{^Fight for Your Mind} fully embraces {$Ben Harper}'s influences ({$Dylan}, {$Marley}, {$Havens}, and {$Hendrix}) into a complete sound while simultaneously broadening his thematic and musical palette. {$Oliver Charles}' tactile drumming and {$Leon Mobley}'s percussion work give a sparkle to {$Harper}'s music that was absent on his debut. Songs like {&"Gold to Me"} and {&"Excuse Me Mr."} show {$Harper} growing as a poet, approaching ideas via more subtle avenues. The single {&"Ground on Down"} and epic jam {&"God Fearing Man"} capture some of the explosive energy of his live performances. The latter makes allusions to {&"While My Guitar Gently Weeps,"} and that's exactly what {$Harper} does -- allows his trademark Weissenborn guitar to scream out to his audience. The only misstep on this album is his sophomoric weed anthem {&"Burn One Down,"} but one might argue that a little tarnish adds character. ~ Ryan Randall Goble, All Music Guide