Ben Harper Shines in 'Dark Times.'

ARTIST: Ben Harper and Relentless7
Album: “White Lies for Dark Times”

During a concert last winter, Ben Harper said, “People say you shouldn’t smile when you’re making rock ’n’ roll, but fuck them.”

Harper’s latest album will make you do just that with his signature sunny, blues/rock sound. Since the release of his first album in 1994, Harper has had no problem entering the hearts of guitar fans and soul devotees with his soulful but diverse sound and endless collaborations.

His latest assemblage with rock band Relentless7 brings about a new sound to his latest release, “White Lies For Dark Times.”

Mostly absent from this latest release are the swaying soul, cultural cries like “Burn One Down” or the cute, catchy “Steal My Kisses.” Those echoes have been replaced with a darker sound, but still are built upon infectious guitar lines and grooves that will drive listeners to move.

Upon first listen, much of the album sounds like a cluster of throwaway singles, but it becomes additive the more you listen.

While his latest release strays from his usual formula, die-hard fans will not be disappointed. Relentless7 add to the rock feel of the album, but Harper’s affecting voice still pours over most tracks like light, warm rain on a summer evening. The two come together perfectly on the album’s best track, “Lay There & Hate Me.”

Everything from the catchy opener, “Number With No Name” to the subdued, soulful final track, “Faithfully Remain,” is filled with beautiful, thoughtful lyrics. He opens the album singing the hook, “The very thing that drives you can drive you insane ... like a number with no name.” In “Faithfully Remain,” he sings, “The truth just wastes away in all we can’t explain, but I faithfully remain.”

The change in sound is a success for Harper but probably won’t result in a home run for pop audiences. While the driving drum work and anthem-like feel of “Shimmer & Shine” are some of the better contributions to the album, Harper’s voice doesn’t sound right for this song. It’s been a hit among listeners and has gotten fine radio play, but it almost seems as if it began as a track by Relentless 7 and they put Harper on there just because.

All in all, it’s great for rock fans, yet soulful enough for blues fans. I applaud Harper for still being able to reinvent himself and create bold, new music after a long career.