Celebrating 25 years since its original release, on the 1st November UMe brings you Ben Harpers debut album WELCOME TO THE CRUEL WORLD on 45 RPM 180g vinyl.

The full range of Ben Harpers influences would not come to bear until later albums, but his debut, Welcome to the Cruel World, lays a strong foundation. Like a King and Take That Attitude to Your Grave burn with a political conviction rarely heard during the 1990s. Forever has a tenderness which demonstrates Harpers emotional range. Lackluster hippie jams that cultivated his early following may have served a purpose but feel fluffy by comparison when compared to the meatier tracks. Ben closes the album with a song that frequently closes his concerts, Ill Rise. This song, built around Maya Angelous 1979 poem And Still I Rise, reminds one of arts ability to pierce through society, self, and the soul Allmusic