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Better Way
Rock · 2006

Better Way

Ben Harper

Rhythmic roots-rock driven by insistent tabla and gritty slide guitar. A soulful, percussive anthem for social change and spiritual resilience.

January 29, 2006 · Virgin Music

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Better Way is a rhythmic powerhouse that stands as one of Ben Harper's most distinctive fusions of global sounds and American roots music. The track is anchored by an insistent, driving tabla rhythm that provides a hypnotic foundation for Harper's percussive acoustic guitar work. Unlike his more melancholic folk ballads, this release pulses with a forward-leaning energy, blending the spiritual depth of Indian percussion with the grit of 1970s soul and blues. It feels like a call to action, but one that is grounded in internal peace rather than external chaos.

Moments Worth Listening For
the sudden entrance of the tabla which shifts the track from standard folk-rock into a global groove
the grit in Harper's voice as he reaches the climactic repetition of the title phrase
the interlocking layers of hand percussion that build a wall of rhythm behind the acoustic guitar
Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Better Way sound next to the rest of Ben Harper's catalogue?

Open Field+2.4σ

Open Field saturates this record far more than the artist's norm.

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