KIWANUKA

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.

Great album which blends soul and folk. Didn't know anything about this artist. Definitely it's a great recommendation!

Most of these albums have either been artists I know but never gave an entire album a chance or artists I don't know at all and don't really like. This album was one of the rare, "wow" moments where I just found a new artists to add to the rotation.

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.

great voice and some nice soulful tracks

Good voice, pleasant enough to listen to again but with no 'sparkl' that makes it special for me. Can't put my finger on what is lacking, perhaps its just that the amalgamation of different styles and backing confuses rather than interests me.

It’s good. Somehow never takes off into really good, lacking some level of excitemenr and emotional oomph. I’ve Been Dazard and Hero are proper good tracks. I don’t like the production, it feels low go and somehow sapping the energy of the songs, they also feel like they’re all 10bpm too slow?

Nominated for rock album of the year. Didn't find any rock on this album but was pleasure to listen still.

This was ok. Didn't really like it though.

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.

Rating: 8.5/10 An eclectic mix of styles with fantastic production, great singing and instrumentation. Favorite songs: You Ain't The Problem, Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Piano Joint, Hero, Final Days, Solid Ground, Light. Worst song: Living In Denial.

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),

Hard to believe the album came out in 2019, really good album and will be adding it to playlists

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.

What Kiwanuka proves above all else is that soul is possible in modern music and can easily sit alongside its compatriots, seemingly without comparison to soul’s ‘golden era’. This is soul music for today, clearly taking tips from records of the 60s and 70s, but not just remaking them - redefining them. It results in a genuinely unique sound - something that could be put on and instantly recognised as Kiwanuka. An album with a flowing and cascading soundscape, one to match its inspirations.

This is an exceptional record with so many good ideas. As an extra his voice just fits perf curly in the instrumentation.

Banger album

LOVED the soulful vibe of this. it felt so human and raw. Tbh if i listen to it again this could be a five cause im feeling a 4.5 on it. 1. Piano Joint 2. Hero 3. Solid Ground

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

Not my cup of tea

Highlights: Rolling Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Hero Final Days My first impression of this was that the instrumentals reminded me of chopped up soul Hip-Hop beats, which makes sense because this is a R&b/Soul album produced by Danger Mouse. The more I listened to this, the more it grew on me. A very enjoyable, easy listen, but I'm unsure of how much depth there is to dig in to. I will definitely be revisiting this album, and I hope it continues to grow on me.

Good vibes! Would probably listen again

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.

Excellent. Beautiful instrumenration. Some of the interludes felt unnecessary

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.

I had high hopes after the strength of the opener - it felt like it was opening up a window into modern soul. And by the end — the sound clips and paint-by-number lyrics ("lying on the ground / feeling like a dyin' man / no reality / fading memories / following the crowd / coulda been a stronger man") made a lot of the drama and weight it was reaching for seem unearned.

**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

Didn’t grab me the way I hoped it would, and it would seem I am in the minority. It’s atmospheric, and the guitars are fuzzy, and it feels soulful, but it spends most of its run-time being really introspective and pensive apart from a handful of songs. It just didn’t hit the spot enough for me.

A beautiful album that I need to return to.

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.

Such a strange inclusion. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. It's just strange that it's here. Truly genre defining, I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was this album was meant to be, but that is by no means negative.

Had never heard of this, and started off very excited, but ended up not really liking it overall. Difficult to articulate why... it had kind of a glossiness that I found off-putting

9/18/24. This is perhaps the newest album along the 1001 journey so far, very soulful and blues like. Almost reminds me of Khruangbin with the sound, and soulful vocals. Lost a little steam at the end, but still enjoyed.

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

++: Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Another Human Being, Final Days, Interlude (Loving the People), Solid Ground, Light +: You Ain't the Problem, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (Intro), Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Living in Denial, Hero, Hard To Say Goodbye +-: Hero (Intro) 7,6/10

Damn, this is fantastic. Excited to keep revisiting this one. 4/5

Great vibes. Better get it

Never heard of him, but the album is good.

In coming to this album mostly fresh, it was interesting to learn that Kiwanuka is a significantly bigger star in his home base of England than here in the United States. Apparently there’s much hype and fan euphoria there for his full discography, including this release. And… I’m not there at the UK level. I really only know him from his track “Cold Little Heart” from HBO’s Big Little Lies. He’s clearly talented and I love the mixture of genres he pulls together to create this modern, moody, unique blend of R&B, soul, acoustic folk and jazz to name just a few threads he’s pulling from. And the strong songwriting based around deep, personal yet universal themes of self identity coupled with his authentic voice that’s comfortable embracing all these styles seamlessly is his strength. But for me, it slightly becomes his weakness here, where the album was spread a little too wide in musical styles, making it slightly less cohesive thematically. Still great though, so much so I’m looking forward to diving into his full discography.

This is solid.

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!

Listening experience is a 4. Really cool record that just FELT nice. Its possibly the songwriting itself wasn’t the strongest because I don’t know if I’d ever go back to it but if it’s on I’m all about it.

Sounds amazing and flows so well as an album, bangers all the way through with a good and somewhat unique blend of styles

Holy shit. I might have to buy this. Refreshing, original, well-rounded, and just overall very listenable music. I want to listen 1001 albums like this instead of the predictable "classics" and questionable/British filler.

Great. He has a great voice and I like the mood of the instruments. Favorite song: Rolling. (but most of them, really)

Great

I keep double checking that this album was released in 2019. It was....but it never sways from the 1960s/1970s British pop/rock sound. That crisp guitar distortion of a Tele or Gretsch through an overdriven Vox or Marshall amp is the unmistakable sound of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kinks, The Outsiders, etc. etc. etc. And the acoustic guitar on top of a string arrangement with layered female backup vocalists in the background IS the sound of the 70's. This guy is nothing new. Even within what was a worldwide revolution in sound at the time, he finds a way to be boring. I have to admit, everytime I go down the road of listening to a British "R&B" or "Soul” artist, I finish wishing they had left those genres to the Americans, whose rugged, raw, and gritty blues and soul artists/music tower over the well meaning but polite and sterile British versions.

Great album, I kept wishing for the vocal melodies to be a little bit more creative, because the piano, instruments, voice were all spectacular. A truly nice listening experience the whole way through.

its from 2019 so its automatically novel compared to most the rest of the list, cool interesting listen if not the biggest standout

unexpected chill album, very smooth r&b, feels like something that Shick's or Clarion River Brewery would play, possibly someone at Campus Ministry would have running

Супэр альбом, полный и драмы, и грува. Лучшая песня - You Ain't The Problem.

i enjoyed this but i can't say it stood out to me much. i could tell it was well-produced and it was nice to listen to, but it was almost too clean...? idk how to describe it but it just didn't capture my interest. i can't say it was bad though. maybe i just need to give it another listen.

This was so great!! Enjoyed basically every song. I’m not sure which part specifically to even say worked well because the whole thing just felt really well made and interesting.

fuck man.

Unexpectedly great.

I think I would've eventually been able to know Danger Mouse had something to do with this on vibes alone. Kiwanuka's writing allows for a lot of space that Danger Mouse seems to fill with atmosphere that reminds me of Shirley Basset's Bond themes, or the laid back likes of Röyksopp or Zero 7. It's nice mood music. Favorite tracks: "Solid Ground", "Living In Denial", "Hard To Say Goodbye"

When the first track started I thought this album was going in one direction, but the beat kicked in and I was taken in an entirely different way. I really enjoyed this album. Such an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. Good stuff!

Easy listening. I was initially going to award 3 stars but on reflection there are some solid tracks throughout.

This was delightful. An unexpected pleasure to listen to.

Interesting listen. Sometimes it sounds like 70s soul and r & b and other times the music is much more modern sounding like the Strokes. Overall I like it.

No me esperaba mucho, por alguna razón le tenía prejuicio. Me encantó. La atmósfera que genera desde el tema 1, con una mezcla de influencias que están trenzadas de forma magnífica.

not bad not good either imo not keen on slow songs few good songs in there tho

A wonderful African beat introduction

Beautiful all the way through

Some nice, positive energy. Dreamy, some psychy; lot like good 60s pop. Subtle. Never got on my radar, wish it had.

I always find it refreshing when the album of the day is relatively recent. It confirms that it’s an ever-evolving list and the must-listens change as the music industry changes. Having said this I’m not particularly a fan of MK - it’s all a bit underwhelming. Or maybe just whelming!

I enjoyed this album. I only listened to the first couple songs then it faded into the background.

This was really good. Soulful, hip, groovy — never tried too hard to be anything it wasn't. Vey self-assured.

This was all right. Pleasant enough. Nothing terribly special, though. Like a low-calorie vending machine snack.

Some amazing songs

Мягко, приятно, интересно

So good! Old, 2D Gorillaz and Modern Guilt-era Beck vibes.

Zzzzzzzz

Le projet "1001 Albums" a parfois de ces idées saugrenues, surtout quand il me sort de ma zone de confort, de mes tranchées creusées à grands coups de post-punk, de noise et de folk apocalyptique, pour me jeter en pâture un disque de... Soul. Oui, vous avez bien lu, de la Soul et avec une majuscule, s'il vous plaît. Le genre de musique que mes parents auraient pu écouter en fumant des clopes et en se demandant si, oui ou non, ils allaient repeindre le salon en orange. Je dois l'avouer, quand j'ai vu le nom de Michael Kiwanuka sur ma liste, j'ai haussé un sourcil. Kiwanuka, a sorti son album en 2019 et il est déjà sanctifié par la grande bible des albums à écouter avant de clamser ? Mettons les choses au clair tout de suite : "Kiwanuka" est une pièce d'orfèvrerie, c'est un disque d'une beauté formelle absolument sidérante. On sent les dollars, le temps passé en studio, l'ambition démesurée. La production, assurée par le duo de magiciens Danger Mouse et Inflo, est à tomber par terre. Chaque son est à sa place, chaque arrangement de cordes est d'une justesse folle, chaque choeur gospel semble descendre directement du paradis pour venir caresser vos tympans. On ferme les yeux et on est en 1972, dans un film de la Blaxploitation, quelque part entre un album perdu de Marvin Gaye, une bande originale d'Isaac Hayes et une session rêvée de Curtis Mayfield. Le son est chaud, ample, analogique jusqu'au bout des potards. C'est une déclaration d'amour à une époque, un fantasme de soul psychédélique réalisé avec les moyens et la technologie d'aujourd'hui. Le disque s'ouvre sur des interludes, des voix samplées, créant une atmosphère cinématographique avant de laisser place à des morceaux qui s'étirent, prennent leur temps, installent des grooves hypnotiques. On sent le savoir-faire, l'intelligence musicale. Les mélodies sont intemporelles, on a l'impression de les avoir toujours connues, sans jamais tomber dans le plagiat facile. C'est là toute la force de Danger Mouse : il ne copie pas, il invoque, il ressuscite un esprit, un vibe, une couleur sonore avec une précision chirurgicale. "You Ain't The Problem", "Rolling", "Hero"... les morceaux sont solides, portés par des lignes de basse rondes, des guitares wah-wah langoureuses et la voix, bien sûr, la voix de Michael Kiwanuka. Et c'est là, précisément, que le 3/5 prend tout son sens car ce disque est parfait, trop parfait. C'est une reconstitution historique si brillante, si fidèle, qu'elle en devient presque un objet de musée. C'est une superbe vitrine, mais j'ai eu un mal de chien à briser la glace pour voir ce qu'il y avait derrière. Tout est si léché, si maîtrisé, si... respectable. Où est la faille ? Où est la cicatrice ? Où est le danger ? J'écoute ça et j'admire le geste, la compétence, le talent indéniable. Mais ça ne me prend pas aux tripes. Ça ne me donne pas envie de casser des trucs ou de pleurer toutes les larmes de mon corps. J'ai passé les années 90 à vendre des disques où les mecs hurlaient leur désespoir dans des micros pourris, où les guitares sonnaient comme des tronçonneuses rouillées, où la beauté naissait du chaos. Ici, la beauté naît de l'ordre et de la maîtrise, c'est une autre philosophie. Michael Kiwanuka lui-même semble parfois être un invité de luxe sur son propre disque. Sa voix est magnifique, chaude, pleine d'une soul authentique, mais elle est tellement enchâssée dans cette production monumentale qu'elle peine parfois à s'en extraire pour me parler directement. Les textes sont personnels, introspectifs, touchants, ils parlent d'identité, de doute, de la condition d'un homme noir dans le monde d'aujourd'hui. C'est puissant, et ça donne une profondeur indéniable à l'ensemble. Mais la musique, elle, est si luxueuse qu'elle semble parfois anesthésier la douleur. Alors, est-ce que "Kiwanuka" mérite sa place dans les 1001 albums ? Probablement. C'est un disque important, un jalon dans la musique soul du 21ème siècle. C'est la preuve qu'on peut encore faire ce genre de musique avec ambition et pertinence, sans sonner comme une parodie pour émission de télé-crochet. C'est un album que je peux recommander à n'importe qui, l'assurance qu'il ou elle y trouvera quelque chose de beau. Mais pour moi, il lui manque cette étincelle de folie, ce grain de sable dans la mécanique parfaitement huilée. Il lui manque ce petit "je-ne-sais-quoi" qui transforme un très bon disque en un putain d'album essentiel. C'est une oeuvre d'art magnifique, mais un peu froide. Une beauté que l'on admire plus qu'on ne l'aime passionnément. Un 3/5, pour la beauté du geste et c'est amplement mérité.

Amazing! Never heard of this album or artist, but it all flowed super well. Great vocals/arrangements. Will definitely be listening to this one again.

Very classical nouveau American Soul done by a Brit - this is the contemporary British music that I enjoy discovering. 3.5/5

As I was not familiar with the artist, I read comments from others and got all excited about listening to the album... The good, his voice! How refreshing to listen to someone just sing and not try and be a million things in one! The bad, repetitive... for me. After a couple of songs I was ready for the album to be over with... However, to stay positive, probably the best album produced in the past 5 years I've had the pleasure of listening to.

Heard a few tracks off his first album, so I’m looking forward to this. This definitely sounds better on headphones. Nice, calm, pretty, well made. Relaxing and easy to enjoy. Gets better with repeat listening. Nothing to complain about. 4/5

didn't go into this with high expectations but this exceeded them .Great fusion of soul and some hip-hop elements. Favorite tracks: You ain't the problem, hard to say goodbye

Very emotional, reminds me a bit of Flower Boy and Blonde. Has a 60s/70s sound that is unique, will listen again. Almost a 8.5

i like piano joint, not the intro. also like hard to say goodbye near the end. i like interlude loving the people. not playlist worthy. didnt listen to light which is the last song because i got bored and couldnt be bothered.

Never heard of this artist before, not sure what to expect. Definitely a retro sound. Sounds older than it is. Calming and ambient instrumentals. I wasn't expecting this at all but it was interesting to hear. Highlights: Living In Denial Hero

Kiwanuka crushes it. This album is great easy listening, contemporary with a bit of a Seal vibe. Both give it a (3.75*s)

This is not my first foray into MK's music, I have several other songs by him saved to playlists. He's a modern take on soul music with a dash of Ugandan backbeats and I really dig the whole sound. This album is full of emotion and true expression, drip some of that honey-voice over it and it's great. He's an artist in the purest sense. I listened to this full album several times through and never got bored.

Good sound from Mr. K. There are a very select few religious artists I can get behind because the music is just good and the message doesn't get too bogged down in prayer. Great example here. Good mix with nice arrangements. The album started very strong but did slow down and fade off by the end. List did provide something I never would have found and I enjoyed...3.15.

Good to see something so recent on this list even if the album didn't wow me. MK has a good voice and the album brings some interesting diverse sounds. There's a lot of emotion and soul buried in this album so perhaps that's why it got the nod. Overall a decent listen. I may check out his other albums to see what else he has. Kiwanuka seems like a pretty skilled specialized musician. I'd like to see him open it up a little more and try his hand at a harder rock album and see what he is capable of. 2.78 stars

Adored this! Old sounds and modern sounds blended with a heavy dose of Danger Mouse’s vibe.

Wow, that came out of nowhere. This is what I am looking for in this project: An artist I hadn’t really heard of, a genre I am usually not excited about - yet, this won me over at track one and didn’t let me go. Such a lovely sound, so many great songs, full of surprises.

His first two albums were exciting. This is still very good, but nothing really stands out to me.

yeeeeeee

I do love African beats.

Intimo e lirico, allo stesso tempo corale e tribale. Probabilmente il suo disco più completo e organico.

Varied and bombastic, and a real departure from his previous album

Плотная черномазая тема

Pretty good!

Yeah it's alright

Michael Kiwanuka's self-titled album, Kiwanuka, showcases his undeniable talent as a vocalist. His voice is rich, soulful, and carries an authenticity that draws you in from the first note. There’s a timeless quality to his voice that resonates deeply, reminiscent of classic soul artists. However, while his vocal delivery is undoubtedly strong, the album as a whole falls a bit short in leaving a lasting impact. The production is polished and the instrumentation is lush, blending elements of soul, folk, and jazz. Yet, despite these strengths, the album feels somewhat repetitive and lacks the dynamic energy that would elevate it from good to great. Many of the tracks blend together, making it difficult for any particular song to stand out. It’s a pleasant listen, but it may not be one you find yourself returning to often. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 3 STAND OUT TRACK Hero

My love making album

Complex - needs another listen or two for a full judgement but I will predict 5

10/10

9/10

first track 7/10 second track 8/10 third 4/10 fourth and fifth 5,23/10 sixth 10/14 seventh 3,14159/5 for sampling eighth 10/10 nineth 1/10 kein bock mehr

Nice blend of old and new, unique sound.

Unexpected gem

I fell in love with this album. Honestly, 5/5

Well, it wasn't quite what I was expecting (in a good way), but it didn't blow me away. It's fine, I'm not sure it deserves a place in the book, though.

Amazing album. Such chill, but powerful music.

this album be chillin strong start to the album sick album big listen

Nice, but not top 1000 in the world

#315. When I saw this, my first thought was Ah, here we go again with some obscure, likely strange ass British shit no one's ever heard of. And as it seems, none of his songs popular on Spotify are even from this album. Is this yet another time when the characters making this list picked a one hit wonder, and then put a different one of their albums on this list instead? Yeah, I have no idea about the answer to that question because I've literally never heard this dude's name even once before, but what I can say is that this shit slaps. It doesn't seem to slot into any one genre neatly, but if anything that's for the better. I wish all the music on this list I've never heard of was as good as this, but the list creators would rather ear-rape me with Scritti Politti and the like instead. 4/5: fantastic Song added to playlist: You Ain't The Problem I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

Very pleasently surprised. Great, unique, chill and genre breaking album. Finding new stuff like this is exactly why I love this album generator.

Virkelig lækkert! Fantastisk stemme, sommermusik

Fed! Lækker lyd, gode sange, fede vibes. Måtte gerne have været lidt mere fokuseret på sange frem for vibes måske.

Meget varieret musik, dejlig stemme!

A interesting listen. Groovy in a little different. But I probably won't come back to this.

So far the best discovery on the list, soulful and timeless music.

WHAT A FUCKING ARTIST, THIS IS PURE ART. GOSH, I LOVE THE LYRICS, HIS VOICE, HIS MUSIC WAS PURE ART

actually insane album loved it

If this thing was like 10 minutes shorter, I'd give it a 5. It's lush, it's beautiful, but it wanders off the trail a little too far too often.

I was listening to this on a walk and kept trying to figure out why this reminded me so much of Inflo's work with Little Simz and SAULT only to get home and Google it and find out Inflo produced this too. Of course! Liked the psychedelic, groovier first half of this more, but it's still a delight to hear Inflo's grandiose arrangements paired with Michael Kiwanuka's voice.

An throwback to old soul music that's drenched in reverb and modern production touches from Danger Mouse. Mournful lyrics delivered like a more folky solomon burke.

Totally blindsided by this one. Still struggling to pigeon hole a genre, so let’s keep it simple. It’s super chilled, and has a great vibe, largely contemporary but some lovely 70s leanings. Ah, I just really like it. Looking forward to reading more and hopefully more back catalogue.

Some infectiously catchy stuff on here. I liked it better than I thought I would.

Atmospheric and beatiful, with just enough grit and punch to make it interesting.

Might this be the most recent five star album on this project? Yes, I guess it might (although if Punisher or Yawn appear on here, then I take this back). It's got such a soulful, fun, heartfelt vibe to it, and it was really great to see this leap across genres and be considered outside the confines of 'music of colour'. He's got a smashing way with words too.

Really enjoyed most of the album, the only knock I have is the background conversations that were not clear enough to understand and just clear enough to get in the way of the experience. Just didn’t understand what he was trying to do. Otherwise a a good listen

I like it a little better than some of the other recent albums but it’s still not likely to make it on my list of favorites.

Shame on me for thinking it was going to be afro-beat. Pretty good album overall. Not one I'd heard of, obviously. I'll revisit this one when I'm in the mood.

Didn't get a chance to listen to the whole Album, but what I did catch -- I liked.

The first 15 seconds of the first song sound like Curtis Mayfield and then the album falls directly off a cliff and never recovers. The comments on YouTube are all “I found this song through a Gap commercial!!1” and that sums this album up perfectly. This has no edge or rawness. This is rounded off, safe, soul Muzak. This is music for a Gap commercial or Sirius XM The Spectrum or NPR. Or British people. I guess the British could listen to this on their wireless while the kettle is on and feel super soulful. Good job, Brits. You guys sure are funky.

One of my favorite albums. I love the lyrics and the arrangement of the music. The mood and emotion Michael brings out is unique and lovely.

Modern retro soul. I've seen a lot of other reviews describe this album that way and, I mean, really, it's the best way. It's like if "golden period" Stevie Wonder was making albums five years ago, it's great. There's not more I can really think to say than that, honestly. It's just a good reminder that I should probably be going out and listening to more recent music. Even if "recent" here means "half a decade old."

Just some amazing instrumentation, and Kiwanuka's stellar vocals make this a pretty damn good slice of modern Soul. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

I’m at a 5. God, what a beautiful, beautiful album. I’ve never heard of Michael Kiwanuka until now, but this album is one hell of an introduction; such a deeply vivid album, from its instrumentals, to its lyricism, and even to its vocals – his voice has such a great fucking tone to it that manages to sound like Bill Withers, Phil Collins, and Seal all at once. In terms of the genres, this album bounces all over the place, but it never once loses any sense of cohesion – it can go from Stevie Wonder-esque pop, to Bill Withers-esque soul, to a bit of Jimi Hendrix on a dime, while managing to explore a lot of other genres within those influences – for example, the instrumental part of Interlude (Loving the People) really stuck out to me. It feels almost Brian Eno-esque at the end while scattering in some awesome electric guitar throughout. Looking at the whole thing, it's basically a modern 70s album, even down to its cover art. Really, I’m just stunned this never entered my radar before now, and based on Spotify plays and whatnot, this is criminally fucking underrated. I’m really blown away by how cohesive this feels as an album experience; I feel like 2019 was very much a year for “playlist albums” thrown together without rhyme or reason, so to have an album cohesively put together with a definitive start and finish, excellent transitions throughout, and an overarching window of his version of the Black experience (if you didn't get this throughout the album, you truly did not get it) just feels kind of special. I thought this hit on all cylinders from top to bottom, and almost every influence it touches on involves some of my favorite artists ever, so everything here was right down my alley. Just a spectacular album – honestly, probably a 10/10 for me.

Muito bom álbum. Som bem diferente, voz agradável. Recomendo demais. Um pop que foge do convencional, com boa instrumentação e qualidade musical.

Makes me mourn pre-covid

Michael Kiwanuka blew me away with Tell me a Tale about 10 yrs ago - he has only improved since then - 'you ain't the problem' remix is aprt of my favorite spin song list for climbs : )

I’ve gone back to this album a couple of times now since first listening to it. This is a supremely interesting and marvelous creative work. Love final days & the interlude.

His bio is incredible...leaning into who he is instead of creating a stage version that shields against criticism. This first song, "Your Ain't the Problem," resonates.

What an absolute triumph of an album. Indebted to the past but far from a mere update. Sonically rich. Quite a journey. Ravers, ballads and everything in between all presented in a unique pallette. Soul, psychedelia with enough of a modern touch to make it would timeless. An album I will return to.

I really don't know what to say about this one. I didn't hate it and I made it all the way through, but I don't think I'd run it again unless I was getting paid or something. I guess I wonder why it made the list.

I had no idea what to expect from this, and was pleasantly surprised. Probably not something I would listen to on repeat, but it had some nice grooves to it.

Interesting. Different. 2 thumbs up.

ive been wanting to listen to this for a while. 9.2/10 soulful funky jazzy delicious let me kiss that sweet face michael

Incredibly enjoyable. Really great start to an album... Incredible that there is like no information on it, but it's on this list.

i loved this album!! it has a very conscious feeling to it, and kept me hooked!

Great! Rightly among under the 1001. Neo Soul from his finest, mixed with a little bit of blues and electronic sounds…10/10

Good start and great ending, however the middle is quite bloated by useless interludes and drawn out instrumentals. Lost a lot of motivation on re-listens. The ending run of tracks after (and including) "Hero", is quite noteworthy and easily the strongest part of the album. Especially, if you're in the mood for a blend of psychedelic rock, soul and r&b.

Fab

Had heard lots of the songs before, but whole album listened well 7/10

really loved this

3.5!

Really good album.

Pretty much no notes. I didn’t check what the time period was on this at first and I honestly couldn’t tell. But, it fulfills one of my main desires which is for 70s-80s vibes in actual high song quality. Very varied and luscious.

Definitely the best album of that year....

It's fine I guess. Some cool guitars

This album just got stronger and stronger as it went on, and it started off pretty fuckin strong. This is a modern classic, you can just tell how much heart and soul went into this record. Kiwanuka is so talented

Really loved the vibe of this.

Very chill!

I'm surprised something so recent is on a list like this. I'm not sure if I would ever meet someone who would clamour that this is indeed essential. But what do I know? It's a perfectly pleasant record and Michael Kiwanuka sounds like a nice person. If I was a more skilled writer and thinker, I would try to posit some theories around the emergence of hypnagogic pop (soul) in our digital age. I appreciate anyone trying resist the whims of the algorithm and think about authenticity in a time when that seems to be rarer and rarer to see. B

Love the vibe of this album

tämä on hyvää cacaa. jahas mainokset alkoi 2 sekuntia ennen laulun päättymistä eli en ehtinyt klikata seuraavaa laulua koska tuli mainokset siihen. heh. indie rock album heh taitaa mennä hyvällä herralla vähän sekaisin genret, ei ole valkonen brittikvartetti tämä, älä käytä tuommoista loukkaavaa kielenkäyttöä enään koskaan heheh. hyvä tietää että NE osaavat vielä tehdä musiikkiakin... modernismi kuuluu mutta vanhojen aikojen wibat kaikuvat... But something stirs and something tries, And starts to climb toward the light... hero

Strong 1 track, expected more of that uplifting sound which I did not get the rest of the album. Good but not my cup of tea

Miam

Thoughts before listening: I really enjoy Michael Kiwanuka. I saw him at Bonnaroo a few years ago and got really into his album at that time. This one I'm less familiar with although I do believe I listened a couple times. A modern spin on blues based rock music with a singer who has more soul than most rock singers. Review: This is great. Very cool mix of R&B, blues, and rock. Michael Kiwanuka has a great voice, and he incorporates elements of many different styles that I enjoy. Its refreshing to get a newer album on here that I enjoy and thats a new discovery for me. My favorite songs are "I've Been Dazed", "Piano Joint", "Hero", and "Light". 4-stars

Great voice, love his music. "You ain't the problem" got me through some tough times.

can’t believe i’ve never heard this. phenomenal body of work

What a surprising one - the production is so fresh and innovative without being purposefully obnoxious and irritating. I'll definitely add this to my favourites

Eh...

Ok!!! This is the type of album that reminds me of why I wanted to start this project in the first place! Totally unexpected sound from an artist I had never heard of before, and I really enjoyed it.

Heartfelt and beautiful soul album

ok, aber keine topscheibe, elektro poprockethnoafrostyle

Smooth, easy listening

Another album and artist I haven't heard of. I really liked this, there were some great songs

When Glastonbury announced the lineup for 2024's instalment of the festival, it was initially met with mixed reactions on social media. I swear, I must've seen about 10 people independently comment "that don't impress me much" in response to it, a painfully obvious reference to Shania Twain's status as a headliner. That being said, despite this, the lineup, I thought, was fairly strong. I'd pointed out about thirty or so artists that I'd be interested in seeing the replays of - LCD Soundsystem, Squid, Little Simz, PJ Harvey, Fontaines D.C., Lankum... the list goes on. But one name stuck out as one that I recognised from somewhere - Michael Kiwanuka. It took a quick google search before I found he' fairly well-regarded commercially and critically, and a little longer before I realised he was featured on Danger Mouse & Black Thought's 2022 track "Aquamarine" - one of my favourite songs from that year. Speaking of which, Danger Mouse's production is almost certainly the first thing I noticed upon hearing the first song, "You Ain't the Problem". The drums in particular sound excellent, and as I went further into the album, I found that there was a real depth and variety to the instrumentation here - all of which complement's Kiwanuka's vocals wonderfully. It's clearly quite the ambitious project, and it's extremely cohesive. My only issue is that there weren't really any individual songs that stood out to me as highlights; this is really a non-issue, though, when the quality of the music on here is as consistently as high as it is. Overall, well-produced, well-performed, and an absolute joy to listen to. Is it my favourite album from 2019? Nowhere near. But as far as I'm aware, the Weyes Blood, Tyler the Creator and Black MIDI albums from that year aren't on this list, so for all intents and purposes, it may as well be. 8/10

Good album

Definitely enjoyed this

Cool record. It might be a five, hard to say, decently compelling on first listen, but I was interrupted a bit. Never heard it before.

I've never heard of this artist before. It's one of the best albums I've listened to so far on this list! 4/5

I was initially skeptical about the album because of the cover. I found the music surprisingly good. I probably won't listen to it again soon, but I wouldn't shy away from it. 3/5

Dei play no álbum sem saber o que esperar. Começou dançante alto astral e terminou intimista e melancólico, mas estranhamente combinaram. Amei o contrabaixo marcado nas primeiras músicas.

Very unexpectedly good

what the fuck

Love this. Still prefer Love And Hate. (definitely nostalgia) Fav Track: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Honorable Mentions: You Aint The Problem, Hero, & Light

Really enjoyed the back end

A really well-balanced album with well-constructed songs. I'll come back to this one.

It's a pleasant pastiche of stuff that has been done better about 40 years prior. Clearly very talented in all fields but originality.

I don't hate it. Nothing of any real interest though.

There are things to be said about the, say, post 2010 inclusions on this list, because a lot of the Whys and Hows seem to be shady and lazy, but this one? I don't even care. Marvellous!

I missed this one completely despite typically being the kind of person who pays attention to the Mercury. Must’ve been distracted by something in 2020. Anyway this was infectious from the first minute. The reliance on distortion got a bit wearing for me but I loved this regardless.

This was a fantastic listen! KIWANUKA expertly blends genres and styles from 60s and 70s jazz/soul/funk/rock/ambient into fresh, modern compositions. At any given moment, it's hard to tell if this album came out just yesterday or has been a long-standing classic for decades. On top of that, he's got one hell of a beautiful, soulful voice.

Disclosure: I own a copy.

Enjoyed it nice relaxing vibe

Already downloaded a few of his songs so had liked him before but thought the album was solid overall.

Smooth but a bit pedestrian in places

Underwhelming

Soothing

Very good, atmospheric. Definitely will listen to this more. No favorite songs in particular. The whole album should be listened as a whole I think

Groovy, bluesy, rootsy. Just damn good music. I wa familiar with their Love and Hate album, but not this one. Glad to get some new music in my rotation.

KIWANUKA!!!!

my god, I skipped this one for a long time but it WAS LIFE CHANGING

I really liked this. His musicality and flow were good. I think the challenge of retro-soul, especially reflecting the Blaxploitation era, is people like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and James Brown did it so well it became iconic. If someone is going to pay homage, it needs to offer something they didn’t. This album was a great reflection but I am not sure it offered anything not already done. You Ain’t the Peoblem and Piano Joint were my key tracks. I will definitely give this another listen, thiugh

I dig this one. I’m surprised such a recent album is on this list. I actually found this one a few years back and made it on to my “Recent Favorite Albums” playlist. The first couple of tracks are really good. It kind of mellows and meanders toward the end but is good quality.

Liked it very much

Fucking great goddamn

Soft and cozy like a hug c:

Having never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before listening to this album, I wasn't sure what to expect, but man did I enjoy the hell out of this record. He blends together the sounds of an indie singer-songwriter, soul, and some smooth jazz as well seamlessly. It was a rainy day when I listened to this, and this album provided a pitch-perfect, laid-back soundtrack to stay inside and relax. I'll definitely be revisiting this artist more in the future - the vibes are simply too immaculate not to. Notable Tracks: - You Ain't The Problem - I've Been Dazed - Living In Denial - Hero - Hard To Say Goodbye - Final Days 8/10

Incredible, honestly adding it to my regular rotation.

It's a nice chill, soulful album. He has a great voice.

Fun and interesting. Classic rock elements that remind me of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin

I really wish I was able to put a bit more attention towards this album today. I liked it as easy listening while working but I can tell I missed something. Either way, this is a very tight piece of music and one of the more modern ones I have gotten to off this list. It feels timeless in its organic instrumentation and definitely one I will come back to with the lyrics up!

6/10

Love it!

Fresh discovery

Really interesting and beautiful. Love when this shows me albums I really wouldn’t have heard of.

Great vibe. Will revisit.

Naahh, not really for me.

Never heared of him before. Sounds very much like 60´s to me. I like the atmospheric, dark sound of his voice with orchestra and distorted guitar. Surprisingly this one was growing on me with every listen from background music to a very solid album. Favourite: "You Ain´t The Problem", "Living In Denail", "Hero", "Rolling", "Final Days" 3,5

Good music and direction.

Nice change of pace from all the old music but also sad reminder of how this list goes to like 2021 and is still so lacking

Whenever there is a recent album I am a bit skeptical because I feel like it takes the place of an album I am more familiar with (ex: IGOR, which came out in 2019 as well). But this was a great listen. The first 3-track run was probably my favorite, after which it slows down a bit, but it grew on me with multiple listens. The interludes before some of the songs were hit or miss for me. I enjoyed the varied instrumentals as well, relaxed vibes all around. Low 5.

really good. I was doing work when listening to this and nothing made me like perk up yk but the whole thing was enjoyable. 9/10 but like idk if I should give a 4 or 5.

Really interesting and unique. 7/10

9/10 - It actually was so good. I was underwhelmed at first and then as it went on it felt so much better. I think went back and relistened to the first few tracks and they were fantastic. It was a great listen for a chill vibe.

Definitely one of the most surprising albums we've had so far; hadn't ever heard of it and it ended up being great. Loved the mix of genres and sounds. Glad this is on the list

It's pretty OK. Nice and smooth. It’s another one that’s tough to rank without half stars. I quite like it at points - Solid Ground is amazing. Probably 3.5 stars overall. Turns out he’s a t*ttenham supporter, which is AT LEAST a half star deduction.

I think i’ll need a second listen for full appreciation, but I really liked what I heard.

pas mal pour le boulot 4/5

What a pleasant surprise!! I hadn’t heard of this artist before and didn’t really know what to expect, but I enjoyed the whole album.

This was a very nice surprise. The music is a bit more on the slow, melodic side but it's great. One of those rare albums you can listen to from beginning to end.

What a great surprise! Apparently this was part of Ted Lasso

Dig it - like a mix of badbadnotgood and Charles Bradley.

Really enjoy the old school sounds deployed on modern stylings. Also, knew "Hero" from the radio but never understood who did it until now, so that's nice.

I'm pretty sure I haven't heard anything from this album, or from Michael Kiwanuka for that matter, so as far I know this is all new to me. And I really enjoyed the songs and the album, a very pleasant surprise. There are shades of Ollabelle and maybe also Ben Harper, but with a much more groove-focused style, and it's really fun that he arranged a concept-style album in 2019. I always find it a fun challenge to try to guess which side of the pond some English-language singers are from, and I'll admit I didn't do a very good job with Michael Kiwanuka. His style and voice seemed more American to me, and the video for "Hero" certainly seemed to be very American-oriented), but the video for "You Ain't the Problem" (one of my favorite songs on the album, along with "Hero") seemed much more British than American, and I eventually had to cheat and read in Wikipedia that he's English. Not that there's anything wrong with that. :) And very cool to find out he appeared (as himself) in the film "Yesterday"!

I'm digging the mid-70s vibe to it--surprised this is from 2019! Kiwanuka's voice is rich and heartfelt. Beautiful album.

A good album, took me a little by surprise. A solid 4

Enjoyed this way more than expected. Great album.

Expansive soul

Another album that is too long. Lose a couple songs and this is 4 stars.

Guitar-forward trance-y blues that sounds great for a couple of tracks but loses me after a while. I'll probably come back to this a few more times if only for the atmosphere it lays out, and maybe I'll get it more after some repeat listens.

I had never heard of this artist but I really enjoyed this album

My 1st album. Really like it

Folk, soul feel

3.5? Good background music

This guy was new to me. I liked what I heard and will explore more!

I love me some Michael Kiwanuka. Most of his albums, including this one, are so inviting and easy to listen to. His voice is magnificent and the guitar work is just as good.

5/5 love itttttt

Not bad

I have never heard of this artist before, but I liked it. Bluesy, funky, and just plain rocked. I don't know if the high will last, but I thought it was a 5 star banger.

Nice sound

Not a bad album. Nice tunes.

One of my all time favourites.

1) you ain’t the problem - сильный трек, классное вступление, проигрыш в начале дает высокие ожидания, и продолжение их оправдывает. минута проигрыша в конце просто нереально чилловая, дает мне breaking bad вайбы, the black keys - el camino вайбы, alex ebert - truth вайбы 2) rolling - гитарное вступление очень напоминает нирвану 3) i‘ve been dazed - лирика прекрасна

First time hearing this guy. Good singer, good album

Me aburrí

Some stand out tracks, good not great

Would I listen to it again: yes Is it a no-skip album: yes Do I like it: yes

Fantastic, what a surprise! I love it.

Også megachill album

Never heard of him, but this was really good. Kind of mellow, but upbeat.

Extremely creative and I like how the songs seem to flow together.

Inaspettatamente mi è piaciuto parecchio, bellissimo il flow di alcune canzoni

non so cos’è stato, ma è stato un viaggio bellissimo. una splendida, inaspettata, scoperta.

Credevo fosse musica etno africana anni 80. Ho ricevuto il suggerimento di ascoltarlo e devo dire che ne è valsa la pena, proprio caruccio.

Ma che figooooo

È interessante senz’altro. Sembra molto più vecchio del 2019

I really like this album, I'm surprised I never heard of it before, it sounds like it could be really mainstream.

Enjoyed this one all the way through. Felt like a truly cohesive album.

Truly tremendous. A brilliant collaboration of sounds, tinged with Marvin Gaye and Hooverphonic. Standouts are You Ain't The Problem, Rolling, Hero, Solid Ground, and Light. Kiwanuka has a new fan.

I really liked this album; it has both the personal touch of a strong singer-songwriter record and an interesting sound with some genre experimentation. At the same time, the music is very calming, albeit in a melancholic way. This isn't the kind of album you expect to come out in 2019, but it is a welcome surprise.

Honestly not sure what this was but I didn’t hate it

Never seen or heard of this album before! Holy shit, what an album. It defies categorization, all I can say is it’s excellent. Funky, jazzy, rocking, soulful, danceable. What a fantastic album. Mad I never knew this existed until now, I would have loved this when it came out.

Really good. Falls off a bit towards the end but I loved it

You Ain't the Problem 3.4 Rolling 3.3 I've Been Dazed 3 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (Intro) 2.8 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) 3.1 Another Human Being 2.9 Living in Denial 3.2 Here (Intro) 3 Hero 3.1 Hard to Say Goodbye 3.3 Final Days 3.3 Interlude (Loving the People) 3.4 Solid Ground 3.3 Light 3 Score: 3.15

some of the tracks on here hit the emotional bone for sure. i really dig the amount of distortion and fuzz on the guitar at times - stuff gets really psychedelic at times. i'm writing this as Hard To Say Goodbye is finishing up and god damn, real talk could have listened to that on loop for at least another 7 mins. lowkey shoegaze vibes (shut up). dudes vocals are incredible and very very good but something isn't quite clicking with me in that department yet. alright, few more tracks left. might listen to it again and see if it really sticks - otherwise 3/5 for sure.

Great album. Would listen to again

I think this is a really great album, and I almost want to give it a 4.5, but I feel I have to round down, because it doesn't do anything revolutionary to me. It's just really solid. I like his voice, and I really like the smoothness of his songwriting. However, once it's over, there isn't really any one song I can recall. I will be listening to more of his work, though, because I could see him becoming a favorite.

The voice alone deserves some recognition, but then you add in some very creative drums and bass music. The transcendent sound is both big and controlled. This is really a treat to listen to and the key being that the entire album is conceptual and a delight to listen to in full.

Psychedelic, soulful and complex. Excellent.

Some nice songs

A unique modern take on R&B. Solid all the way through.

I loved this album. Several of the tracks have made it into my favorite songs playlist. Phenomenal music all the way through.

Nice voice. Good listen.

This was wonderful and I am excited I was introduced to this album and artist!

An excellent listen that I see myself falling in love with more each listen.

Wow, what an interesting find. Mixes everything from Radiohead to Stevie Wonder with some crunchy Hendrix guitars and lovely soul vocals. A great musical rollercoaster, one of the best post-2010 picks on this list.

yea this bangs!! played the first track on a bar’s patron dj system and got more than a few ppl to look up at it - always a great sign

Very uneven for me - really liked some tracks, yawned through some, disliked a couple.

A big nothing

This is pretty good, it’s like real down to earth stuff. It’s got a 70s look to the album cover and the music isn’t too far off in some ways but it just feels different. Not what I expected. Soulful and engaging, but has some mellower parts that almost feel like imitating dance/electronic… idk, I think I need more concentrated listens when I am actually awake lol. Anyway, liked a lot of stuff on this.

Uffff y está maravilla?????

Only bangers on this experimental record. Smooth music with choirs, strings, the whole orchestra is here for it! 5/5

Best song: Vibes: berkeley, Nathaniel Radcliff/Leon Bridges style rock, big production Themes: violence, love