Hank Harris’ latest album Beautiful Planet ranks high as a cohesive musical and lyrical statement. The collection’s eleven compositions span subjects internal and external without losing the same steady voice fueling the songs. The South Dakota-based songwriter surrounds himself with a capable array of musicians sympathetic to his vision, but his voice and writing are the incontestable heart. He has an idiosyncratic voice with a seemingly limited range, but his emotive powers produce genuine moments of magic. Those moments are abundant across Beautiful Planet and elevate this outstanding set of songs.
He brings us into the album’s world in a measured fashion. He develops the song patiently with a mediative spirit, and the artistic merits orbit around Harris’ vocals. Applying light post-production effects to Harris’ voice contributes atmosphere, but ultimately sounds sulfurous. His voice couldn’t command stadiums, but he sings well enough to carry these tunes. “Beautiful Planet” is an exemplary title cut. The straightforward melodic virtues powering the song are right for its tempo. It boasts pacing reminiscent of reggae but never hits a purist note. Anyone looking for lighthearted entertainment from his lyrics will be disappointed, but they are never a dreary slog.
Nor are the lyrics for the acoustic-flavored cut “Grace”. Scattered backing vocals supporting Harris’ voice during the chorus add a light exclamation point to the arrangement, and imaginative twists are built into the composition. Harris is comfortable working in a restrained mode throughout Beautiful Planet, and this is a peak moment in the collection. “Love is Not Enough” is another high spot that interlaces colorful keyboard work through the arrangement. The patient percussion fills the performance with a limber yet pronounced pulse. Harris’ message isn’t especially jovial, to say the least, yet delivering it in such an appealing musical vehicle is a shrewd move.
“11 Time Zones East” continues pushing a less-than-cheerful message. Building its lyrical inventions around a suggestive arrangement imbues “11 Time Zones East” with a different air than preceding cuts. It has an artier touch than many other Beautiful Planet songs. No other modern songwriter would compose a track like “Beauty Makes Promises”. It’s instantly identifiable as a Harris tune. Pronouncements such as the title might sound heavy-handed in the hands of lesser talents but come across in Harris’ work as born from extensive and often painful experience. The gentle guitar playing woven throughout the song creates quite a striking contrast with its message.
“That’s When I Think of You” ends the release on a memorable note. It is another of the finest songwriting moments filling Beautiful Planet. It deserves to be noted for its lyrics, vocal phrasing, and instrumental accompaniment. The latter develops in dramatic, yet never abrasive, fashion. Its construction is flawless. The individual parts complement each other and interlock into an overall whole that should satisfy even the most jaded listener. Hank Harris’ Beautiful Planet is a first-class effort from beginning to end and leaves you wanting more. He has something personal to say and says it extraordinarily well.
Cleopatra Patel