Album: The Will to Live

Introduction
"The Will to Live" is the 3rd studio album by American musician Ben Harper, launched on June 17, 1997, through Virgin Records. The album includes a diverse mix of genres, including rock, blues, folk, and reggae, showcasing Harper's development as an artist and his determination to experiment with a range of sounds. With this album, Harper attained important acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his status as a significant singer-songwriter and guitar player in the 90s.

Background and Production
Following the success of his 1995 album, "Fight for Your Mind", Ben Harper continued to visit and acquire momentum as a live performer. He returned to the studio to record "The Will to Live" with his recently formed band, the Innocent Criminals, including Juan Nelson (bass), Oliver Charles (drums), and David Leach (percussion). Produced by Harper and JP Plunier, the album was taped at various studios in Los Angeles, consisting of Sunset Sound Factory and Hollywood Sound.

"The Will to Live" exhibits Harper's development and maturity as a songwriter, blending individual self-questioning with political and social commentary. The album's styles explore love, death, spirituality, and the human experience, showcasing a psychological depth that resonated with listeners.

Music and Lyrics
Musically, "The Will to Live" expands upon the designs provided in Harper's previous albums. The opening track, "Faded", begins with an electrical guitar riff and slowly builds to incorporate a full band setting, providing listeners a taste of Harper's blues and rock influences. This is followed by the album's title track, "The Will to Live", an effective acoustic-driven song centered around the style of persevering through life's hardships.

The album likewise features a cover of Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise", highlighting Harper's literary influences and his capability to interpret and change the works of others into captivating tunes. The haunting "I Shall Not Walk Alone" demonstrates Harper's ability for storytelling and metaphors, as he sings about finding solace and redemption in faith and friendship.

Throughout the album, Harper's masterful guitar playing and unique voice are well-complemented by atrioventricular bundle's tight balanced accuracy. The Innocent Criminals contributed significantly to the total noise of the album, as their important adaptability offered Harper the flexibility to check out different genres and designs.

Reception and Legacy
"The Will to Live" got favorable reviews from music critics, praising Harper's diversity in songwriting and his evolution as an artist. The album peaked at number 89 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and had even more success in Europe, particularly in France, where it sold over 200,000 copies.

The album's standout single, "Faded/Whole Lotta Love", a collection incorporating components of Led Zeppelin's classic rock tune, became a fan preferred and showed Harper's ability to adapt and remodel existing material into something brand-new and ingenious.

The Will to Live worked as a pivotal point in Harper's career, preparing for the strong fan base he integrated in the late 90s and early 2000s. Its mix of categories, extensive lyricism, and top-notch musicianship has enabled the album to withstand more than twenty years after its release, still resonating with fans and affecting modern artists today.