Album: Both Sides of the Gun

Introduction
"Both Sides of the Gun", launched in 2006, is Ben Harper's seventh studio album and a double album that showcases both Harper's hard-rocking side with his funk and soul-infused side. The album is split into two parts, with the very first half including more aggressive tracks and the second half displaying a softer side of Harper's music approach. The album title is a recommendation to the duality of his musical design, in addition to a commentary on the intricacies of humanity, love, and life-- showing themes present throughout the album. As the follow-up to his 2004 release "There Will Be A Light", "Both Sides of the Gun" presents a more mature and speculative side of Ben Harper's music.

Duality and Exploration of Sounds
"Both Sides of the Gun" features varied styles and categories, efficiently showcasing Harper's ability to adjust and experiment with different sounds. On the much heavier side of the album, tracks like "Better Way" and "Get It Like You Like It" are driven by strong guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming, while bluesy tunes like "Engraved Invitation" and "Please Don't Talk About Murder While I'm Eating" shows Harper's darker side.

The 2nd half of the album, on the other hand, is filled with more reflective and relaxed tracks. Songs like "Morning Yearning", "Happy Ever After", and the title track "Both Sides Of The Gun" showcase Harper's capability to produce emotional and smooth tunes with sincere lyrics.

Lyrics and Themes
Throughout "Both Sides of the Gun", Harper continues to look into political and social problems, touching on subjects like love, relationships, war, and inequality. The title track addresses both the idea of duality and weapon control, while "Black Rain" uses a review of post-Hurricane Katrina America and the federal government's handling of the consequences.

On the other hand, the album's softer side boasts tunes about love and humanity, highlighting Harper's introspective songwriting. In "Picture in a Frame", Harper checks out the longing and vulnerability felt in relationships. Likewise, "Waiting for You" looks into the anticipation and nervousness of being reunited with a loved one.

Reception
Upon its release, "Both Sides of the Gun" received normally favorable evaluations from music critics, praising Harper's depth and variety of noise throughout the album. The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Harper's highest entry at the time. Critics also praised Harper's desire to experiment with new sounds, some even citing "Both Sides of the Gun" as his most daring album yet.

Nevertheless, some critics felt that the double album format caused a lack of focus, leading them to choose one side of the album over the other. In spite of these reviews, "Both Sides of the Gun" remains a cherished record among Ben Harper fans and a testimony to his flexibility as a musician.

Conclusion
"Both Sides of the Gun" is a remarkable exploration into the duality of Ben Harper's musical designs and his maturation as a songwriter. Its variety of musical genres, combined with insightful lyrics attending to love, politics, and human nature, make for a deeply appealing listening experience. The album's focus on experimentation and creative blending of various sounds works as a bold declaration in Harper's profession, showing his development as an artist and his capability to take on numerous styles and designs with skill.