Fight For Your Mind – Ben Harper (2xLP)

Fight for Your Mind, released in 1995, is the second studio album by Ben Harper and the last he recorded as a solo artist before forming a long-term collaboration with The Innocent Criminals. The record broadens his exploration of social justice, spirituality, and personal reflection, weaving together elements of folk, reggae, soul, and gospel-infused rock. Songs such as “Oppression,” “Excuse Me Mr.,” and “People Lead” confront global inequalities, while tracks like “Power of the Gospel,” “God Fearing Man,” and “One Road to Freedom” take on more spiritual and inward-looking themes. The album stands out for its rich instrumentation — acoustic and slide guitars, percussion, and strings — and for its wide emotional palette.

Often regarded as a key step forward in Harper’s career, Fight for Your Mind is praised for the way its lyrics and arrangements balance raw honesty with polished delivery. From the intimacy of “Another Lonely Day” to the urgent rallying cry of the title track, the album traverses moods and styles while maintaining a consistent voice rooted in authenticity. It remains an early landmark in Harper’s discography, showing how his artistry could blend activism with deeply personal songwriting.