Album: No Mercy in This Land

Introduction
"No Mercy in This Land" is a collaborative studio album by American blues artists Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, released on March 30, 2018, through ANTI- Records. This is the 2nd collective effort by the duo, following their 2013 Grammy-winning album "Get Up!" The album features ten tracks that display the unbelievable skills of both artists, blending Harper's melodies, guitar work, and soulful voice with Musselwhite's harmonica mastery.

Background and Production
After their successful collaboration on "Get Up!", Harper and Musselwhite decided to work together once again to produce another album that would explore deeper aspects of the blues. "No Mercy in This Land" was recorded in various studios in California, consisting of The Village Studios and Groove Masters in Santa Monica, and Whitey's Place in Chatsworth. The album was produced by Harper himself, along with Ethan Allen, who has previously dealt with artists like Sheryl Crow and Patty Griffin. The recording sessions caught the raw, live environment of the duo's performances, stressing their chemistry and passion for the blues.

Style and Themes
"No Mercy in This Land" is an expedition of the blues category, integrating aspects of Delta blues, Chicago blues, and contemporary blues-rock. Harper's guitar work varies from heavy riffs to fragile fingerpicking, while his vocals move between smooth crooning and raw, emotional outbursts. Musselwhite's harmonica playing is similarly versatile and expressive, making the album rich in textures and dynamics.

Thematically, the album handles discomfort, loss, and resilience, showcasing a vulnerability in both artists' lyrics. The title track, motivated by Musselwhite's own life, checks out the principle of redemption and battle. Meanwhile, "The Bottle Wins Again" explores addiction and its harmful repercussions. Throughout the album, the duo deals with distress, love, and survival, drawing from both individual experiences and universal feelings.

Reception
"No Mercy in This Land" received critical praise from music critics, who applauded the chemistry between Harper and Musselwhite, along with their ability to dive deep into the blues genre. Rolling Stone described the album as "a modern blues timeless", while American Songwriter noted the duo's "indisputable chemistry" and their "delicate, intuitive performances". The album likewise received positive reviews from publications like Mojo, Uncut, and AllMusic.

The album charted on numerous charts worldwide, including reaching number one on the Billboard Blues Albums chart and number 4 on the Top Heatseekers chart. It also received nominations for the 2019 Blues Music Awards in the categories of Album of the Year, Song of the Year ("No Mercy in This Land"), and Traditional Blues Album.

Conclusion
"No Mercy in This Land" is a powerful, soul-stirring album that showcases both Ben Harper's and Charlie Musselwhite's tremendous skills and enthusiasm for the blues category. The partnership in between 2 of the most renowned modern blues artists has actually resulted in an ageless classic that pays tribute to the roots of blues while pressing it into brand-new territories. With its compelling story, raw, live energy, and psychological honesty, "No Mercy in This Land" stands as a testimony to the long-lasting power and significance of the blues in contemporary music.