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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Amazing album. It’s a fantastic mix of contemporary and classic soul sounds. So glad to have been shown this album

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

Could You Stay With Me? Don't Let Me Go 1001 Albums Generator 48 (06/09/2025) I knew this guy's name sounded familiar, but I couldn't place my finger on why. Ah yes, he was the feature on that great Black Thought and Danger Mouse song Aquamarine. Okay, now I'm excited. This is the type of album that I am going through this list for. I never would have listened to Michael Kiwanuka's third studio album, KIWANUKA, without having it assigned to me. And honestly, I am surprised to see it here. Not because it's bad, far from it. I'm just surprised to see such a hip, new album on this list that often seems to be overwhelmed by the authors' biases towards British rock of the 80's and 90's (which don't get me wrong, can be great. There's just too much of it on the list). KIWANUKA is a unique combination of soul, funk, and rock all blended into a psychedelic smoothie, led by British multi-instrumentalist Michael Kiwanuka and produced by the legendary Danger Mouse, along with Inflo, who has worked with artists such as Little Simz and Tyler, The Creator. The opener, You Ain't The Problem, is my favorite song on the whole thing. It is so creative and expertly produced, showcasing the highly compressed production style that defines this album. While remaining soulful, it also features some parts that rock pretty hard, in a way similar to Funkadelic. By contrast, Rolling feels a bit derivative, and I realized that's because its main riff reminds me so much of Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf. After this, we get I've Been Dazed, which has these amazing call-and-response gospel-like vocals. It is very moving. Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) is a beautiful piece, led by Kiwanuka's piano, with some lush orchestration and a soft drum beat filling in the gaps. Hero is another highlight. It almost has a bit of an island vibe with its flanged guitar in both the rhythm and lead parts. Kiwanuka's vocal melodies are on point here and it makes sense that this one was a single. It also has a great noisy guitar solo that melts your face off. I think this song in particular is a great example of a theme throughout this album, where the instrumental parts are not necessarily technically advanced, but they are played with a lot of feeling and they are produced so well. Hard To Say Goodbye is the album's epic, which feels a bit too long, but weaves its multiple parts together really well. Crazy pull, but the guitar riff that comes in around 2:40 reminds me a lot of the main riff in Ronald Snijders' Soweto Friend. I am not a big fan of Solid Ground, which is the penultimate piece on the album and is a very slow song. I think that this late into a long album, it is hard for me to justify having such a slow song. This album also has a lot of interludes, 4 to be exact. From an artistic perspective, I can appreciate that these interludes help theme the album and add some flow between tracks. I believe that the interludes are largely what help the album feel very cinematic. However, they do add almost 10 minutes to an album that is already a bit on the longer side. I know that by modern standards, 51 minutes might as well be an EP, but what can I say, I guess I'm old fashioned like that. Overall, KIWANUKA is certainly a new favorite. I definitely see myself coming back to it and I'm glad that it was included. 4/5. Favs: You Aint The Problem Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) Hero Least Fav (not including interludes): Solid Ground

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.

Started off strong but then got a little too slow and boring for my taste.

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.

I did not expect to like this album as much as I did, largely because I'm new to this kind of genre. Nevertheless, I loved Kiwanuka's voice throughout the record. The instrumental sections are fantastic as well, a pleasure to listen to. This is a 5.

One of my favorites from 2019 (top 5 of the year), and one that I return to a lot. It kept me lots of company during COVID lockdown, mostly because it was one of the last records I bought before March 2020. Kiwanuka is British, but he carries his political and musical influences on his sleeve, simultaneously channeling Nina Simone and John Lewis, and "Hero" is easily one of most important and powerful political songs of the century because of these factors. It's a song that feels like its melody and chorus could go on forever and ever, like the cycle of racial violence in the US. But it comes crashing to a halt, making way for the instrumental grief (with the most beautiful choral "oooohs" I've ever heard) of the intro on "Hard to Say Goodbye." The first half of the album is great, but I think the second half elevates the final product to an incredible album deserving of any best of the 21st century list. "Final Days" into "Solid Ground" into "Light" and its haunting ending is god tier album structuring. It's a beautiful self-portrait of an amazing artist.

i’m just speechless… listening it for the third time today and it strikes so hard every time. definitely in my top 20 albums oat

Unexpected. Incredible good. I enjoyed from the first to the last song.

It's a great album, very soul like very touching. Well produced and written, it doesn't feel like it has a fault. It's quite timeless, feels older in a sense although it's of 2019. A thoughtful album I'd call it.

what an album! very classical funk and r&b

Kiwanuka has a new fan! I really enjoyed this album. He has some great beats. I enjoyed his song structure. Going to start following this artist.

Вот это охрененный альбом. Душевный соул, с прекрасным, чувственным вокалом, с отличными, стильными современными аранжировками - это то, чего нам всем порой немного нужно. Просто замечательно, даже удивительно что это настолько современная запись, видать, не разучились еще музыку то делать! Куплю когда-нибудь на виниле

smooth, groovy, deep lyrics hidden in easy listening

Absolutely phenomenal. Contemporary and ageless. Great composition, use of instruments, fantastic voice with a warmth and honesty you rarely hear nowadays.

holy shit. this album pulled me in like one hasn’t in a while. i was hooked by the first song. piano joint (this love) was so incredibly touching and beautiful. i could feel myself getting emotional. what a track. this is what music is about. one of the most captivating albums i’ve listened to in a while. masterpiece

Awesome. Contemporary soul done right, definitely a Curtis Mayfield vibe going on at times. Each track jumps from genre to time period seamlessly.

The sound of souls being healed. Listened to it straight through again after finishing. Keen for more modern listens that have slipped by me. Lovely inclusion.

This is exactly the type of album that I'm doing this project for. Something I would never have found or heard on my own, but am deeply appreciative for having had listened. It's atmospheric and beautiful and something I will add to my regular rotation for a quiet Sunday morning as KIWANUKA deserves that attention and fits the vibe. This is an easy five-star album for me. I'd give it more if I could.

incredible, honestly. very frank ocean. i guess it sat more heavily with me given stuff I'd also been reading today, on the earnestness of desiring a place in this life and trying to ask politely for it. the ebbs and flows of surety embedded in it all.

Really enjoyed this one. I had never heard of him before and this gem is one of the reasons I like doing this 1001 albums.

I very much liked this album. I will definitely be listening to it more

His third album. Soul / Indie. Themes of social injustice, love, loss and hope. The production is very tight. I've Been Dazed is a good track. You Ain't The Problem is also very good. This album feels both contemporary and retro at the same time. It is clearly well thought out as a whole journey. The vocals are excellent. Living In Denial is a really good track. A new album for me and a pleasant surprise.

Fantastic listen and such a wild suggestion as my first album. Have had so much love for it since seeing Kiwanuka live in Florence. Regardless of nostalgia, I truly believe it's full of musical excellence all around. My favourites being Hero and Solid Ground, but could listen to its entirety endlessly (and have done).

IMPRESIONANTE. No lo conocía y me llevé una grata sorpresa, es un álbum muy bien cohesionado, el sonido es increíblemente envolvente. Simplemente mis dieces a este disco.

What a delight and surprise to find this album on the list! One of my favourites of the last few years, KIWANUKA is both a collection of great individual songs but also greater than the sum of its parts - a wonderful experience from start to finish which is on both my and my partner's regular rotations. 10/10

2019 England. Psychodelic soul

Wow. WOW. This album takes me places. This is the first I've ever listened to anything by Michael Kiwanuka, even though I've been aware of him by name for some time. The opening track 'You Ain't the Problem' was instantly an all-time favorite. I literally haven't been able to stop listening to it. What an incredible throwback sound. I actually had to give myself a number of listens to the rest of the album to get over the fact that the rest of it slows way down and doesn't sound like the opening. But once I did get over it, the ride was so smooth. I'm coming up on about 200 albums rated, and this is the 5th to go instantly on my want list without having been exposed to it before this project.

I have a playlist where I add my favourite songs from each album… I really struggled picking one from this because they were all just that good, and if that’s not a sign then idk what is

This beautiful album came out in 2019 and I have never heard of this artist or album before until just now and I'm pissed off

Now I wish I would have spent more time with this artist!

Every part felt like it was specially crafted and mixed perfectly. Wow!!!

Wow. Amazing. I’m floating right now. I gotta see this guy in concert some day. Loved it.

Phenomenal. Powerful, graceful.

Really lovely songs. It's not often that I immediately go back for a second listen. Oddly puts me in mind of Coldplay's Parachutes album in some tracks. 5/5

Really unique and easy/fun to listen to these tunes. Personally haven’t heard much of this sound in recently released albums, enjoyed pretty much every song on here. Will start listening to more of Kiwanuka’s work after this, so a five star album in my eyes.

Hot damn. This was fucking amazing.

Yeah this is an excellent album. Immediate re-listen and likely a buy

Loved this. Was perfect companion for a long drive. It felt both intimate and cinematic, with particular moments evoking a spaghetti western.

Beautiful, lush, expansive tracks. This album is perfectly structured you feel the big open really announces itself, the middle takes you on a sonic journey, and the end tied everything up so you knew you were on the last track. Jazz drums, 60s cinematic strings, clean - clean guitar, 90s keys and a beautiful voice come together into something both complex and simple at the same time. Easy 5

Soulful, melancholic, beautiful. Favorite songs: You Ain't the Problem, Hero, Light.

Happy, upbeat, but also somber and reflective - full reality.

I am adding a new word to my vocabulary, Kiwanuka. I will use it in place of wonderful, excellent or beautiful. This sounds like Ibiza chill out has been hanging out with Afro soul, 70s blaxploitation, 60s rock, funk and soul for a weekend and had a great time. Kiwanuka LP 5 big Kiwanuka bouncy stars

I've never been led astray by Kiwanuka. His music hits deep. Love & Hate was my favorite of his, but this may have exceeded it.

really new and interesting, nice!

Beautiful record. Great production. Great songwriting. Great playing. For a fairly chill album there's a lot of great bass work.

This was fantastic & I am not done with it yet. I am going to run it back tonight.

Masterful soul music!!

Loved this!!