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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

Psychedelic, soulful and complex. Excellent.

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.

A big nothing

Really enjoyed this album. First time hearing this artist. This is what I was hoping from this website! Finding new music that I enjoy but haven’t heard before!

5/5 Nothing but vibes. My favorite album from this list so far. Wow wow wow.

Excellent find, just a solid all around album

9/10 This is a beautiful album. Songs added to playlist: - You ain't the problem - Piano Joint (This kind of love) - Hard to say goodbye

Incredible. I had to listen to it a couple times to digest it. Surprising, unique, and delightful albums like this make this project worth it.

A masterpiece of genre blending with extraordinary musicianship and vocals

This album is really great. It hits the same notes for me as artists like Janelle Monae and Childish Gambino. I've never heard this record before but it's already one I know I'm going to want to return to often; an instant favorite. 4.5/5 based on the first listen only, but I can easily see this growing into a solid 5 after repeat listens.

Beautiful, just beautiful.

Emotional, beautiful

Wow..I don't really know what to say. This is definitely one of those albums that I would have never discovered if not for this list. What a gem.

Ts was fire ngl. Like perfect blend between calm/sad and hype/rock. It felt funky in an old school way. Shit ate down fr.

Beautiful work. Wow

How have I never heard of this guy before? This is a really good album! The sound is consistent a flows throughout the record, but there's enough variation so you don't get bored. I was going to give this a 4 and say with a few more listens it might be a 5, but I've gone back and listened to it again so I can give it the 5 it deserves.

Very surprised, great strong opening and a great album throughout!

Excellent

I rate you ate the problem a 4 star because its kinda like country and i dont really like country but the drums are good and the beat is good ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I rate Piano joint this kind of love a 5 star because its kinda like country and i dont really like country but the drums are good and the beat is good and the tempo is good and its calming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I rate Hero a 5 star because its kinda like country and i dont really like country but the drums are good and the beat is good and the tempo is good and its calming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of drums? Well in you ain't the problem you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I highly recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has some really calming piano? Well in piano joint (this kind of love) you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I highly recommend this song. Do you want listen to some music that has some nice drums? Well in Hero you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this this song.

Easy listening but very enjoyable. Piano Joint a real highlight. Will listen again as work from home soundtrack

I’ll admit, this list has been way more a trudge than I had hoped. But every once in a while there’s a gem, and this is a really surprising gem at that. Just so refreshing and modern. It’s got a bit of so many styles throughout yet is so soulful and consistent the whole time in a way that really sings listening to the entire album. Just a perfect blend and perfect musical journey, and it was a 5 for me before I even finished it.

New artist for me. Wowsers. This is my favorite album so far in this project.

Fantastic! On a second listen I can tell it's a grower. I'm going to give it 5 stars to remind myself I need a deep dive

one of the best albums i've ever heard. Powerful, vibrant, soft and brutalits.

Perfect album cover to cover

A psychedelic soul album produced by Dangermouse. Somehow that description doesn't do the album justice. Kiwanuka's vocals echo back to some of the 70s soul/funk greats but the album fits perfectly in this decade among both neo soul and modern indie scenes. This is an amazing find and a perfect album. I probably would have never stumbled across it without this generator but I'm glad I did.

Absolutely amazing album that I would never have even thought of looking into if not for this website. Modern r&b mixed with vintage blues and jazz is just absolutely fantastic. The tempo of each song and instruments is just a breath of fresh air.

This shimmers and soars. 1st half or so in particular is amazing. A couple of things that listening to all these albums has cemented - psychedelic soul may be my favo(u)rite (sub?) genre - and I am somewhat belatedly reappraising the 2010s as a monster of a music decade...

Not really my jam, but I can appreciate the quality of this album. Very well done.

Beautiful album, kept me such good company while I was cooking, but absolutely deserving of full attention. The last few songs are just transcendent.

I loved this album. It's soulful and feels old while simultaneously feeling new and interesting. It's cinematic and blends genres. Kiwanuka's voice is amazing and the instrumentals are great. Many of the songs alone might not be the best singles, but flowing together they make this album something special. That's not to say there aren't standout tracks here. This is why I'm doing this list, to find gems like this I'd never had heard of otherwise. Standouts: You Ain't The Problem, I've Been Dazed, Piano Joint, Hero, Hard to Say Goodbye Rating: 4.8/5

New to me--really enjoyed

This is an excellent album. Nearly all of his albums are excellent. This is also my go to 'Recommend me an album' album when I know nothing about the persons musical taste. I think everyone will find something in this they like even if this isn't necessarily their cup of tea.

01) You Ain't the Problem - 10,0 02) Rolling - 9,0 03) I've Been Dazed - 8,5 04) Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (Intro) - 8,5 05) Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) - 9,0 06) Another Human Being - 7,5 07) Living in Denial - 9,0 08) Hero (Intro) - 9,0 09) Hero - 10,0 10) Hard to Say Goodbye - 8,5 11) Final Days - 8,5 12) Interlude (Loving the People) - 8,0 13) Solid Ground - 10,0 14) Light - 10,0 TOTAL: 8,96 (90/100) Current ranking: 54/481 I really like Kiwanuka. I'm going to see him live for the second time this summer (fingers crossed) and I'm really looking forward to it. "You Ain't A Problem" and "Hero" are my favorite songs from this album.

9.5/10. So I am familiar with Kiwanuka's album 'Love and Hate' and was wondering why this lesser known album made the list but the critics cooked with this one. This is fantastic, basically every song scratched that itch in my brain with its powerful chord changes, meaningful instrumentation and soulful vocals. Kiwanuka has certain perfected his craft and while it is not necessarily a new or revolutionary sound it is absolutely at the top of its class imo. This album just contained so much of what I look for in music and I will DEFINITELY be listening to this many more times

A very very very good record, blends Coldplay-Imagine-Dragons and overall the dreamy sounds from 2010s I've enjoyed in a very good package. I'm not quite sure if the album deserves a 5, but I think I'm willing to risk it. I fear I won't replay it as much as I'd like, and it falls into a very similar themes throughout the entire length, but it's enjoyable.

A really good and solid album, I liked You Ain't The Problem, I've Been Dazed, Living in Denial and Solid Ground the most.

Soulful, intimate and very fun to listen to. Listened to it twice, back to back

Damn! As someone who knows VERY LITTLE about music made in the last 10 years, this was completely off my radar. Really great stuff here. Obvious '70s Soul influence at work here, but that's just where it starts. Some psychedelic rock. I hear, brit-pop hooks buried deep in there too. That being said, it never feels like a Frankenstein's monster. There is a natural feeling of cohesion to it, especially in the vocal delivery and clarity. Even the orchestrated sections retain a feeling of intimacy only the vocals can deliver.

Newest album I've had so far on this list by a long shot. This one is pretty interesting, and something I'll probably go back to. First song is refreshingly epic. Kind of reminds me of Apache or something. The songs are pretty original and also very good. Not just typical rock themes here--you've got soul, acid rock, 70s funk and other elements. Getting introduced to stuff like this is what I hoped for from doing this list in the first place.

# Album Name: Kiwanuka # Artist: Michael Kiwanuka # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: I really enjoyed this album. Its got some great sounds. Its a good listen in its entirety. The flow of the album is great. Theres some good vocals, guitar work and catchy tunes. Theres a real mix of soul, blues and rock on here. Its a nice blend. # Top Tunes: Just listen to the whole damn thing. # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Not what I expected but it was very good

Totally ashamed to say I'd only known Solid Ground before having this come up here. Didn't realise how modern this was, and that's a compliment. Blew me away, stunning album

Out of everything I’ve discovered through the 1001 Albums Generator so far, this one is easily in my top three. This is an amazing and expansive album that blends ’60s inspired psychedelia with modern neo soul and folk rock, all with a contemporary production style. I love the use of vintage style breakbeats, the kind that were popular in the ’80s and early ’90s when producers sampled and looped old funk records. Some parts of this album really rock out, with guitar riffs that sound influenced by Jimi Hendrix. The production by Danger Mouse is excellent, and I’ve always considered him a good producer, but this album takes him to the next level. After hearing this, I’m definitely interested in checking out more from Michael Kiwanuka.

Didn't finish but very good start, would listen again

Wow impressive and amazing. Never heard of this guy before but Im an instant fan. This is why I put up with so many crappy alhums on the list to get a great one Ive never heard before like this one

There's so much to love about this. Kiwanuka's voice is great. I like the production (which has those Danger Mouse fingerprints all over it - that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned). I don't think there's any weak material on here.

Awesome R&B

An out of nowhere, genre-vague delight! Love it. Some songs are a little slow for me but they are offset by others that are so good it almost hurts LOL.

What a great discovery! Loved every second of this. It defies genres and it creates an amazing vibe you just don't want to end.

5/5. R&B Rock is some epic stuff. And each song flows into the next one so smoothly, this is a concept album as well but I am not sure I understand the concept just yet. Maybe a few more listens and I can get the vibe but honestly, I have very few notes here. The vocals are chill and calming while having a mixture of ballad and rock that works either way. It's ethereal yet grounded. Finally a Mercury Prize winner that doesn't suck. And although there maybe some songs I don't remember, the album as a whole feels full and complete. Best Song: You Ain't The Problem, Hero, Light