Introduction
"Childhood Home" is a collaborative studio album by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Ben Harper and his mother, Ellen Harper. Launched on May 6, 2014, through Prestige Folklore, this intimate and poignant album features 10 family-rooted tracks checking out styles of fond memories, love, and household worths. Both artists bring their specific songwriting talents, resulting in a record that combines the conventional folk music soundscape with the modern melodic perceptiveness that Ben Harper has been understood for throughout his profession.
Background and Collaboration
Throughout the years, Ben Harper has actually showcased his musical adaptability throughout different categories varying from blues-flavored rock to soul and reggae. In "Childhood Home", Harper reconnects with his household's folk music roots and collaborates with his mom, Ellen Harper, owner of The Folk Music Center and Museum in Claremont, California. The mother-son duo invested nearly 7 years dealing with this project, developing and tape-recording the tunes.
Throughout their careers, Ben and Ellen Harper had carried out together on phase periodically. Nevertheless, this job marks their very first official recording cooperation. The album was produced by Grammy Award-winning manufacturer and engineer Sheldon Gomberg, with each track including contributions of both artists either separately or collaboratively.
Styles and Songwriting
The overarching themes of "Childhood Home" revolve around nostalgia, household values, love, and life lessons. The album's tracks catch a sense of heat, comfort, and a feeling of returning home, while simultaneously dealing with the trials and intricacies of domesticity.
Both Ben and Ellen Harper contribute their specific songwriting talents to the task, providing the album an ideal mix of their distinct lyrical and musical designs. Ben Harper composed six of the album's 10 tracks, while Ellen wrote the remaining four. The title track, "Born To Love You", penned by Ben, wonderfully encapsulates the style of lifelong dedication, reflecting on the love and care received from a mom and its enduring impact on a person's life.
Musical Style and Influences
"Childhood Home" sees Ben Harper toning down the electric rock sound that he ended up being understood for, in favor of a mellow, stripped-down acoustic sound, reminiscent of early American folk music. Drawing inspiration from traditional folk storytelling, both Ben and Ellen Harper's vocals are woven elaborately into the fabric of the tunes, providing an intimate narrative experience for the listener.
Some noteworthy tracks in the album consist of "A House Is a Home", which reinforces the idea of house being a place of love and warmth, and "Heavyhearted World", a societal commentary with a touch of optimism. "Farmer's Daughter", composed by Ellen, showcases her songwriting prowess and a fondness for vibrant imagery.
Reception
"Childhood Home" got typically positive evaluations from music critics, who applauded the intimate, authentic, and heartfelt nature of the songs. Ben and Ellen's psychological connection and chemistry shine through, offering the album its unique attributes. Commercially, the album debuted at number 43 on the Billboard 200, verifying the success of this deeply individual project.
In conclusion, "Childhood Home" stands out as an earnest, captivating musical journey, taking a closer look at Ben Harper and his mother's shared love for folk music and storytelling. Through their cooperation, they bring an intimate insight into family life, reminding all of us of the worth and nourishment we draw from our own childhood memories and experiences.
Artist: Ben Harper
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