KIWANUKA

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Psychedelic, soulful and complex. Excellent.

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

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.

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

LOVE IT, but I’m not surprised, it’s Michael Kiwanuka after all

Drit bra Fifa soundtrack vibber over hele albumet, ikke sjokkert når jeg fant ut at Kiwanuka er featured på fifa 23 Denne lagres til senere ja, hørt gjennom albumet 4-5 ganger siste døgnet De som følger meg på letterboxd vet at 5/5 ratings er sjelden vare!

I love Kiwanuka. He’s one of the best artists making records today in my opinion. This album and Love and Hate are masterpieces. It’s a tremendous sounding record from start to finish. It’s a patient album, but it never gets boring or meanders. Rolling and Hero are highlights, but there’s no filler here even with multiple intro songs and an interlude there’s no filler here.

really good album great vibes

VIBES

Brutal

Kiwanuka es una figura relevante del Folk-Soul de calidad de finales de los 10 y 20´s. Con dos discos a sus espaldas temas de éxito como Cold Little Heart, One more night, Home Again, o I´ll get alone) publicó otro de mayor calidad incluso. Repite producción con Danger Mouse e Inflo, lo que es un acierto. Meten guiños psicodélicos, guitarras distorsionadas, interludios, toques de hip-hop, muy buena instrumentación ... todo ello integrando una obra genial. Su primer sencillo, You Ain’t the Problem es un trallazo de buen soul. I’ve Been Dazed podría ser la cima del disco, aunque la citada You ain´t o Hard to Say Goodbye, Linving in denial, Solid ground y Hero están a gran altura. Luego editaría en 2024 Small Changes, igualmente recomendable. Kiwanuka es sinónimo de calidad y elegancia sin perder capacidad de compromiso. Un imprescindible del siglo 21. Otros discos de 2019: LANA DEL REY: NORMAN FUCKING ROCKWELL, THE FAT WHITE FAMILY: “SERFS UP!”, HELADO NEGRO: “THIS IS HOW YOU SMILE”, BECK: “HYPERSPACE”, WILCO: ODE TO JOY, VAMPIRE WEEKEND: FATHER OF THE BRIDE, DIIV – Deceiver, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Ghosteen, Angel Olsen – All Mirrors, Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising, Solange – When I Get Home, Thom Yorke – Anima, Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Charli XCX – Charli, FKA twigs – Magdalene, Tyler, the Creator – IGOR, Fontaines DC- Dogrel, Carolina Durante-Carolina Durante, Los Punsetes- Aniquilación, La Casa Azul- La gran esfera, Cigarettes After Sex – Cry , Coldplay – Everyday Life, Brittany Howard – Jaime

This is really chill, a very smooth listen

Cool soul album! Bright and positive!

You know, I quite liked it. It was very relaxing. Something I would put if I’m cooking or something

Beautiful album

Absolutely beautiful, front to back. An album that reminds me how much I love music. Highlights: Rolling, Hero, Final Days, Solid Ground

This was great music and I enjoyed the journey of the album. Played it several times. Will likely keep playing it. 5.

This was fantastic

Absolutely amazing! Reminded me of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, MArvin Gaye, and so many more. The emotions, the instrumentals, the lyrics, and the voice were fantastic

This album is cool. Really good in fact. The sound felt new and different, and the tracks showed variation. I really enjoyed this. Favourite song: So many to choose from, I really enjoyed solid ground, Piano joint, and Hero. Every song was great in its own right Least favourite: Nothing to pick here Album artwork: Cool cover

"Kiwanuka" isn't just an album; it's a journey. Michael's voice, rich and soulful, wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night. Tracks like "Hero" and "Hard to Say Goodbye" hit you right in the feels, their raw emotion laid bare. It's the kind of album you can lose yourself in, letting the music wash over you. While some moments might feel a bit overproduced, they don't detract from the overall experience. It's a masterpiece that deserves a place in your soul.

This was an amazing album!

I really liked this and started out as a 4, but with a second listen I’m upping it to a 5. I suspect Danger Mouse’s involvement in all the songwriting and production is a not insignificant part as to why it rates so highly. Makes me want to try more from Kiwanuka as well as find more albums with Danger Mouse beyond the stuff I know already. Very catchy stuff, has a good vibe throughout.

Really nice

This is so cool. The lyrics are very sad and heartfelt, I found them interesting to read along with. I always like lyrics that feel personal and give an insight into a songwriters real emotions. Musically there's a lot of variety, some great guitar work in places, and the lush strings on some of the tracks are really beautiful. I tend not to notice bass that often but it stands out here at times too. Final note for Danger Mouse's production, that guy is so good A stunningly beautiful album

I can't quite begin to put into words how genuinely brilliant this album is. So much going on. I can imagine this being a record of the ages 50 years from now.

Love this album. Great way to start this journey.

Apple Music says the genre is soul, but this goes so far beyond that. I wish I'd known about this album and this artist so much earlier. This one is definitely going into heavy rotation for me.

Great R&B sound

oh i LOVE this. had never listened to michael kiwanuka before and this was an amazing introduction

Love his sound

Beautiful, heartful, uplifting and warm album - I love the different genres (60s rock, a bit jazz, funk, and soul) that goes together so well. It's a real album's album where the whole experience makes it so great, unlike picking a few songs as standouts. It's one of the greatest albums I've heard in the past years or decade, and definitely one of my favorite discoveries on this challenge.

This was an exceptional album I would have literally never known about except for this list. Nice.

One of my favorite albums from the last 20 or so years. Alternately soulful and joyous, with a mix of the old and new that feels inevitable.

Vad kul! Den här skivan har jag lyssnat mycket på. Tycker nästan allt jag hört av Michael Kiwanuka är grymt bra. Bra sång och skön stämning, bra musik helt enkelt.

Holy shit. Den här listan har vänt från en plåga till the gift that keeps on giving. Aldrig hört talas om denna snubbe förut men bara sekunder in hör man att det är bra. Å så kommer sången, vilken röst! Å sen fortsätter det! Det tre första låtarna är vansinnigt bra. Och det fortsätter genom hela albumet. Otroligt roligt!

Otroligt vilken bra jävla platta från start till mål. Välproducerat, genreöverskridande och varierat sound, men ändå på något sätt sammanhållande genom hela albumet. Hade inte hört talas om honom tidigare och sådana här överraskningar är verkligen behållningen med all tid man lägger ned på detta. Ser fram att lyssna mer på denna och hans andra grejer.

This was so good. Seamlessly blending genres, flowing from track to track with ease, this was an introspective, relaxing experience. Parts of it remind me of an extremely polished version of John Frusciante's solo work, which I love.

this is an album that takes heavy inspiration from the smooth and soft soul music that came about in the sixties or early seventies. this personal and meaningful album seems to be treasured by both young and old for good reason; you really don't see a lot of artists make music like this anymore. sleepy and sentimental, these quiet track exude theme of self expression, expectation and the beauty of transient things.

This is a great example of don't judge a book by its cover. I was expecting some tribal sounds, and for the first 30 seconds that's what it seemed to be. But wow, what a journey this album takes you on. It's hard to pin this down to a genre and I'm not sure how I would describe this to someone else, but it is an amazing album.

October 2, 2024 I found this on CD :) this’d be the 3rd or 4th time I’ve heard this, then An upside to the book editors’ tunnel vision after 2010 means that this is the 3rd album this year relating to the Sault collective. Black Is has Kiwanuka, GREY Area has Kiwanuka & Cleo Sol, this has Inflo on production duties. All 3 stunning in their own right, but also each pretty distinctive. I think part of the reason this doesn’t sound like a Sault album has to do with Danger Mouse, who I’m not ENTIRELY sure was an appropriate fit. His compressed beats seem at odds with the orchestral grandeur simultaneously at play. That’s a minor quibble, though; most of the movement & emotion comes from Kiwanuka’s voice, as well as the songs gracefully overlapping like Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. I forgot how moody KIWANUKA was, despite the lightness of the closing & opening tracks. Gotta go with my gut for this rating

It didnt save my notes!!! I will try to remember everything I typed but I think the this album is absolute incredible, I think there is a certain lightness or weightlessness to the drums, horns, and even piano notes in most of the songs I am think primarily the first two (You Aint The Problem and Rolling) that are just incredible. Because the lightness is done without sacrificing any softness the music and the vocals are still very front and center but its all very bright and upbeat. Then you have a song like Final Days that adds a nice chunky and dirty guitar sound and it just fits SO WELL. The whole album was an incredibly easy listen and has a lot of accessibility in the absolute best way possible that I plan on recommending it to everyone I know. I know I have to try to limit my 5's in the future but this one really felt deserving of the rating. The easiest 5 of my life ( so far),

This is such a fantastic album. What a great modern indie album to include; one that I am going to listen to again and again.

This is why I’m doing this project. Absolutely love this album. Genre fluid - could have came from anytime. Found a new artist I love.

Banger album

Really special album full of great vibes, wonderful mixes and heartfelt lyrics

Day 1 of the 1001 Albums challenge! I actually knew this artist from his song Cold Little Heart, which I love. This album was really good! I had a hard time just accepting it for whatever it brought. Instead I was waiting for that one banger of a song. But the cadence and arc of the songs throughout the album is awesome! Definitely one to keep in rotation.

Loved loved loved this!

Went in with very little expectations and was blown away. Great production, a beautiful voice. This will be one that I will go back to for a long time.

**Album Review: *KIWANUKA* by Michael Kiwanuka** Michael Kiwanuka’s third studio album, *KIWANUKA*, released in November 2019, is an expansive, genre-bending record that establishes him as one of the most inventive and emotionally resonant artists of his generation. It is a deeply introspective work, navigating themes of identity, self-worth, and resilience, all set against a rich sonic landscape that blends soul, folk, and psychedelic rock. The album, co-produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, earned widespread critical acclaim for its bold sound and candid, personal lyricism. In this review, we will explore the core elements of *KIWANUKA*—its lyrics, music, production, themes, and cultural impact—while assessing its strengths and potential shortcomings. ### 1. **Lyrical Content** At the heart of *KIWANUKA* are its deeply personal and often raw lyrics, which delve into themes of identity, self-doubt, and empowerment. Throughout the album, Kiwanuka reflects on his own journey as a Black man navigating the complexities of life, fame, and self-acceptance. The album’s lead track, “You Ain’t the Problem,” sets the tone with its defiant message of self-empowerment. The chorus serves as a mantra: “You ain’t the problem,” a declaration of self-worth in the face of external pressures and internal insecurities. This track sets the framework for the album’s central lyrical themes, which revolve around embracing one’s flaws, acknowledging personal struggles, and rejecting societal expectations. Songs like “Hero” and “Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)” further this introspection. “Hero” is a tribute to fallen civil rights icons, like Fred Hampton and Malcolm X, and speaks to the pain and resilience of those fighting for justice. The lyrics, “Am I a hero? Am I a villain?” reflect the tension between vulnerability and strength, questioning the complex role of leadership and sacrifice in social movements. Meanwhile, “Piano Joint” is a meditation on love, loneliness, and the desire for connection, written with an almost conversational intimacy. It captures the quiet, often painful, reflections on the experience of feeling invisible or unimportant, asking, “Are you still with me?” One of the most powerful lyrical moments comes in the track “I’ve Been Dazed,” where Kiwanuka lays bare the emotional toll of doubt and disillusionment. The refrain, “I’ve been dazed too long,” is a mantra of exhaustion, capturing the mental and emotional fatigue that comes with struggling to find purpose and direction. This thematic depth is further explored in “Final Days,” where Kiwanuka contemplates the fragility of life and the fear of not having enough time to realize one’s full potential. Kiwanuka’s lyrics are not always direct; they often unfold in layers, allowing the listener to find new meanings with each listen. He speaks to personal pain but never wallows in it. Instead, his lyrics communicate a subtle hope and resilience, suggesting that even in the face of self-doubt and external pressures, there is power in perseverance. ### 2. **Musical Composition and Style** Musically, *KIWANUKA* is a tour de force, blending elements of 1970s soul, folk, rock, and psychedelia into a cohesive whole. While the album wears its influences—artists like Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, and Marvin Gaye—on its sleeve, it never feels derivative. Instead, Kiwanuka and his production team craft a sound that feels both timeless and modern. The album opens with “You Ain’t the Problem,” which features a rolling bassline, intricate percussion, and layered guitars that evoke both Afrobeat and psychedelic rock. This fusion of styles immediately signals that Kiwanuka is not confined to any one genre. The groove-heavy track showcases his ability to blend rhythmic complexity with emotional depth, creating a sound that is both hypnotic and infectious. “Rolling,” another standout track, exemplifies this genre-blending. The song's guitar-driven melody and its sparse but effective use of orchestral strings create a soundscape that feels vast and cinematic. It’s a song that defies easy classification—part folk, part soul, part rock—and highlights Kiwanuka’s ability to create music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The album’s sonic palette is rich and textured, with lush orchestration, vintage synths, and sweeping string arrangements. Tracks like “Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)” and “Living in Denial” feature beautifully arranged strings that add emotional weight to Kiwanuka’s vocals, while songs like “I’ve Been Dazed” employ spacey, reverb-drenched guitars and echoing vocals to create a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. One of the album's most impressive feats is its seamless integration of live instrumentation and studio effects. The production, led by Danger Mouse and Inflo, is meticulously crafted, with each track offering new sonic textures and layers that reveal themselves over time. Tracks like “Final Days” feature lush strings and booming drums, while the use of distorted vocals and echoing effects on “I’ve Been Dazed” and “Hero” creates an almost psychedelic soundscape that feels otherworldly yet grounded in soul. Kiwanuka’s voice is the glue that holds the album together. His rich, emotive baritone is at times soothing and at others, raw with emotion. It carries the weight of the album’s heavy themes while also providing moments of tenderness and vulnerability. ### 3. **Production Quality** The production on *KIWANUKA* is undeniably one of its strongest aspects. Danger Mouse and Inflo work in perfect harmony with Kiwanuka to create a sonic landscape that is both expansive and intimate. The production has a vintage warmth to it, reminiscent of 1970s analog recordings, but it also incorporates modern elements like subtle electronic touches and meticulous sound design. One of the most notable aspects of the production is its use of space. Tracks like “You Ain’t the Problem” and “Rolling” are densely layered, with various instruments weaving in and out of the mix, yet the production never feels cluttered. Each instrument is given room to breathe, and the mix allows for a dynamic range that adds depth and texture to the songs. This is particularly evident in tracks like “I’ve Been Dazed,” where the reverb-drenched guitars and echoing vocals create a sense of vastness, while the percussion keeps the track grounded. The production also plays a key role in enhancing the emotional impact of the album. The strings, arranged by Rosie Danvers, add a cinematic quality to tracks like “Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)” and “Living in Denial,” while the use of subtle distortion and vocal effects on songs like “Hero” and “I’ve Been Dazed” heightens the sense of disorientation and emotional rawness. However, while the production is undeniably masterful, there are moments where it can feel a bit overbearing. Some tracks, particularly in the latter half of the album, suffer from a slight sense of repetition in terms of their sonic approach. The heavy use of strings and reverb, while effective in creating mood and atmosphere, can sometimes overshadow the more intimate moments of the album, making certain tracks feel somewhat uniform in their sonic texture. ### 4. **Themes and Messages** Thematically, *KIWANUKA* is an exploration of identity, resilience, and self-empowerment. Much of the album grapples with the idea of self-worth and the challenges that come with embracing one’s true self in a world that often imposes its own definitions of success, beauty, and power. This is perhaps most explicitly addressed in “You Ain’t the Problem,” where Kiwanuka rejects external criticism and declares his own worth. The theme of identity is also explored through the lens of race and heritage. On “Hero,” Kiwanuka reflects on the struggles of being a Black man in a world that often marginalizes Black voices. The song pays tribute to civil rights leaders like Fred Hampton and Malcolm X, while also questioning the burden of being seen as a “hero” in the fight for justice. The lyrics, “Am I a hero? Am I a villain?” speak to the complex role of those who fight for change, and the emotional toll it can take. Throughout the album, Kiwanuka grapples with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity, but there is always an underlying sense of resilience and hope. Tracks like “Final Days” and “I’ve Been Dazed” reflect the emotional toll of feeling lost or unsure of one’s path, but they also suggest that there is power in continuing to push forward, even when the future feels uncertain. At its core, *KIWANUKA* is an album about finding strength in vulnerability. It’s about embracing one’s flaws, acknowledging the challenges that come with self-discovery, and ultimately finding empowerment in the process. ### 5. **Influence and Cultural Impact** Since its release, *KIWANUKA* has been hailed as a modern classic, earning widespread critical acclaim and solidifying Michael Kiwanuka’s place as one of the most important voices in contemporary music. The album’s genre-blending sound and deeply personal lyrics have resonated with listeners across the globe, making it a standout in a crowded musical landscape. In terms of influence, *KIWANUKA* builds on the legacy of artists like Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Gil Scott-Heron, who used their music as a platform for social commentary and personal introspection. Kiwanuka’s ability to blend soul, rock, and psychedelia into a cohesive whole has inspired a new generation of artists who are pushing the boundaries of genre and using their music to explore themes of identity, race, and resilience. The album’s success is also indicative of a larger shift in contemporary music, where artists are increasingly embracing authenticity and vulnerability in their work . *KIWANUKA* is a testament to the power of music as a tool for self-expression and healing, and its influence is likely to be felt for years to come. ### **Pros of *KIWANUKA***: 1. **Lyrical Depth**: The album's introspective and emotionally raw lyrics are a standout, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and self-worth with nuance and honesty. 2. **Musical Ambition**: The blend of soul, rock, folk, and psychedelia creates a rich and dynamic sonic landscape that defies genre boundaries. 3. **Masterful Production**: Danger Mouse and Inflo's production elevates the album with its meticulous attention to detail, blending live instrumentation with studio effects seamlessly. 4. **Cohesive Themes**: The album maintains a strong thematic throughline, with each track contributing to the overarching exploration of self-empowerment and identity. ### **Cons of *KIWANUKA***: 1. **Repetitive Production Choices**: While the production is impressive, certain tracks feel sonically repetitive due to the heavy reliance on strings, reverb, and similar textures. 2. **Pacing**: The album’s slower, introspective moments can occasionally cause the pacing to drag, particularly in its second half. ### **Conclusion** *KIWANUKA* is a deeply powerful and introspective album that showcases Michael Kiwanuka’s evolution as an artist. It is an exploration of identity, vulnerability, and resilience, set against a backdrop of rich, genre-blending music. While the album’s pacing and occasional repetitiveness in production may be minor drawbacks, they do little to detract from its overall impact. *KIWANUKA* is a triumph, both musically and thematically, and cements Michael Kiwanuka as a bold, singular voice in contemporary music.

I liked the album very much and I would like to hear more from him

I knew a couple of these tracks already but they work much better as part of a whole album. A well deserved Mercury Prize winner.

Sehr gutes Album, eins der besseren die ich bis dato hatte.

Great vibes. Better get it