KIWANUKA

Wow. Last days hits differently.

Brilliant. Really easy to listen to. Have added the opening song to my favourite songs playlist.

Nice and chill album

favourite song: final days really good, kept my attention throughout and just good!

Really solid album. Before listening to this again, I was set on Kiwanuka’s 2016 album Love & Hate as his best offering, but now I am not so sure as this one is more mature and subtle. Overall, it is a soulful celebration of 70s sounds, with long David Gilmour-esque guitar outros on many songs, catchy vocal melodies (his voice is so smooth and yet has this raspiness to jt that is much welcome), and solid compositions that reward multiple listens. This album manages to be accessible and easy to listen to without being generic. If you like this album and artist, check out Skinshape.

I listened to most of the songs...did not feel anything inspiring for any of them!

Ahh what a breath of fresh air this album is from yesterday! That being said…. Michael is a sad boy whose heart was broken and his style is reminiscent of early indie music from 90’s and 2000’s. Blending some nice vocals and various string accompaniments that make it feel recent yet familiar to days gone by. I enjoy the vibe, but c’mon dude let her/(him?) go you know? Go to therapy, journal, take yoga, I dunno find that “Solid Ground” or “Light” you’re yearning for my man. I gave it a good listen while making eggs so my headspace was a little different compared to his I suppose. He’s got a nice voice but would be cool to hear him explore that in a positive direction and embrace his Ugandan roots and do a full album with more African inspired influence. Undoubtedly under represented in this genre (indie, folk, RnB) —> would be fresh to hear especially from someone with impressive pipes to showcase and blend old culture with new flair

Sometimes, it gives sly and the family stone But then, there is a certain muffled, distorted distancing from the singer's voice. I dunno why, it reminds me of Radiohead? introspective, longing, melancholic... he dives inward on piano joint and then! is that a harp on another human being? spacey, dreamy coffee shop vibes all around

I really liked this album - much more than I thought I would. Very interesting sound. The guitar tone was a little rough, but still a low 5

This is an A-grade album. Michael Kiwanuka with Danger Mouse and Inflo producing... the absolute dream team! These guys know how to make an album. I was very pleased to see this on the list because I was a fan of Michael for a while, but hadn't given his self-titled a listen. Heavy leans on the 60's soul sound that he just sounds so natural on, but it doesn't stop there... plenty of surprises everywhere. Along with the Alabama Shakes album, "Sound And Color," this strikes me as an Album Album, made in the 2010's, by Not A Rapper, and so that alone makes it exceptional. Kudos to Michael Kiwanuka and all involved for fighting the good fight. This sounds like it was a fight! 5/5. Greatest new album I've heard in a long time.

This is absolutely a top 100 album for everyone to listen to. It’s eclectic and brings in a variety of genres into a synthesis of musical genius.

I really liked it! I knew his voice sounded familiar.

Decent album overall, not really my kind of music

Probably one of the best contemporary authentic r&b albums. The album is filled with contemporary/modern soul that embraces from classic r&b to semi-electronica. Kiwanuka did a great job blending in modern music and authentic r&b to come up with a defined piece of art.

Nice surprise for album #2. I can see this getting some serious rotation as some chill but rocking background. Highlights are Rolling > Dazed, Hero, and Solid Ground.

Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka This seems too recent to be on an important list like this. No idea what to expect. Or even what genre this is. It’s gotta be good to be from 2019 and on this list. You Ain’t The Problem - strong out the gate with a classic neo-soul sound. Instantly melts any fears I have about this album. Super high production values. Love the line delivery. 4/5 Rolling - rolling forward into the next song. Song is alright, gets a big push from its predecessor. 2/5 I’ve Been Dazed - that move from one song to the next without telling me! So sneaky. This trio of songs are obviously meant to be listen to as a set. That energy! 4/5 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) [Intro] - well it does say intro. It’s carrying me through though 1/5 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) - sad song makes me sad. Ok. This song feels more complete than the others 2/5 Another Human Being - outro. Not as cool as the intro. Totally a skit. 1/5 Living in Denial - I can’t tell what year I’m in! I definitely like the layered weirdness of this song. It’s got a memorable hook to. This song has a bridge! Why don’t the others have bridges? 3/5 Hero (Intro) - that was total filler 0/5 Hero - ok I get it now, this album is going for a wide array of guitar textures. Guitar solo! 2/5 Hard To Say Goodbye - this song feels like a journey on an expansive steppe, probably in a Jeep Wrangler. This probably has the best vocals in the album. It pulls me and pushes me away at the same time. 3/5 Final Days - an apocalypse song. I’ll always listen to an apocalypse song. Interlude - I actually enjoy this interlude. Call me crazy 2/5 Solid Ground - while this sure feels like the single it’s a bit of a slog for me. 1/5 Light - nice conclusion 2/5 Well, that was a journey. Transporting to a kind of neo-soul nostalgic cool kids club in heaven. Definitely an album experience. Delivers in spades there. I jumped right back to the beginning after it was through. Songs though seem a tad undercooked. Many seem to miss just slightly. A lot of repetition. I don’t see myself breaking out the songs individually. It’s hard. It’s simultaneously awesome and underwhelming album. Placing it right in the center. 3/5

Good background music while working. Somewhat funk/folk throwback vibe.

Nunca tinha ouvido falar desse cara, muito bom!

Que riqueza sonora

3 Thought it was a calypso collection at first but was disappointed with the rest of the items

Really enjoyable album. Great songs, nice, airy production. Motown meets 90s Alt.

Definitely not my usual style, but I found it oddly soothing and chill. Not bad at all.

Different from what I normally listen to. Loved it.

A very solid but only modestly interesting soul album. Really well-crafted and thoughtfully written. Think I could have stood for a little more variety, or maybe a little more melody to go with the atmosphere. Best song: Final Days

Calm. Relax. Chill out. Madcool 2024.

On god a perfect album fluid and deep

Quite enjoyed this one. Everything about the album feels very deliberate, with classic elements of rock getting a soulful seasoning.

thoroughly enjoyed this album, a very diverse sound with some great songs sprinkled in. this guy is a good song writer and has a great voice

Rolling and Solid Ground are standouts.

Best ROCK album??…. Nah.

Cool piano - great sound

you aint the problem

Smooth vocals. Starts strong but falters in the middle. Lacks cohesive melodies to match the vocals. Finds its feet towards the end with the strings.

A nice album overall. Themes were consistent and I liked the switch halfway through. No weak songs really. Musically really good all the way through. The different vocals were well used and I like the instruments. Solid 7/10

I really did not like that one i coulsnt fully listen to it as i was just so bored of it. Would not listen tp again thpugh it might be bcz its all to fuzzy to me but yeah wouldnt listen to again 1/5

This is possibly the most soothing album I've ever heard. I never thought I'd hear some of the best guitar work and the most calming guitar work at the same time. Rolling specifically has the kind of guitar tone that could feed a family for years. Favorites were Rolling, Piano Joint, and Final Days.

Modern classic

Dropping me into the deep end on the second day with an artist I've never heard of, lol. To make sure I can devote my attention to these album listens, I listen as I do my hour of walking for exercise. Regardless of how I feel about the album, I really like Kiwanuka's voice. He reminds me a lot of the '60s and '70s folk albums my Dad played for me; the focus here is on his voice as an instrument. There's a mix of social conscious songs - Britain does not have the same type of racism as the USA does, but it does have its own - and problems in love songs. I didn't actively dislike any songs, but I did enjoy mostly the same songs as the higher-played songs (at as Spotify reported). I might only come back to relisten to a few songs, but I enjoyed listening to the album and have no regrets spending the time with it.

He is new to me and I enjoyed it

Very Grandiose, no bad songs but nothing grabbed me. Best song: (Beginning of) You ain't the problem worst song: N/A

Piano joint, piano joint, piano joint... I usually go for anything with piano, but this is something else. "Looking out for something new It's the right time to give in The right time to lose To begin again Maybe win again All I want is to talk to you Turn me onto something true"

absolute bliss. uganda folk music crafty songwriting and a surprising amount of modern synth experimentation. i can feel the emotion oozing from his buttery voice. loved this one

Pretty good. Will prob listen again

I was surprised by this one. I didn’t know it at all but it sounds like some Venn diagram of Jimi Hendrix plus the Who plus some sort of trippy other thing mixed in. It’s not something I’d have discovered on my own but it definitely has a 60’s vibe that I dug.

Absolutely smashing wtf! I also realized he’s the Big Little Lies guy lol!

Incredible

Incredible from start to finish. A masterwork

i love the low sounds and undertones .also the voice is top notch and i could maybe find myself in future listening to him more .Album is maybe a 7/10 or maybe I did not appreciate it enough

was pleasantly surprised on this one. enjoyed

Hey, I have this one at home! Mostly bought it on the strength of the "Rolling" single, a stellar track with a killer groove and killer vocal line, but I would lie if I said I spent much time with the whole album since 2019. So I was about to dismiss this record as maybe slightly overrated for such a list--even if it's pretty good. But then I saw its global score on this app, 3.78! That's really a good one for such a recent record. People using the app really seem to enjoy this LP, and a lot of them point out they only have discovered Michael Kiwanuka thanks to this 1001 albums project. Made me reconsider the whole thing a little, I have to say. Revisiting this LP was therefore pretty nice. It's got that "seventies" feel I really like. Actually such sounds and types of songwriting are basically timeless. The first three tracks are great, but most of the ballads on side two are also quite impressive... So yeah, why shouldn't I include this record in my list of keepers? The thing is, there are around 50 albums released in 2019 that I find at least equally interesting or even *better* than this album. And there are at least seven albums not mentioned in the 1001 albums book, released in that same year, that absolutely deserve the spot currently taken by Michael Kiwanuka--albums by Lana Del Rey, Fontaines D.C, Billie Eilish, Big Thief (not for one, but for *two* albums), Tyler The Creator and Weyes Blood. Plus *Ghosteen*, by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, already mentioned in the book, if I'm not mistaken (as is Little Simz' *Grey Area*, whose production team was also involved to *Kiwanuka*). All those records are excellent, and it is my staunch belief that most of them will be fondly remembered in the decades to come--because the fanbase of those artists has grown exponentially in the last years or so. 2019 was such a good year for music, and it saw the rise of so many phenomenal artists. You'd have to go back to late sixties, the late seventies, or the early nineties to witness similar sudden surges in the quality level of the music released through albums... Under that light, I think it's better to err on the side of caution and place this LP in my "waiting list". I'll probably revisit it again. But chances are that will revisit it *less* than all the albums I've just mentioned, as good as it is... 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums" (rounded up to 4). Which translates to a 8.5/10 grade for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 331 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 300 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 163 (including this one, in spite of a grade that generally puts an album in the list of direct "keepers"--we might need a little time to see how this record holds up in the future) Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other ones are more important to me): 215.

Ok

This album is not what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not sure that any one song particularly stood out. Nevertheless, it was very soothing from start to finish. Fav Track: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)

pretty cool, chill album. nice retro soul sound and feel, with some tinges of psych. was a nice pleasant album to have on

Don't like african "accent" at all.

Excellent music - not really my style but enjoyed it just the same!

Gorgeous and vibrant, measured and steady but deeply free. Really enjoyed this one

Een lekker potje retro klinkende soul, het is een beetje of de tijd een kleine 50 jaar stil heeft gestaan, maar er is niemand die dat erg vindt.

Het is vakantie. Dus even wat minder 1001 luisteren. Wat als het gezin meeluistert, is er altijd wel iemand met flink commentaar. Maar deze keer geen enkele wanklank uit het gezin. Er wordt zelfs wat mee geneuried met de soms catchy meloodietjes. Als je iedereen blij kan maken in dit gezin, heb je iets moois gemaakt.

Warm en sfeervol zijn de twee woorden waarmee ik dit zou typeren. Er zit geen nummer uptempo in volgens mij, iets waar ik normaal wel naar snak, maar dat Kiwanuka simpelweg niet nodig heeft. De muziek combineert soul, jazz en singer-songwritermuziek en maakt van ietwat gedateerde muziek iets compleet eigentijds en tijdloos. Ik kende zoals gewoonlijk alleen de hitjes (Home Again en Cold Little Heart), die hier dus niet op staan, en toch had ik het idee dat alles zowel herkenbaar als nieuw was. Prachtig. Heel fijn album.

Okay. Kind of forgettable.

This is 100% new to me, and a very nice find. I'm not sure how to classifty it, but it certainly has groove. Generally smooth sound, but not bland. I'll need to listen to this a few more times, but it's a solid 4. 4/5

Loved it. I really like the singer-song writer influenced, fused with R&B. The instrumentals for the intros built up and flowed nicely into each song. This is a really unique record for 2019. Super stoked on this one.

Something about when the vocals came in on You Ain’t The Problem had me worried about whether or not I would like the album…. It didn’t take long for any worry to fade away. This album is probably going to wind up on my rewind next year. Favorite Song: Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love)

Had a lovely time listening, the biggest “cozy yet productive Sunday afternoon” energy for me

Never heard of this guy before. Really enjoyable album. He has the kind of voice that makes you feel like everything's going to be alright.

This is gooooorgeous, super sensitive and feeling. No real standout tracks because it flows so well, but I really appreciated the occasional intro track thrown in. No detail went untouched but it's still so relaxed sounding, sometimes you just know something's authentic when you hear it and this totallly is.

Super soulful and beautiful sound, no complaints.

Very nice.

A great album and a great listening experience. The tracks all flow into eachother smoothly and cleverly despite the ever switching genre. Top tracks:. 'You Ain't the Problem' 'Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)' 'Living in Denial' 'Hero' An excellent modern find from the list and a very confident self titled album.

Pensei que seria um álbum esquecivel, mas não! Ótimo som, impactando e divertido!

You Ain't The Problem Rolling Piano Joint Hero Solid Ground

liked his voice

I like his voice. Odd mix of songs the album. Ethereal

Sad

There are some enchanting songs on this, it get bogged down in the middle and the production by Dangermouse seems to fussy and over layered. Would it have sounded better more stripped down?

Very nice surprise. Hadn't heard ofMK but the album is very smooth and has great beats. 3

Kinda lioed it

fun.

Interesting Sounds, some nice tunes. Listenable

Michael kiwanuka:self titled I don't think ive ever heard an album like this but it's a good thing I did because it's so good. between the lyrics the instrument selection and the delivery of lines. it's all good asl. the only bad thing that I can say about it is the amount of emptiness and what I mean by that is just no lyrics and just sounds. But it deosent bother me all that much because the parts with no lyrics sound incredible so... 8/10

Good production, could’ve put this album on repeat and listens to it all day

Very nice

O disco não me pegou muito, até o final. Ali ele ganhou méritos. As últimas 3 músicas são absurdamente boas e embora tenha uma vibe retrô, são músicas extremamente modernas. Um baita disco contemporâneo, feliz de ter descoberto esse artista.

Beautiful!

Really good stuff. Will probably listen again.

All around chill. Good quality music. 3

This album has a very warm and welcoming sound. I had only heard the first track from this album before today, and I was missing out. This is really good. Excellent blending of genres and styles. Love the fuzzy guitar work.

Love it!!!

Kiwanakua Super cool album. I could get into this over time , he’s got a cool voice and I dig the retro psychedelic soul sound. At some points the fuzzed out guitars can kind of sound like a brass section. All these tunes sound like the last song on an album . 4.5?

Kinda cool retro vibes and sounds. I didn’t really find this super unique or original but kind of a nice background vibes record. Probably a 3 in real life but 3.5-4 in this context. Kind of forgettable and probably won’t come back to it.

I liked the music and melody a lot. I usually like very general lyrics because you can apply them to anything but I was left wanting more in that department

Nice. I liked this a lot and had never heard of Michael before. Liked the music and the vocals.

This is a new album and artist for me - fantastic. Really loving the sound and Kiwanuka’s silky smooth voice. This album is exactly why I started on this 1001(+?) journey and why I have eagerly stuck with it through mediocre albums that shouldn’t be listed at all. You Ain’t the Problem, Living in Denial, and Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) really stand out - the latter like a warm and cozy blanket on a chilly day. Interesting blend of instruments, sound clips, backing vocals, and musical genres. It’s hard to define - soul? Jazz? Rock? R&B? Funk? - there’s a little bit of everything here. I will absolutely put this album into my general rotation and can’t wait to listen to his other albums.

should be my vibe, but didn’t really have anything that stood out to me. Grammy nominated rock album, kinda R&B. 2019.

3.5/5

Did not manage to listen to it

Grossartig

Great album and real music. Think fleet foxes meets indie hendrix. At parts you'll feel like you're in a bond movie and it be the beginning, middle or end depending on the song.

Michael Kiwanuka. Good stuff. Never ever heard of it before.

Was pretty alright overall. Vibed to it while playing a game. A light 4/5

this is probably the best album i discovered with this project. its so rich and the influences it has injected on it are so evident. you have afro music, soul, hendrix crazy ass guitar parts, catchy refrains and it sounds like a classic in general, even though its from 2019. had listened to it and liked it before with my old profile on this and it has grown on me even more on the second listen. the lyrics contain social and political commentary too, which im always in for. piano joint is my favorite track here, its beautiful, truly one of the most beautiful songs ive heard. overall one of the best contemporary albums ive listened to.

Loved it. Can understand the Curtis Mayfield comparisons but this side steps into ambient, hypnotic instrumentals, 60s soul, Radiohead and more.

Comments: 5/5 albums are experiences. Favorite tracks: You Ain’t the Problem, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Hard to Say Goodbye Rating: 5/5

I like it a lot. But I have given so many better albums a 3 that this needs to be a 2. But still way better than Cee Lo Green.

Loved it

Nice voice!

This album was really really good. I am usually not a fan of the newer albums that make their way on here. This one was worth the listen for sure. So groovy and unique. Great album!

Pretty cool, haven't heard anything from this artist before. Would listen again.

7/10. It's very calm, poor choice to listen to after lunch because it put me to sleep a bit, but it was fairly beautiful when I actually managed to focus on it.

Another great album. Good mix of alternative rock with soulful vocals and strong flow between tracks. My main complaint is that there wasn’t a very big range of emotion or sound covered, but it was still very good. 8/10

4/5 Especially like the first half of the album!

Норм

Irgendwie okay aber es plätscherte auch sehr belanglos vor sich hin und es ist nichts hängen geblieben.

I’ve never heard of this guy before. The music has very 70s vibes. Easy to listen to and chill. The tracks are fine but this really shines as a complete album, the songs flow into each other. Adding this to my playlists. Listens: 3 Fave Track: Solid Ground Rating: 4

Really good stuff

I really really love his voice and the vibe. I also enjoyed the 2012 album because someone special recommended to me

Instant fave. Fave songs: Rolling & Hero.

Some interesting soundscapes.

I really liked it. It’s crazy how it’s made this decade but has a 70s type of feel.

Zo'n ontzettend krachtige stem, hypnotiserend gewoon.

Geweldig album, kende de artiest niet maar ik ben om. Kan alleen maar 5 sterren geven

Fantastique.

A few good songs. Slower music that makes me a bit drowsy. Reminds me of Moby mixed with some oldies and soul.

The first song is quite impressive, altough the rest of the album is a bit generic. However, it's a fascinating album, and it's always nice to see more modern stuff on the 1001 list since it typically (not always) gives me some hope that despite all the music already produced, there is always space for creativity and innovation.

I thought this was actually an awesome album. He has a great voice and vibe.

Not really for me

Meh

I really really enjoy this. I knew him from the Big Little Lies intro. This album has lots of soul, fuzz guitar. I’m stuck between a 4 and a 5. As an album… I think I gotta go 4.5. He really worked to make it flow and that rips it over for me. A lot of really good albums are 4, but a lot of them just have great songs on them. This is an album, with flow, intros into jams. I respect that. I also respect the vocals and guitar work. The varied arrangements and style. And the production. 4.5!

There were a couple of tracks I liked, but overall not my cup of tea.

Excellent album. Each song is very enjoyable. I didn't know the artist, a nice discovery.

Very nice! A breath of fresh air!

Hell yeah, now we’ve got a surprise on the list. Great album, especially Hero and Hard to Say Goodbye

THIS is why I’m here. I had never even heard of this artist before yesterday and this album absolutely blew me away.

Nah not really my style but some sounds was fine

didn't listen to the whole album. not my fav tho. felt country at times? gross. cool album art

Absolute bangin album. Kiwanuka's Ugandan influences really shine through in the central african timbre, and riffs in the guitar. His rock, soul, and rnb influences are also so evident. Parts of the album felt modern, parts felt like I was listening to a classic psychedelic funk album.

Soulful and psychedelic. I like it

I was excited to hear this after scanning through a few reviews: something a bit fresh and contemporary. But, then listening it never really grabbed me. All good but nothing outstanding.

Really interesting listen. I loved the bass and unique sounds throughout

I think this is the first album that was COMPLETELY new to me and worthy of a five star. His voice was so soulful and impactful that I could feel his words throughout my entire body. The background music also complemented his singing and at times was the best part of the song. This album was the prefect mix of funk, blues, jazz, classical and rock but with a nowadays twist to it. Michael Kiwanuka is if Lionel Richie and Donald Glover had a baby and I’m here for it. There wasn’t one song that I didn’t enjoy. Would make sweet love to this. Obviously a 10/10.

Truly beautiful music. “You Ain’t the Problem” had me jamming from the start. “Piano Joint” was in Ted Lasso and is a remarkable piece. “Final days” was another that really made me feel something. All of Michael Kiwanuka’s songs are so simple yet so eloquent. It’s just so smooth like marble finished countertops. Some of the songs are mixed so well they roll right into the next track. I was sad when the album was over. 10/10

WOW. I'm cautiously hoping everybody else in the group liked this album as well since some of the slower indie stuff hasn't performed as well. Michael Kiwanuka puts out an amazing project that reeks of perfection from top to bottom. The production is mind-meltingly clean throughout the album with amazing instruments usually found in psychedelic rock and abstract sounds similar to Thundercat. Michael himself has beautiful vocals and the lyrics are deep in many of the tracks with some even leaving you just sitting there to wallow in the meaning. I loved this, I want more of this. Something nice about newer music is producers have changed the game and so many artists can shine due to it. 10/10

This album is the reason I wish there were more modern albums on this platform. It’s so refreshing to hear something this good that is a fairly recent release and not some 70s band that has been cultivating a cult following for 50 years. What a satisfyingly smooth sound this album carries. Combining so many different genres of music to make a Michael Medley Masterpiece. Michael has a fantastic voice that carries so much with his lyrics. The instrumentals are not just background noise but actually meld insanely well with Michael’s singing creating a truly unique and interesting sound. There is not one bad song on this album, even the intermission songs are interesting and kept me listening. I putting this as the best front to back listen album on this platform. This album fucking slaps! 10/10

Enjoyable listen, nice mix of styles

Didn’t listen fully, but from what I heard it’s groovy

So robust and the sound just SMACKED! Gone into the rotation

Thank you Michael. You’ve done it again

Nothing super interesting here, there was one song with some great fuzz guitar leads but nothing that's particularly connecting with me

A really great R&B album.

R&B moderno. Me ha gustado. Un 4.

Un poco rollo, pero bueno ... Final Days la salva.

interesting one… have to get back to this

Smooth music with clean beats and nice rhythms. No song stands out to me, but it sounds nice. 5/10

Lovely voice, nice melodic sound

- An interesting vibe, great to chill to - Very recent, I hope we get other recent albums - 2.5 round up - Hero and You Ain't the problem were good

- Final Days is haunting and beautiful - good vibes, enjoyed the listen

A quality experience

This album is truly stunning. Powerful overarching message, lyrics, and arrangements altogether. Favorite track: Living in Denial

This was pretty damn good. A couple songs got me listening - You Ain't the Problem, Solid Ground. A pretty strong groove throughout. I could do with more of this kind of stuff.

Pretty great. Atmospheric, ambitious, warm, and skilfully executed. The album relies more on mood than anything else - but in doing so, plays to its strengths. A minor criticism - although I am fine with the production, some of the choices and instrumentation feels a little like grave robbing. I'm sure Michael Kiwanuka would say his sound is paying homage to his forebears - or perhaps his music is even 'in conversation' with the past? - but as comfortable and redolent as it can be, this choice slightly feels like an artist not entirely at ease with the tools of their own time and place. Those guitars sounded like the future when the Isley Brothers used them, once upon a time.

Really liked this and had no clue it existed. For sure lives in the homage territory, but that's where the sweet $$$ is these days. Or not. I just assume so because otherwise I can't explain Greta Van Fleet.

good

4/5 Very good album. Best track: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)

Wow I loved this. Beautiful voice and really dug the minimalistic instrumentals that just gave this whole album a really cozy vibe

This was a nice lil surprise. Very pleasant from beginning to end.

Slow, but nicely melodic. Good vocals, decent vibes, good flow from one song to next, nothing standout.

Very enjoyable album, I really liked the vibe from the songs.

An album I‘ve listened to several times in the past, really like Kiwanukas Style, I feel like the album has a recognizable character

Awesome! „You ain’t the problem“ is the most fun song I‘ve heard in a while.

A beautiful album for a morning listen. Almost 5*.

P to the leasant.

007 will return

Много стиля и интересных решений

chill mood mostly, not too bad actually

Pas fan de la voix et coté "old school rock", mais pas mauvais pour autant, trop "reggae" + sonorités répétitives ... c'est long 4/10 ?

Very nice

I want to revisit this again and again.

This was a breath of fresh air compared to some of the last few albums I’ve listened to on this journey. When I started on this path, I was hoping for stuff like this. My musical taste has always been pretty narrow and after ten albums listened, this was the first that I liked that I hadn’t heard before. It won’t be something I listen to frequently but I would absolutely listen to it again.

What a discover. Wow.

Great voice, album flows together well, like the intro sequences towards the next songs, really enjoyed this one

Pretty good album, Piano Joint and Solid Ground were two really strong songs in the album and also enjoyed Rolling and You Ain't the Problem however didn't enjoy either of the 'Intro' tracks and didn't think they gave a good front for their respective next track.

Interesting new find

Meh.

Excellent album from start to finish and one of my favorite discoveries so far from the generator. Songwriting is superb, musicianship is top notch, the transition are tight and the album bridges folk and souls with modern rock and electronic. Favorite tune is Solid Ground

1/5 - Never listening again 2/5 - Its good, but not for me 3/5 - Will listen again 4/5 - I love it 5/5 - Going in my playlist 1. "You Ain't the Problem" 4/5 2. "Rolling" 4/5 3. "I've Been Dazed" 5/5 4. "Piano Joint" 5/5 5. "Another Human Being" -/5 6. "Living in Denial" 4/5 7. "Hero" 4/5 8. "Hard to Say Goodbye" 4/5 9. "Final Days" 5/5 10. "Solid Ground" 4/5 11. "Light" 4/5 I loved this album. Im already looking forward to listening what else Kiwanuka made. Album: 4.3/5

Great album. Every track is as unique as Michael's voice.

Not what I expected. A unique new take on some classic soul sounds. Kiwanuka has a great voice and that is the main appeal of this abum. It also works as an album , which is an interesting throwback concept nowadays. A little sad and lonely when you look at it next to its influences like Otis Redding or Bill Withers. Not a masterpiece by any means but you can feel Michael Kiwanuka's intention and looking forward to more. First time hearing about him - is the 1001 albums book slightly UK biased?

This album starts off great and just keeps going. What a gem from an artist that I had no idea about.

Favorite tracks: You Ain’t The Problem, Rolling, Piano Joint, Living In Denial, Hero, Hard To Say Goodbye, Light Least favorite track: Another Human Being 8.5/10

Bro Yes

this is the type of album you put on after a breakup and drink yourself to sleep. i by no means disliked it, thought it was pretty good, but probably wouldn't reach for it. 6.5/10.

A couple good songs, but the album didn’t really speak to me.

Good

Awesome album! Not sure how I didn't know about it

Very cool vibes

Enjoyed this album. Great voice!

I didn't think I would like this at first but it really grew on me. Had some moments where he sounded a lot like Ben Harper, but it was still very inventive and unique. Nice find.

This my shit right here! Some blues soul rock done lo fi!

Fairly underwhelming. Flat performances and songs, and it's not really enhanced by the straightforward production, albeit professional.

Great album. Nice continuity.

It’s excellent ! It’s funky ~ I’m in the 10th track so far

-R&B throwback sound -Great incorporation of a lot of styles from the '60s and '70s -Nice grooves -Lots of excellent guitar distortion -Great voice for R&B style, but I would love to hear him try his hand at singing blues -Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd influences?

A good album, and generally what i’d expect from a Kiwanuka album. Light is a standout for me.

Not terrible

I'm not sure how I missed this record upon its release. Man this is right up my alley. Really cool psychedelic soul with a touch of acid rock. Think Black Pumas but with more psych elements. Songwriting is solid as well. Really enjoyed this one and will be going back to give it future listens.

I was already a fan, Hero and Final Days go hard. Amazing use of string sections.

Not what I was expecting from the album cover. To prove like books you can't judge an album by its cover

Wow. What an album. This is the most recent album that I've listened to for this project so far. I can't believe I hadn't heard of Michael Kiwanuka until now. This album is phenomenal. The titular Michael Kiwanuka is a really good singer. The lyrics and subjects for these songs feel very personal to him. The sound is simultaneously classic-feeling and quite modern. This album has so many seamless song transitions, you'd think he was crazy. And I love it! This album really is just a great package. I've seen some people (including a certain "Internet's busiest music nerd") say that the album's interludes don't really work. I disagree. I think the interludes really drive home the feel of this album and provide more of those glorious transitions. This is easily the best album I've listened to for this project in like a week. 5/5.

Una agradable sorpresa, le daré más escuchas si o si

Chill, Sunday vibes

Great album. "Rolling" and "Solid Grounds" are my favourite tracks.

Well composed 👏🏽

Sounds like Jimi Hendrix if he did soul

What a incredible beautiful soundscape. The wonderful harmonic vocal serenade intermixed with the vibrant synth and the haunting vocals, just gorgeous.

By the end I’m fucking digging it

Good vibes

This was pretty good. Not something I would have normally sought out, but I'm glad I listened to this. "You Ain't The Problem" and "Hero" were the standout tracks to me.

I found it... alright. Nothing really blew me away here but there was nothing I really didn't like either. I can tell its good, but maybe just not for me.

I prefer the uptempo stuff.

I liked the vibes of the album. Kiwanuka has a very calm and soothing voice. That said, I don’t think it’s something I’d choose to listen to although I’d definitely check out his other releases.

What a truly stunning album. I was not expecting to wholeheartedly love this at all, but that's the beauty of this book. The passion in his voice is so apparent, and the arrangements are so perfectly done. I love the variation in feel from track to track as well. I can hear the influence that What's Going On had on this album, and what an album from which to draw inspiration. Welcome to the rotation, Michael Kiwanuka. Favorite track: Final Days

not exactly my vibe but very high quality album

Wow this is really nice, perhaps not ground breaking but full of characer, emotion and groove. I am rounding uo to 4

Oh fuck yes

A bit slow and dull for active listening IMO. but nice in the background when working.

Loved it. Already a big fan of Love & Hate, so this was more of the same excellent vibes. I imagine this will go on the repeat list.

Good freaking stuff. Bluesy guitar, cool lyrics, good riffs.

Not as good as Love & Hate. Still very good.

Just never got there for me. Great voice, great songs, but never peaked

Very Mellow!

It was alright. I didn't skip any songs. I cannot recall a specific song though which makes it difficult to say whether I would listen to it again. It was just kind there and the dial did not move much one way or the other.

Loved it

Damn good album.

Excellent - his voice reminds me of Seal. Great melodies.

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.

Beautiful album

I liked it! Smooth. Poignant.

Always had a soft spot for R&B but never really listened to an album by an artist of that genre. This was a great introductory album and i definitely enjoyed it!

Album starts very strong, and then slows down into a more mellow sound. Hard to pin down exactly what it does, but it’s a mood, in a good way.

gostei

Great album from start to finish. Loved it despite it being more modern. Track 1 (You Ain't the Problem): Tons of energy. If I was a dancer, I could/would 100% dance to it. Track 2 (Rolling): Still good, but a definite let down from Track 1. Track 3 (I've Been Dazed): Love it. His tone of voice sounds like Eric Clapton. Track 4 (Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)(Intro)): Not really into it. Track 5 (Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)): I like this piano song much more. I actually really like this song. I'm clearly not a very good reviewer, but this song is amazing. I guess it makes sense why I liked it better than Track 4. Track 4 was literally just the intro. Track 6 (Another Human Being): Not a huge fan at the beginning. Okay, wasn't super excited about the whole thing. Track 7 (Living in Denial): This sounds like a song you'd hear in an ad or something. I like it. Track 8 (Hero (Intro)): I like it. Much better than the other intro song. Track 9 (Hero): Starts out much the same way as the intro song. Looking for it to build and get exciting. Great song. 10/10. Track 10 (Hard to Say Goodbye): Ugh, this one is so much slower after Track 9. I hope it picks up. It did pick up, but it's too long. Not my favorite. Track 11 (Final Days): Way better than the last song. I liked it. Toe tapper for sure. Track 12 (Interlude (Loving the People)): We're about halfway through it, and I'm not really loving it. Track 13 (Solid Ground): Meh. Yeah, now it's good. The piano is getting heavier, the singing louder. It's nearly over, but it's worth listening to just for this part. Track 14 (Light): It was pretty good. Not much to write home about. Track 9 (Hero) was my absolute favorite song.

Sounds like music from the 60s

Awesome roadtripmaterial

Easy listen

Different than stuff I would listen to. Enjoyed it as background music.

First album! Starting my journey with this absolute gem of an album. The soul/psych mix combined with Michael’s vocals and lively melodies makes for a great listening experience! One of those albums that calls for repeat listenings!

This was cool and something I had not heard of

This artist is just that, an artist. I really enjoy his modern take of RnB/Funk n soul but yet still able to find a way to incorporate the roots of these genres from the 50s and 60s. After listening to his two previous albums, I feel like so much weight is lifted from my shoulders. Definitely need Kiwanuka for the heart, mind and soul. 5

starts great, doesnt hit me towards the back half of the album

Great

Afrobeat inspired soft rock. Overall ok. Some really good songs and some misses. Sometimes to artsy for its own good. Solid 4/5 tho. 4 songs into playlist.

Ok. Mix of 90s sound with R n B but overall seemed to miss the mark.

First time hearing this and I absolutely loved it. This was on repeat all day. Not a single bad song on here. This album will be kept on rotation for sure.

A modern combination of soul and neo-psychedelia, nostalgic on 70s music with a lofi production and strong grooviness. Lots of characteristics, like fuzzy chamber vocals (almost like Coldplay), incoherent high-tone back vocals, chillwave hazy production sound, and atmospheric whimsical effects take from contemporaries like MGMT and King Gizzard. Lovely interludes and preludes along with smooth meaningful transitions add to the consistent vibe. A little too long with quite a few dull moments, but it's pretty excellent as a whole. Favorites: You Ain't the Problem, Hero

Great record

I've known and loved this album since it's release

Broad appeal this one, both immediate and interesting. Lots of the old, 70s soul, Marvin Gaye, while still sounding new. It's a pop record for sure and it's good pop. I enjoyed it when it came out. Not been back to it much though possibly only because it's hard to remember great albums when I have no physical object to flick through and remind me. Maybe it sags a little in the middle and gets a bit samey, but a real strong finish from Hard to Say Goodbye onwards grabs it a worthy 4.

marvelous

Partly heard before Saved 9/14 Top track: Solid Ground

Surprisingly good!

Good

Interesting, but not feeling it.

This was great. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I can't explain why, I just dug it.

This was really pleasant, and I will definitely be listening to it again! I wasn't sure what to expect going in, and I'm not entirely sure what I encountered going through, but I look forward to the next visit.

While listening to the first half of this album, I was pretty excited to dole out my first 5 on here; I loved it. Then the second half slowed down into a soul album which, while still good with plenty to recommend it, wasn't nearly as remarkable. Quality sound throughout, and overall still really good.

I super enjoyed this. This is my favorite new-to-me album from this list. Soulful and fun.

This album is pure joy. I am sad I didn't know about it sooner, but that doesn't matter now because I have welcomed Michael Kiwanuka it has earned a place in the BREAK IN CASE OF DEPRESSION collection.

Interesting. Sort of introspective, strings, but considered rock. Almost in a U2 sort of way. Decent. 3.3

Awesome vibe. Makes sense when you read about is musical influences and journey (from Radiohead to Otis Redding).

Pretty large to start out, then it drifts a bit poppy. Love the big band feel though, and the first three songs on the album are 5 stars!

Wat een gaaf geluid, weet nog niet helemaal wat ik er verder van moet vinden. Gaat zeker nog eens op! EDIT: Veel vaker geluisterd, echt een prachtig album.

Never heard of the artist before I listened the other day. I enjoyed the album makes me want to listen to more of their music

A great album of modern soul. I feel like Kiwanuka leans a little more modern on this album when compared to Love & Hate. All the instrumentation is fantastic, but as I listen I often find myself focused on the strings. The arrangements are lush but not overwhelming.

Gives me hope for new music. Very chill and enjoyable

Calm and complex

Excellent

Rock

Solid album - great background listening and some of the tracks are starting to grow on me. Probably not going to be incorporated into heavy rotation on my playlists, but definitely something to listen to on a regular cadence.

If I could give half stars then this would be a 4 1/2 star review because it's an ALMOST a perfect soul album. It feels both reminiscent and nostalgic. It gives a statement of empowerment while also reflective of the long journey that people of color have had to face (and continue to face).

R&B moderno. Me ha gustado. Un 4. Tralarí que te vi.

I really like this one. Great 60s influenced soul. Missed this when it first came out, but I’m glad I got to it now.

Great album! Rich voice with fantastic harmonising. Funky baseline with great guitar riffs. I like that there's interludes without singing.

What a bop, cried twice

Its Michael Kiwanuka need i say more

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, not really something I would have sought out. Super-cool, for an evening. 8/10

Great vocals and musicianship especially on Piano Joint and Hero, listened to a few times

Never heard of it. Nice.

Ok. Fell asleep.

Wow. Had never heard of this artist before. This blew me away. Fantastic album from start to finish.

Beautiful.

This was okay. I liked it, but I didn't particularly pay too much attention to it.

classic michael kiwanuka. Certainly enjoyable especially when his lamenting vocal harmonies and cinematic swells are going. I will revisit this one

Wonderful mix of musical styles and genres. This was my first exposure to his music; I will definitely be checking out more. Amazing.

Never heard of this artist before, but I do think I'll be hearing more of him in the future.

Never heard of Michael Kiwanuka Most of this album I had to wait a min before deciding if I liked the songs cause he seemed like he was going a completely different direction. His lyrics and the beat of the song seemed to contrast each other. Overall I liked it. - 4/5 1. You Ain't The Problem - Interesting intro and lively. Kinda has like a 70s Charlies Angel vibe. Don't understand half of what he's saying but I like the sound. - 4/5 2. Rolling - Again solid intro. Good beat and guitar or whatever that instrument is. Kind of sounds like a sitar at times. Typically wouldn't like these kind of vocals but it works. I really liked the slowdown into the following song - 4/5 3. I've been Dazed - So far this is my favorite. I like the feeling it gives, I don't know how to describe it but the song felt so nice. - 5/5 4. Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Intro - Ooh the slow beat feels ominous but then the vocals come in so chill. Then the piano comes back and is boom ominous. I love the balance here. - 4/5 5. Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) - I love how the strong beat flows into this track but is more subtle with the piano take the forefront and his vocals give it a whole different feel. - 4/5 6. Another Human Being - This one was a little weird, more of a commentary so I get it. - 3/5 7. Living in Denial - Wasn't as crazy for the sound of this one. Still solid - 3/5 8. Hero (Intro) - This one feels deep and simple. I dig it. - 4/5 9. Hero - I like how this song picks up after the slower (Intro) track but keeps the theme but expands the story more with the lyrics. Almost feels triumphant but what he's saying isn't so much. - 4/5 10. Hard to Say Goodbye - The soft base building up is pretty dope. I can't tell if it switched to guitar or it it's still the base. I like how it softens back up to a background strumming guitar 1/3 of the way through. - 4/5 11. Final Days - Super interesting. Couldn't tell if the muffled voices were supposed to be in a hospital or something like that. Sounded like people on a bad intercom. He has this knack for having upbeat sounding songs with more heavy lyrics. - 4/5 12. Interlude (Loving the People) - I didn't even notice the track changed I was just vibin'. I think that's good right? - 4/5 13. Solid Ground - Still struggle to understand what he says but the vibes are good. I like this one too. - 5/5 14. Light - I just kinda zoned out and enjoyed the last track. - 4/5

Beautiful soul, blues and rock with some killer guitar playing. Great drama and atmosphere. Michael Kiwanuka is a powerful singer and an excellent songwriter. This album is stacked with good songs. The track sequencing flows really well too.

I like this guy and this is the first album I've heard by him but I'm not sure if it's so good to be on this list. "You Aint The Problem" was a big hit recently and I even added it to one of my annual playlists (big deal for me!). I think it has a great message though- I had read that he really struggled with imposter syndrome and wrote this song as a message to himself. "I've Been Dazed" has such a pretty chorus. It does sound a little familiar, but hey that's music. Ok shit. I get it, I really get it. Both parts of "Piano Joint" are incredible. I don't know if it's because I'm having a really wonderful day but that piece really hit me in a good way. Really really strong song. I love the production choices on "Hero - Intro". I'm always interested in these sorts of decisions and where they come from. I bet this was recorded in super high fidelity with amazingly detailed microphones and mixed through gear that costs thousands upon thousands of dollars, and yet there is post-recording changes made to make it sound lower fidelity. Does it exist to make the next song, "Hero" sound heavier/more intense? I think it does, but it's still a choice that was made that really makes me intrigued. Yea this is a wonderful album. I really enjoyed it. 4/5

Visste jag inte att detta album kom 2019 hade det varit oerhört svårt att placera det tidsmässigt. Det finns pop, soul, rock. Kiwanuka kanaliserar allt från Dylan till Hendrix, genom Danger Mouse's fantastiska produktion. Tidlöst. 'Hero' är magnifik, vemodet skiner igenom denna rockiga pärla som doftar mer Hendrix än något annat. 'You Ain't The Problem' är en kul öppningslåt. 'Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love)' är vackert soulig. Michael Kiwanuka hade verkligen kunnat finnas i vilken tid som helst, i vilken genre som helst, i vilket universum som helst - jag är så glad över att han är precis här. Bästa låt: Hero.

Nice! I really enjoyed the way this album played with genres, and even though I didn't LOVE every song, I can see myself re-visiting all of them. Michael Kiwanuka is an artist I hadn't heard too much (other than "Home Again") so this was neat to discover.

This is definitely good and i understand why a lot of people i know dig this. I just do not dig it at all.