On February 8, 1994, “Virgin” label released “Welcome to the Cruel World” the debut Ben Harper album.  It was recorded in 1993, at the “Convent”, and was produced by Ben Harper and J.P. Plunier.

Personnel:

• Ben Harper – vocals, multiple instruments
• Richard Cook – uillean pipes
• John McKnight – bass, accordion
• Rock Deadrick – drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Suzie Katayama – cello
• Tommy D. Daugherty- drum programming
• Clyde Allen – backing vocals
• Clarence Butler – backing vocals
• John Taylor – backing vocals
• Kevin Williams – backing vocals
• Ken McDaniel – backing vocals
• Clabe Hangan – backing vocals
• Jelani Jones – backing vocals
• Tom Dolan, J.P. Plunier – art direction
• Jeff Gottlieb – photography

All tracks by Ben Harper except where noted.

1. The Three of Us
2. Whipping Boy – Chris Darrow
3. Breakin’ Down – Ben Harper, Jean Pierre Plunier
4. Don’t Take That Attitude to Your Grave
5. Waiting on an Angel
6. Mama’s Got a Girlfriend Now
7. Forever
8. Like a King
9. Pleasure and Pain
10. Walk Away
11. How Many Miles Must We March
12. Welcome to the Cruel World
13. I’ll Rise – Maya Angelou and Ben Harper
14. By and By I’m Going to See the King – Blind Willie Johnson
15. Remember