Like A King (4:18)
  9. Pleasure And Pain (3:47)
  10. Walk Away (3:49)
  11. How Many Miles Must We March (3:08)
  12. Welcome To The Cruel World (5:37)
  13. I'll Rise (6:18)

Credits

  • John McKnight - bass, accordion
  • Rock Deadrick - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Chris Darrow - written-by
  • Clabe Hangan - backing vocals
  • Clarence Butler - backing vocals
  • John Taylor - backing vocals
  • Kenneth McDaniel - backing vocals
  • Suzie Katayama - cello
  • Ben Harper - Primary Artist, Dobro, Music By
  • J.P. Plunier - Music By
  • Richard Cook - Uilleann Pipes
  • Clyde Allen - Backing Vocals
  • Jelanie Jones - Backing Vocals
  • Kevin Williams - Backing Vocals
  • Maya Angelou - Lyrics By
  • Gail Deadrick - Piano

More from Ben Harper: full discography