Good singer songwriters offer up works that are respectable in their own genre, but legendary ones transcend all boundaries. Ben Harper, welcome to this roster. This album is leaps and bounds better than anything he's ever done, and if you don't think so, buddy you are dead wrong. Opener "With My Own Two Hands" is spot-on Bob Marley tribute, and "When It's Good" is steel guitar blues at it's best.

If your foot is not stomping, you're just not among the living. The title track gives props to Robbie Robertson, and "When She Believes" has some of the best French Riviera accordion and strings to come along in quite some time. "Brown Eyed Blues" will prick up Jim Croce's ear, wherever he is, and "Bring the Funk" will bring Sly Stone's ghost over to raid your fridge and sleep on your couch. You'll beg him not to leave. And that is just the first seven tracks!!! "Temporary Remedy" brings the fury of the plugged-in lap guitar that Harper is famous for, and his band the Innocent Criminals definitely burn to shine here.

But Harper is best when he is the troubadour. "Blessed to Be a Witness" will make you cry, and if I personally ever make it to the Pearly Gates, I hope "Picture of Jesus" is playing on the P. A. Ladysmith Black Mumbazo and Harper together--that is how I envision heaven. Diamonds on the Inside couldn©öt be more aptly named, it's a motherlode of precious gems. Bling bling.