Album: White Lies for Dark Times

Introduction
"White Lies for Dark Times" is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Ben Harper, released on May 5, 2009. The album features the band Relentless7 as Harper's backing band, marking a departure from his previous deal with the Innocent Criminals. This union caused a more rock-oriented sound for Harper, while still integrating his signature slide guitar and soulful vocals. The album debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it Harper's greatest charting album to date.

Formation of Relentless7
Ben Harper coordinated with Texas-based rock band Relentless7, featuring Jason Mozersky on guitar, Jesse Ingalls on bass, and Jordan Richardson on drums. Harper first satisfied Mozersky in the late 90s and eventually invited him to contribute to his 2006 album "Both Sides of the Gun". Mozersky, in turn, presented Harper to his bandmates, Ingalls and Richardson. The chemistry between the artists was palpable, and the recently formed group started deal with what would ultimately end up being "White Lies for Dark Times".

Recording and Production
"White Lies for Dark Times" was recorded at the Eldorado Recording Studios in Burbank, California. The band chose to record the album live in the studio, recording a raw and spontaneous energy. Harper shared production responsibilities with Danny Kalb, who had actually previously worked with the Innocent Criminals. The album was mixed by Michael Brauer, who has actually worked with Coldplay, John Mayer, and Paul McCartney, to name a few.

Track Listing and Themes
The album includes 11 tracks that show a range of themes, from social commentary to individual introspection. The hard-hitting opening track, "Number with No Name", challenges problems of identity and social expectations. The title track, "White Lies for Dark Times", looks into the idea of dealing with harsh realities and how some might choose to cloak themselves in dishonesty.

Other standout tracks include "Shimmer & Shine", a contagious, positive rocker about accepting change, and "Skin Thin", an introspective ballad showing Harper's soulful vocals and slide guitar prowess. The politically charged "Up to You Now" tackles themes of war and individual obligation, while "Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)" dives into the intricacies of relationships.

Reception
"White Lies for Dark Times" received typically positive evaluations from music critics upon its release. Critics applauded the raw energy and chemistry between Harper and Relentless7, with lots of praising the shift towards a more rock-oriented sound. Some discovered the album to be a departure from Harper's eclectic style of previous works, while others felt that the collaboration with Relentless7 permitted the artist to grow and develop.

Commercially, the album was also a success, peaking at number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart, second on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart, and top on the Blues Albums chart. Internationally, the album fared well, charting in the leading 30 in Australia, Canada, France, and Switzerland.

Legacy and Future Collaborations
"White Lies for Dark Times" marked a new chapter in Ben Harper's profession, showcasing his adaptability as an artist and the effective partnership with Relentless7. The album's tracks continue to be fan favorites and are frequently included in Harper's live performances. While Harper has considering that gone back to working with the Innocent Criminals, his cooperation with Relentless7 stands as a testament to his capability to push innovative boundaries, making "White Lies for Dark Times" a vital listen for any fan of the genre.