KIWANUKA

Hot dang, this is fantastic! One of the best things this list has introduced me to, for sure. Love the atmosphere - love the journey it takes you on, and the way the tracks follow on from each other. Genre and time period distort and blend. It often seems like I'm being reminded of music I can't quite place. Great stuff. Fave track - "You Ain't the Problem" is a great opener. "Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)" and its intro are awesome. Really, though, this feels like a whole album experience, rather than picking out individual tracks...

Wow! How refreshing to listen to something that lacks a clear definition of genre while being impressively unpredictable. The sound ranges from 60s rock, to ambience, to blues and jazz, sounding classic and contemporary at the same time. Massive respect to him.

This album was totally out of left field for me, but wow what a good surprise. This is a contender for my favorite album on my list so far. It is an absolute masterpiece

A beautifully passionate indie rock album, with gorgeous instrumentation and captivating lyrics. I love the guitar tones, driving basslines, and how Michael Kiwanuka manages to breathe life into topics with like perseverance, love, and social injustice. BEST TRACKS: You Ain't The Problem, Rolling, Hero, Hard To Say Goodbye WORST TRACKS: N/A

NEW BLOOD! Let's start here: I truly believe it's a great idea that new albums are added to this list every few years. Hell, I'm up for anything that will remove some of the far-too-many Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen albums that populate the list. My concern is that the additions are only chosen among recent releases. They never go back and reassess some previously released albums that missed the cut originally; albums that have held up or been given a second life in later years. And yes, I'm still beating the drum for getting the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack, and a Bob Seger or Jackson Browne album on this list. The other concern about adding only the recent albums could fall under the "Can't see the forest from the trees" argument. The most glaring example of this is Taylor Swift's "Evermore" being included over "Folklore" with these new additions. It's not a stretch to say that Folklore is widely considered the better of the two Swift albums released in 2020. In fact, Evermore was almost an afterthought. It's a great album, but it almost feels like a bonus album of songs that missed the cut from being included on Folklore. I mean, Folklore won the Album of the Year Grammy for crying out loud, a distinction which along deserves at least consideration on this list. Which brings us to the album in question by Michael Kiwanuka, an artist I hate to admit I knew nothing about until today. And Good Lord is this a great fucking album. It's a well deserved new entry on the list. But I'm already hearing things like, "Yes, it's remarkable, but the album he did before it called 'Love & Hate' is the true masterpiece." And true to form, Spotify played me Kiwanuka's most popular track when this album ended ("Cold Little Heart", which gained notoriety for being the theme song of that HBO series "Big Little Lies" that was only worth watching for Laura Dern embracing her batshit crazy side). I hear a lot of Stevie Wonder here, along with some Bill Withers and Leon Bridges. Unfortunately, there's just a little too much Danger Mouse. Kiwanuka doesn't need that kind of karma. I'll be spending more time in Michael Kiwanuka's world. Not even Danger Mouse can keep me away.

Upbeat, epic, dramatic. Both modern and retro. Is thus the Big Little Lies intro song guy? Each one of these songs seemed well though out and composed, had a beginning middle and end. I’m impressed. Not a bad song, so I guess it’s a 5.

This is a very interesting album. In many ways it feels very retro - like parts of this came straight out of the 70s. But those parts are fused with some very modern influences. I found it quite remarkable. The introspective lyrics give you a lot to think about. The album is lush, at times exotic. It feels very personal. I loved listening to it in solitude - a private escape. I was going to list some of the highlights for me, but this really was an experience that works so well as an album I don’t think I want to call out any specific tracks. What an amazing journey!

Was not expecting this. No idea what I was Expecting but I was expecting it to be a bit shit. This is not shit, this is antishit. He'd do a very good bond theme tune.

I thought his was tremendous. A very distinct voice, but stylistically hard to pin down. Soulfully performed and deeply personal, and just very good

I'd never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before and so I had zero expectations or preconceived notions... Wow - this is great. Expansive yet accessible; harkens back to a lot of 70s music with its melodies and chord structure, but all in/with a modern sound. Multi-instruments, great vocals, varied rhythms and tempos - this is a treat. I figured this would take a few listens to fully settle in and I'm 3 times through already (got this on a weekend) - even after one pass I was really intrigued/impressed and will be keeping this in the library...hell, I'm enjoying this so much I can't say anything remotely negative about it - it's not even too long in the age of wayyyy too long albums. I guess I just talked this one into a 5. Love it. 9/10 5 stars.

A big reason of why i decided to start the 1001 journey was the chance to discover something that even as a self proclaimed music aficionado i may have missed. "Hidden gems" if you will. The kind of record that after a single listening session can make me scratch my head and think "how did i not listen to this before?" Well, i'm just glad to have found Kiwanuka now.

He is so thoughtful, and continues to get better. Voice smooth as butter. A soft exterior with a razor sharp edge, sucks you in and then hits you with some truth.

What a surprising musical journey. Beautiful vocals and grandiose music pieces.

68 KIWANUKA -Michael Kiwanuka 14 tracks Wow!Face with open mouth I will excuse his lazyness in album name choice because this is good, VERY good. I will listen to this again, (& again & again), but I will also listen to his other stuff. Amazing voice, strings, variation, proper album Thumbs up 5/5

One of my favorite albums of 2020 – Kiwanuka's voice and guitar work are unique but comforting. Modern blues for the soul.

Ethereal, gorgeous, heartfelt. The soaring melodies, the swelling background vocalists, these arrangements make me FEEL deeply. The world needs more artists like Michael Kiwanuka. I'm very much looking forward to seeing him perform at the Met in a few days!

A terrific album, worthy of winning the Mercury Prize. I really enjoyed the variety of styles represented on the CD.

VERY pleasantly surprised by this album, wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this entire album, and have never heard of this artist, nor was it a genre I expected to enjoy this much.

Pleased to see this as album number 1, one I've enjoyed a lot but not listened to in ages.

This album is what I was looking for from this project. I love this album. I love everything about this album. I had never heard anything from the album, didn't know a thing about the artist, didn't know the genre, didn't know anything, and what a guy was a beautiful pleasant surprise. The vibe is outstanding. I could name any song from the album and point it out as a stand out, but for right now I'll say 'I've been dazed'. At times there was a 60s aesthetic, some beautiful orchestra, amazing vocals and wonderful instrumentation. This is an album I was revisit. It's a solid FIVE.

That was glorious. I had never heard of the artist or the album and I’ve listened through it five times already in two days. Clearly I’ve got a Jones for recent Brit soul. More specifically, the pathos evoked from Kiwanuka’s guitar evokes an emo-tinged Hendrix. I loved it.

I am here for everything Michael Kiwanuka does. The way he uses percussion to build energy, his haunting voice, it's all gold.

When you hear the first minute of the first song you know this is going to be different. The horns and the raucous background chatter & choir – the mix of progressive soul, thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics and a sophisticated modern, yet retro sound. The production & arrangements we owe to Danger Mouse and Inflo, who I notice, this time round, share the song writing credits as well. I like the way that one song mixes into the next, giving the sense that this is an album verse a collection of songs. I’ve liked MK’s earlier material and this LP was missing the obvious hits, but overall, it’s a more solid beginning-to-end effort with a greater variety of sounds and textures. I thank MC for bringing it to my attention back in 2020.

I know Michael Kiwanuka as the guy who performs the Big Little Lies theme (my favorite show), so I’m totally psyched to hear this album. The production of this album created such a rich and full sound. There’s a clear mix of influences — gospel, rock, electronic music. Beyond all of these specifics, this is a beautiful album that explores love, violence, intolerance, and other themes becoming increasingly salient in the modern Western world. No two songs sound alike. Kiwanuka’s voice is stunningly mournful, pensive, thoughtful, and strong. The themes of this record could probably be construed as political, but I think that would be a serious reduction of the main messages here. Kiwanuka points to the violent intolerance that goes on today, calling for a love-oriented rearticulating of our social order. Not at all political but simple truths. This album is the sound of the times. I’m glad to have heard it, and I will definitely listen again, recommend to others, and keep up with what Michael Kiwanuka is doing today!

Best Song: You Ain't The Problem. Incredible mix of retro-sounding soul and modern mixing elements. Immediately loved it. Close second to "I've Been Dazed". Worst Song: None. Overall: This one really surprised me. I knew nothing about it going it, and it completely blew me away. It was soulful yet modern, with beautiful lead vocals and what feels like a perfect mix built around those vocals. One of my favourite personal discoveries from the list thus far.

Veel afwisseling in sfeer tussen de nummers. Kalmerende instrumentale stukjes, mooi gezongen. Heel goed album!

never heard of this album glad to have found it. generally chill beats with some drive

Psychedelic, soulful and complex. Excellent.

A big nothing

What a pleasant surpise this is! Haben never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before I had no idea what to expect. Turns out what was waiting for me is a progressive-soul record with a wide array of influences. All songs very smoothly lead into the next one making the whole album feel like more than its parts. The whole thing takes you on such an enjoyable journey that you don't really feel the time pass. Will absolutely enter my rotation.

I've listened to this album a lot today. I thought I liked the odd bit of Michael Kiwanuka and I loved the work he did with SAULT, but I never really got into his music. I think this is partly because there aren't really any obvious stand out tunes that I could stick on a playlist of other music. However, as a whole, this album and Kiwanuka's music in general really grew on me. The more I listened to the whole album, the more I enjoyed it. This is very good indeed.

fuck man.

10/10

This feels so classic and so fresh all at the same time! His voice is so beautiful and warm and the instrumentation is so full. I love seeing stuff on here that is more recent.

That was terrific. Thanks to Alex for creating a tool that brings unexpected music to my computer each day!

Modern classic. Beautifully written, played, sung, produced and sequenced. Some obvious classic influences - Marvin Gaye and Hendrix - but carried lightly

Beautiful jazzy, melodic, heartfelt album; The melodies make you endulge in nostalgic and memorable feelings, jazzy, cinematic, grande You aint the problem, Piano Joint Combo, Hero, Solid Ground

First song and I’m already loving this. What a great album! I got Black Pumas vibes and just overall really loved everything that was done here. Surprised he hadn’t come up before in my listening.

You Ain't The Problem- 10/10 Rolling- 10/10 I've Been Dazed- 10/10 Piano Joint (Intro)- 8/10 Piano Joint- 9/10 Another Human Being- 8/10 Living In Denial- 9/10 Hero (Intro)- 9/10 Hero- 9/10 Hard To Say Goodbye- 9/10 Final Days- 10/10 Loving The People- 10/10 Solid Ground- 10/10 Light- 9/10 KIWANUKA- 9/10

Joyful modern soul with a great voice and a socially meaningful inspiration. Something I would never seek out, but glad it came my way

Its incredible and a great example of why I'm doing this, never heard of him and I'm on my second playthrough of this album already easy 5

So good, so replayable. New album when? Best track: Hero

Welcome to Black Floyd, the group formed following the dismissal of founding member Syd Barrett, and replaced by Michael Kiwanuka. Oh, and that other guy, David something or other, starts with a G, I think. Everything I love about 60-70s Pink Floyd is offered on 'Kiwanuka': heavily (and I do mean heavily) distorted acid rock guitar riffs (complete with wah wah), jazzy relaxed drums and bass, luscious synth aural baths. Several of the songs also featured some simply inspired orchestral arrangements, even adding a pinch of that same middle eastern string sound the Beatles so often used during the Sgt Peppers and Magical Mystery Tour period. This was an album carefully crafted with the intention of being played in its entirety. Individually, the songs themselves take their time developing, giving the feel of taking a stroll with the band, meandering musically. Indeed, several of these songs could have continued to play on. I was disappointed when they began to fade. And I honestly found myself proclaiming the next song better than the one before it, until arriving at the end and wondering how it could possibly get any better… and then it did. ‘Light’ is just incredible, in every conceivable way. And holding it all together, Michael Kiwanuka’s confident, and natural vocals, never forced, with a splash of African/Jamaican dialect? They ring true and clear, as do the thoughtful lyrics- lots of loneliness and longing, the struggle to retain one’s pride, and yet not asking for pity, only love. ‘Ive Been Dazed’ surprisingly turned into a gospel number, with the Lord saying ‘Time is a healer.’ The same lyric, incidentally, Kiwanuka had already used in the first song, ‘You Ain’t the Problem.’ And that hope seems to elevate the entire sound of the LP. 'Kiwanuka' certainly hovers above the common ground a few feet. I enjoyed 'Kiwanuka' thoroughly, will listen to it again. Released only in 2019, this bodes well for the future of good rock and soul music.

Amazing synths and lyrics

This album is a lament. We need it.

Kiwanuka I’m pretty familiar with this, although I think I listened to the previous album a bit more. I'm very into the style and sound on this, the Bondian/John Barry guitar breaks , the cinematic 60s style backing vocals and the indie, pop, soul, rock and jazz influences. I also really like the lyrical themes and ideas, identity, self doubt, self confidence, history and the future all weaved together to make a fascinating and engaging whole. It really is excellent up to Hard to Say Goodbye. You Ain’t The Problem, Rolling and I’ve Been Dazed is a superb opening run, highlighting all the great parts of the album, those backing vocals, some great guitar and fantastic songcraft. Piano Joint, Living in Denial and Hero are also excellent. It does dip a bit for me after Final Days, the last 10 or 15 minutes do drag a little, particularly in comparison to the previous tracks - Final Days definitely sounds like it should be the last song. Despite it being a very good album, I think it's that drag and, and also that I get a slight nagging sense of Radio-2-ness that stops it being a 5. 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♂️🦸‍♂️🦸‍♂️ Playlist submission: Rolling

I don't really feel like I had any expectations going into this album, but if I had, this album would have stomped on them! KIWANUKA defies any genre specifics -- it's a little bit folk, a little bit soul, a little bit jazz, a little bit blues, a little bit rock, a little bit pop, a little bit contemporary, and a little bit classic. This is a truly unique addition to the project. Regardless of the genre on any given song, Michael Kiwanuka's vocals are consistently soulful and perfectly gritty throughout, and most of the tracks feel a tad bit ethereal, giving the entire album somewhat of a hypnotic quality. I'm glad for the chance to experience this album! I was captivated by this unique addition throughout the entire playthrough!

"KIWANUKA" said the snake as it slithered down the slide. "KIWANUKA" read the speaker as she looked away and sighed. "KIWANUKA" screamed the boys as they marched along with pride. "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA" "KIWANUKA" caught the eye of the runaway bride. "KIWANUKA" in the mind of the tragic suicide. "KIWANUKA" grips the jury as the witness spills their lies. "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA,KIWANUKA" "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA " "KIWANUKA" says the congregation listening to the Pope. "KIWANUKA" fills the priest as he unbuttons his robe. "KIWANUKA" fears the choir boy ready for his probe. "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA " (Whispering) "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA" "KIWANUKA" cries the girl as she buckles to her knees. "KIWANUKA" from the rapist as he calls her a tease. "KIWANUKA" oh the horror, as he watches her bleed. "KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA, KIWANUKA "

A very pleasant surprise. Funky, soulful, and Radiohead-esque.

Pretty good. Interesting production and a smooth voice. A couple of catchy songs. I don't find myself compelled to return to it, however. Maybe it's slightly bland?

Great opening track. Love the obvious nod to his culture and heritage. Soulful and soaring. Hero is my favourite track. The interludes are usually a gimic I dislike but are used well here.

Not a bad album by any means, just not my thing. Liked a couple of tracks, but some felt boring. I can see how it garnered critical acclaim.

Has all the Inflo hallmarks except the one where even the peaks have been smoothed out. I noticed few specifics but enough generalities to know a) it's not a hook-fest even though it's plenty varied, and b) it's not wallpaper music even though it's plenty soothing. That's interesting enough for me to hedge a 2.

Cool album will listen to more of this guys stuff honestly loved it

I was really unsure of what to expect from this album. Never heard of Michael Kiwanuka and, to be honest, most of the artists they have included who are only popular in the UK have had no business sniffing this list, let alone being included. This one, however, has been a welcomed change from those other inferior musicians. It's cool to listen to artists you have never heard of IF they are deserving of being on this list, which Kiwanuka definitely is. This album has a really interesting blend between soul and rock. The best way I can sum it up is that there is just a cool atmosphere throughout this record. Frankly, as I listen to this, it feels like a toned down Lenny Kravitz with the volume lowered a notch or two. Highlights for me: - Piano Joint: Awesome, awesome song. Just loved the feel of this. - Living in Denial: A throw-back to songs from the 60s / early 70s. This could have easily fit on some of those old Marvin Gaye albums. - Hero: starts simple but grows really well. Another great tune. To be honest, I am smack dab at 4.5 stars for this, as it’s not a perfect album, but I am giving it 5 for three reasons. 1. By using that picture on the cover and self-titling this, it's as if he is saying "this is me, take it or leave it." Note: You should definitely take it. 2. Finding stuff like this is exactly what I hoped to get out of this list. 3. Something happened to me on this album which rarely happens: I got chills listening to Piano Joint the first time through. Well deserved rounding up.

Faking maravilloso

What a voice! And this album is very pointed and filled with strong social messages.

Utrolig god flyt i hele albumet. Tidvis helt magisk.

I love this album. Well almost all of this album. If it wasn’t for the horrendous lah-lah-laaas on the opener ‘You Ain’t The Problem’, which come back louder and more repetitively on ‘Living In Denial’. It’s like finger nails on a chalkboard. If and when you can put that aside, I think this is an absolute gem of an album. His rich tone and guitar work just sublime. The album gets better as it progresses and the final 4 or 5 tracks form a beautiful fade out to the album. Can I dock it a star for the lah-lah-lahs? Would you dump the sexiest girlfriend you could imagine because the way she holds a knife and fork gives you ‘the ick’ (as the young people say). No. Of course you wouldn’t. Therefore, it’s a 5.

I loved this! Great feels and vibes while also having a super enjoyable radio on Spotify after

Listened to this while working, so I wasn't able to pay a TON of attention to it, but every time I found myself actively listening I was really impressed by what I was hearing. I really liked it :)

Rated 88 on aoty 16th july 2025

So nice I listened to it twice!

Really took me by surprise just how much I liked this album, it sounds really classic and yet really modern, so good

I really enjoyed this one! Such fun songs and I really liked the vocals. My favorites were probably “you ain’t the problem” and “hero”

Really really really enjoyed this

YES! This is exactly the kind of thing I want from the 1001 Albums Generator! I had never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before this, and it's love at first listen. I think generally I like the idea of psychedelic soul more than I actually like listening to it, but I really do enjoy this one a lot, and especially any time something gets fuzzy. It's probably a bit of an overreaction, but considering I *never* would have come across it if not for this site, I'm feeling excited enough about the discovery to give it a bump up to a 5. Can't wait to check out more from Kiwanuka on my own time!

Wie? Ik heb geen idee. Maar het blijkt soul te zijn, en dat stemt mij toch al positief zo op de vrijdagmiddag. Is het dan ook echt positief? Lets find out! Het is lekkere muziek, maar erg soul-ig vind ik het nog niet. Miss dat daardoor mijn oordeel niet helemaal gaat kloppen. Had wel echt soul in mijn hoofd nu. Tot Living in Denial, daar komt het Soul gehoogte wel lekker naar boven. Heerlijk nummer. Het album wordt steeds beter, ook Hero vind ik een geweldig nummer! Met een hele verrassende gitaarsolo. Pfff, dit album wordt echt alleen maar beter. Dik aan het genieten nu, elk nummer lekkerder dan de ander. Ja dit is gwn een top album. Veel variatie, instrumentaal goed, zang goed. Ik had even moeite met het loslaten van het label soul, maar toen ik dat eenmaal deed ging ik echt genieten. Dit kan niet anders dan 5 sterren zijn. Ge-wel-dig. FAV: Living in Denial, Hero, Final days

Interesting listen, v enjoyable

I first heard of Michael Kiwanuka watching the show Big Little Lies. The theme song, Cold Little Heart, immediately tugged at my heartstrings. I listen to it frequently (skip the radio edit version, CLH10MV FTW). But this is the first time I've listened to one of his albums in full, and what an album! Maybe my favorite Danger Mouse production. It's an incredible journey from start to finish. The album starts with some upbeat, groovier tracks. Lots of catchy hooks and funky beats. But as it goes on, the songs grow progressively more somber and evoke what I can only describe as a strong spiritual yearning. Kiwanuka carries it all with his beautiful singing. The backing vocals also deserve a mention. This is great start to finish. 5 stars.

What an incredible album and such a beautiful voice. Wow.

Cool album. Hadn’t heard it before.

What a fucking find this is holy shit. This is why I'm here. Subscribe He blends and flows through different genres with ease, sometimes sounding like a modern Stevie Wonder, or having some ties with the likes of Elliott Smith, all whilst sounding beautifully original. His voice is phenomenal and these basslines, whilst subtle, are sexy work This is never something that I would have ever listened to. I'm fucking glad it came up on here. Makes me wonder how much I'm missing out on. Easily one of the best albums I've had yet, definitely the best one that I hadn't heard of before.

kevyttä täydellisyyttä

Ik was vergeten hoe goed Kiwanuka is. Ik kende Love&Hate al, maar dit album is gewoon net zo goed

WOW what a dreamy retro inspired gem. Was not expecting this!

Wow! Didn’t know about this album or artist and it totally knocked my socks off. A mix of genres but still feels thematically similar. Can’t wait to listen again. 5/5

There is something amazing about Kiwanuka's atmosphere in his albums that just make it a unique experience. It definitely works for me, this slightly melancholic and funky style. This record has no truly bad song, so there is no other way than to give it a full 5 stars.

Wow. Blown away by how beautiful and soulful this was. I came into this wanting to hear new music that I could fall in love with and this was exactly that - gorgeous lush instrumentation, smooth vocals, such a beautiful flow and journey throughout the album. One that I will absolutely come back to again and again.

Beautiful soundscapes and soulful songwriting. I could bask in these sounds many times over. I rarely give anything a 5, but this is about as perfect as an album can get. Every song transitions smoothly to the next giving a cohesive front-to-back experience. Angelic production from Danger Mouse and Inflo. Now to suffer another 100 British proto-punk albums to find the next gem like this.

One of the newer albums on the list, I think it well earns its place. Really solid songwriting throughout, and it really took me on a journey. Great album.

Discovering albums like this almost makes listening to all those generic 80's Brit Pop albums on this list worth it.

I have enjoyed the album and would recommend it to my friends.

Wow. What a fucking album. Complex, powerful, raw, fun, and strong from start to finish. Can't believe I hadn't heard of this sooner. Fave songs: - You Ain't The Problem - Rolling - I've Been Dazed - Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) - Final Days - Light

Beautiful album. Listening to this all the way through was quite the experience. This is the first 5 stars I’m giving to an artist I don’t know much about. I think I’ve only heard one song of his. Massive range in sound and genres and a lot of great themes in this. Each song kept me on my feet.

я в шоке, это было великолепно. звучание на высоте. альбом топ хорошая находка для меня

Yaaaaaaay! Kiwanukaaaaaa! Beautiful album s2

This was my favourite album that came out in 2019, and still one I listen to a lot. This one is in my top 50 albums of all time!

This was so unbelievable good. I do not understand how i can have missed it. Albums like this one is the reason I started this project

Conheci o Michael Kiwanuka na edição desse ano do Lollapalloza, e acho que foi a última boa descoberta dali em muitos anos! Mesmo tendo acompanhado o show dele no evento, essa foi a primeira oportunidade que parei para realmente ouvir a música dele: que presente maravilhoso para a humanidade, que talento! 5 estrelas é pouco!

Most modern thing I’ve ever seen on the list, and something so new I’ve bought it on vinyl since the comeback. Can’t quite believe it’s 6 years old already. The production is retro and overdone to the point of getting in the way of the music sometimes, but overall it’s a wonderful set of songs that really do reward multiple listens…ideally the album in full. A modern day Bill Withers? Solid 4. Maybe even a 5.

Near perfect

Great album and is a go to when testing new speakers/ earphones.

INCREÍBLE

god DAMN

Little flaming lips, gorillaz, soul Best music I’ve heard in a long time

Album art:5

“You Ain’t the Problem” is a banger

Like so many others this was an unexpected awesome album. Listened to his other right after. He gained a new fan today.

The alt sound im looking for. Yes. This is saved in the regular rotation.