Ben Harper's debut speaks to a lonesome soul while his bittersweet acoustic guitar soothes the ears. Stripped-down songs like the soothing lullaby "Waiting On an Angel" and the tranquil reverie "Forever" allow Harper's hushed voice and introspective lyrics to tease out a feeling of redemption. Capping this powerful debut, the title track fuses blues and folk-rock influences into a slow burning lament on life, followed by the impassioned "I'll Rise," turning a Maya Angelou poem into an ardent statement of purpose.