KIWANUKA

Rated 88 on aoty 16th july 2025

So nice I listened to it twice!

Really took me by surprise just how much I liked this album, it sounds really classic and yet really modern, so good

I really enjoyed this one! Such fun songs and I really liked the vocals. My favorites were probably “you ain’t the problem” and “hero”

Really really really enjoyed this

YES! This is exactly the kind of thing I want from the 1001 Albums Generator! I had never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before this, and it's love at first listen. I think generally I like the idea of psychedelic soul more than I actually like listening to it, but I really do enjoy this one a lot, and especially any time something gets fuzzy. It's probably a bit of an overreaction, but considering I *never* would have come across it if not for this site, I'm feeling excited enough about the discovery to give it a bump up to a 5. Can't wait to check out more from Kiwanuka on my own time!

Wie? Ik heb geen idee. Maar het blijkt soul te zijn, en dat stemt mij toch al positief zo op de vrijdagmiddag. Is het dan ook echt positief? Lets find out! Het is lekkere muziek, maar erg soul-ig vind ik het nog niet. Miss dat daardoor mijn oordeel niet helemaal gaat kloppen. Had wel echt soul in mijn hoofd nu. Tot Living in Denial, daar komt het Soul gehoogte wel lekker naar boven. Heerlijk nummer. Het album wordt steeds beter, ook Hero vind ik een geweldig nummer! Met een hele verrassende gitaarsolo. Pfff, dit album wordt echt alleen maar beter. Dik aan het genieten nu, elk nummer lekkerder dan de ander. Ja dit is gwn een top album. Veel variatie, instrumentaal goed, zang goed. Ik had even moeite met het loslaten van het label soul, maar toen ik dat eenmaal deed ging ik echt genieten. Dit kan niet anders dan 5 sterren zijn. Ge-wel-dig. FAV: Living in Denial, Hero, Final days

Interesting listen, v enjoyable

I first heard of Michael Kiwanuka watching the show Big Little Lies. The theme song, Cold Little Heart, immediately tugged at my heartstrings. I listen to it frequently (skip the radio edit version, CLH10MV FTW). But this is the first time I've listened to one of his albums in full, and what an album! Maybe my favorite Danger Mouse production. It's an incredible journey from start to finish. The album starts with some upbeat, groovier tracks. Lots of catchy hooks and funky beats. But as it goes on, the songs grow progressively more somber and evoke what I can only describe as a strong spiritual yearning. Kiwanuka carries it all with his beautiful singing. The backing vocals also deserve a mention. This is great start to finish. 5 stars.

What an incredible album and such a beautiful voice. Wow.

Cool album. Hadn’t heard it before.

What a fucking find this is holy shit. This is why I'm here. Subscribe He blends and flows through different genres with ease, sometimes sounding like a modern Stevie Wonder, or having some ties with the likes of Elliott Smith, all whilst sounding beautifully original. His voice is phenomenal and these basslines, whilst subtle, are sexy work This is never something that I would have ever listened to. I'm fucking glad it came up on here. Makes me wonder how much I'm missing out on. Easily one of the best albums I've had yet, definitely the best one that I hadn't heard of before.

kevyttä täydellisyyttä

Ik was vergeten hoe goed Kiwanuka is. Ik kende Love&Hate al, maar dit album is gewoon net zo goed

WOW what a dreamy retro inspired gem. Was not expecting this!

Wow! Didn’t know about this album or artist and it totally knocked my socks off. A mix of genres but still feels thematically similar. Can’t wait to listen again. 5/5

There is something amazing about Kiwanuka's atmosphere in his albums that just make it a unique experience. It definitely works for me, this slightly melancholic and funky style. This record has no truly bad song, so there is no other way than to give it a full 5 stars.

Wow. Blown away by how beautiful and soulful this was. I came into this wanting to hear new music that I could fall in love with and this was exactly that - gorgeous lush instrumentation, smooth vocals, such a beautiful flow and journey throughout the album. One that I will absolutely come back to again and again.

Beautiful soundscapes and soulful songwriting. I could bask in these sounds many times over. I rarely give anything a 5, but this is about as perfect as an album can get. Every song transitions smoothly to the next giving a cohesive front-to-back experience. Angelic production from Danger Mouse and Inflo. Now to suffer another 100 British proto-punk albums to find the next gem like this.

One of the newer albums on the list, I think it well earns its place. Really solid songwriting throughout, and it really took me on a journey. Great album.

Discovering albums like this almost makes listening to all those generic 80's Brit Pop albums on this list worth it.

I have enjoyed the album and would recommend it to my friends.

Wow. What a fucking album. Complex, powerful, raw, fun, and strong from start to finish. Can't believe I hadn't heard of this sooner. Fave songs: - You Ain't The Problem - Rolling - I've Been Dazed - Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) - Final Days - Light

Beautiful album. Listening to this all the way through was quite the experience. This is the first 5 stars I’m giving to an artist I don’t know much about. I think I’ve only heard one song of his. Massive range in sound and genres and a lot of great themes in this. Each song kept me on my feet.

я в шоке, это было великолепно. звучание на высоте. альбом топ хорошая находка для меня

Yaaaaaaay! Kiwanukaaaaaa! Beautiful album s2

This was my favourite album that came out in 2019, and still one I listen to a lot. This one is in my top 50 albums of all time!

This was so unbelievable good. I do not understand how i can have missed it. Albums like this one is the reason I started this project

Conheci o Michael Kiwanuka na edição desse ano do Lollapalloza, e acho que foi a última boa descoberta dali em muitos anos! Mesmo tendo acompanhado o show dele no evento, essa foi a primeira oportunidade que parei para realmente ouvir a música dele: que presente maravilhoso para a humanidade, que talento! 5 estrelas é pouco!

Most modern thing I’ve ever seen on the list, and something so new I’ve bought it on vinyl since the comeback. Can’t quite believe it’s 6 years old already. The production is retro and overdone to the point of getting in the way of the music sometimes, but overall it’s a wonderful set of songs that really do reward multiple listens…ideally the album in full. A modern day Bill Withers? Solid 4. Maybe even a 5.

Near perfect

Great album and is a go to when testing new speakers/ earphones.

Had never heard of him before but this was great, very unique sound and vibe throughout the album. Lots of trumpets that sound like voices almost with cool tones. Many different influences song by song, all in all a great listen. Piano Joint was awesome. The way the songs flow in and out of each other so good, everything is connected. I feel this is a modern classic.

INCREÍBLE

god DAMN

5* What am I, fucking stupid?

Little flaming lips, gorillaz, soul Best music I’ve heard in a long time

Album art:5

“You Ain’t the Problem” is a banger

Like so many others this was an unexpected awesome album. Listened to his other right after. He gained a new fan today.

The alt sound im looking for. Yes. This is saved in the regular rotation.

What a great and unexpected album. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t stop listening. Fantastic!

A really, really cool album. I have a memory of him being the lame, easy-listening choice (as a result of Home Again), but this is a great album. You Ain't The Problem, Hero, and Solid Ground were pretty amazing. Loads of different genre changes, loads of creativity, and a clear cohesion. 4.5

Nydelig plate. Overskudd av gode melodier. Tar seg god tid i oppbyggingen av låtene uten å bli kjedelig. Godt arrangert og flott vokal.

I loved this album, it has good variety, and songs that stick with me.

Erg mooi

Wow, heard a few of these before but the whole album is good. Good for a straight listen, also as chill background music. 5/5

Love this album. Can hear many different influences, but the artist isn’t trying to sound like anyone else. Most of all there’s a lot of soul and feeling. I’d share with anyone

Wow, what an incredible album! When I first saw the cover of 𝘒𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘢, I assumed it was just another run-of-the-mill soul record. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Michael Kiwanuka’s voice is warm and effortlessly smooth, and the instrumentation is perfectly tailored to a psychedelic soul landscape — lush, immersive, and deeply textured. Why did I overlook 𝘒𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘢 for so long and just let it sit there, unnoticed? This isn’t just a good soul album — it’s a fully realized, emotionally resonant journey that deserves to be heard as a whole. A true gem hiding in plain sight.

Amazing. Shocked I've not heard this. It's so good

I didn’t know Michael Kiwanuka before this album. By the end of KIWANUKA, I felt like I had been listening to him for years. It’s soulful, textured, and immersive in a way that doesn’t feel performative or retro for the sake of it. The production feels warm and lived in, rich with analog grit and subtle emotional pull. It’s the kind of album you can sink into or leave running in the background without losing its impact. There’s this fusion of vintage soul, psych-rock, and modern grime that somehow works beautifully. Danger Mouse and Inflo produced the whole thing, and the result is a slow-burning, cinematic soundscape that’s as much about mood as melody. You get hiss, fuzz, layered strings, haunting choirs, and loose, tactile percussion. Nothing feels shiny or polished. Every sound feels hand-built and worn in. Lyrically, it deals with identity, anxiety, and self-doubt without wallowing in them. Kiwanuka questions his worth, his place, his name, but it all feels grounded and human. In “Piano Joint,” he asks, “Am I good enough for you?” and it lands like someone whispering in the dark. “Rolling” sounds like it’s crawling out of a stormcloud with its teeth bared. “You Ain’t the Problem” manages to sound uplifting without feeling shallow or forced. Some tracks bleed into one another with instrumental interludes that stretch time. It moves like one long thought. Critics went wild for it, and the praise is entirely warranted. Mercury Prize winner, universal acclaim, year-end lists, all of it deserved. I’ll probably go back to his earlier albums, but this one feels definitive. Like someone finally saying their name the way they were meant to say it.

Never heard of this guy but really liked it. Went down the rabbit hole and started listening to other albums of his even after this. Decided I am going to add him to my rotation.

Very enjoyable - Nina Simone-esque vocals with a sound that’s very similar to a lot of the samples Kanye used in MBDTF (before he completely went off the deep end). 4.5 stars but I’ll round up

Really liked. Liked some of the songs.

Boom!! Adding. Very smooth and eccentric. Soul, I presume. Beautiful driving music.

The flow of this album was absolutely fantastic. The 'refrains' between songs and the flow from each song to the next made this an amazing listening experience. Each song was interesting and unique, and an absolute delight to listen to. I love every song in this album and would insist on people listening to it in order - will def be checking out more of Michael's stuff. 5/5 stars.

This is an album that deserves multiple listens.

The cover and the name made me shudder in preparation for a 1 star review. It looked like this was going to be some awful world music album from the early 70s and I would hate every minute. I loaded it into Spotify and groaned at the 50 minute plus playtime. Maybe there were some extra tracks I could skip if they weren't on the original album release? Checking Wikipedia; oh no! even worse, this was from 2019, it's going to be awful, and it's Psych-Soul *shudder. Well at least I could get it out the way as quickly as possible and move on with the rest of my day. Or so I thought. Turns out that this was fantastic from start to finish and one of the easiest five star scores an album has earned from me. I found that every single song clicked with me the first time I heard it, and make no mistake, this was the first time I'd heard any of this before. It felt good, like comfort music that I just wanted to go on and on forever. Nothing jarring, nothing even slightly out of place, just perfection. My second listen cemented the fact that this was going on my rotation list. It's a skilful blend of so many different styles, put together to form a cohesive whole.

Tots excellent.

Is this man even capable of making a bad song?

So many different instruments!! :D and his voice is incredible! Also just so Seattle childhood vibes for me

Really liked this album. I will definitely be listening to his whole catalog. A+ all the way. Great listen all the way throughout. Where has he been how have I missed his music.

Great discovery. Soulful and tasteful, modern music.

9/10. VERY good

Awesome. Playlisted.

Really like this one 🙂

Great

I recognize his name and I've seen the album cover before, but I've never paid his music much mind. I'm excited to hear this though. The Wikipedia article makes it sound interesting and I'm quite curious to hear what Danger Mouse brings to the table. I love soul music and I'm really looking forward to hearing something that is less than 10 years old for a change. You Ain't The Problem Magnificently produced. Deep and layered instrumentation with a quality bassline, rhythmic percussion and melodic horns. Great energy. Was expecting more vocally. Really appreciate how stylisticly distinct it is, can't really confuse it with anything else. Good. 4/5 Rolling The psychedelic almost western sounding guitars sound great. Love this instrumental, sounds really fresh. Appreciate the mellow feel to the verses, juxtaposed with the explosivity and colourfulness of the chorus. Very rock influenced. Great. 4.5/5 I've Been Dazed Spotless transition. Psychedelic guitar. Tranquil, reflective and thoughtful vocal performance. Hypnotic. Love the spirituality contrasted with the psych, feels classic and fresh at the sane time. Lovely synths. Large and broad in its sound. Fantastic. 5/5 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) - Intro Beautifully constructed. Jazzy and pleasant. The gunfire in the background is a great contrast to the calming mantra like atmosphere. Lovely vocals. If this is just the intro I cannot wait to hear the rest of the track. Fantastic 5/5 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Pretty piano. Moving and personal vocal performance. Great vocal melody. Fantastic choice in bass tone. Pleasant and sweet. Great. 4.5/5 Another Human Being Atmospheric and tense. Spacy and ambient at times. Interesting sample. Living in Denial Flawless transition. Sounds positive and bright. Lovely guitars in the background. Quality vocals, sounds really smooth and soulful. Cute bridge. Ends solidly. Good. 4/5 Hero - Intro Stripped back and naked. Interesting vocal effect. Feels dark and bleak. Love the almost cosmic sounding effects in the last few seconds of the track. Hero Great psychedelic rock riff, especially when the distant sounding background guitar is present. A bit funky as well. Love the effect on the drums for this track. The vocals ground the track, enhancing the instrumentation by being slightly low key in comparisson. Catchy and cool. Oh that noisy guitar solo is just awesome. Great fuzzyness and distortion. Amazingly produced. That was sick. 5/5 Hard To Say Goodbye Really moody. The bass sound is really strong. Love the lushness of the background choir in the buildup. The lyrics are a bit cliche. Romantic and sweet. The guitars add some disonnance and harshness to anotherwise smooth track, some very needed contrast. Calming and pleasant. My only real criticism is that it lacks a satisfying climax, makes it drift out slightly leaving it feeling a bit repetitive. Good. 4/5 Final Days Interesting change in instrumentation. I kinda dig the sort of apocalyptic assosiations I get from the strange distorted vocals in the background. Could listen to that intro for a long time. Lovely strings. Love the melodic switchup. While the vocals are a bit uninteresting for most of the track the magnificent instrumental makes up for it. Good. 4/5 Interlude Thoughtful choice in sample. Sounds lush and beautiful. Great piece of atmospheric psychedelia. Euphoric and large. Solid Ground Solid vocal performance helped along with the sparse production. Really like how it builds up into a grandiose and cinematic climax. A bit boring though. Decent. 3.5/5 Light The backing vocals make it very distinct to previous tracks on the album. Empowering and sweet. Great instrumental section, lush and beautiful. Love the guitar. Solid closer. Good. 4/5 That was absolutely outstanding. Fluid, fresh, genre-ambigious, consistent and unique. Just an absolutely beautiful blend of soul, rock and psychedelia which never stops producing interesting and crisp tracks. It genuinely has it all: A great vocalist with solid songwriting chops, amazing production, a never ending ensamble of fitting and well implemented instrumental ideas and a tracklist that leaves some room to breathe. It has stunning transitions and even the interludes are worthwhile tracks of their own. The strings are lush, the guitars just go off and the rhythms are infectious. Even the piano sounds unique. It has moving, soulful moments, funky riffs that make you bop your head, and hypnotic melodic patterns that make you forget the existence of time. Genuinely one of the most fun and exciting albums I've had the pleasure of discovering through this list experience so far. And while the individual track ratings might not suggest it, I think it deserves five stars as when they're heard in order they create such a compelling concept that it transcends beyond just single songs. 5/5 Fave track. I've Been Dazed

An absolute modern classic Does not put a foot wrong anywhere but what is really enjoyable is how cohesive it is an album. It has a terrific flow whilst at the same time being packed with surprises

What a pleasant surprise! This is a beautiful and moving album. It's the kind of music that really transports you, excellently performed and masterfully recorded. Favorite tracks: "Hero," "Piano Joint"

i actually really enjoyed this album. new album to study and work to!

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

First true discovery from this project. What a listen. The songs weave together, but they are all distinct and genre bending. Instant download.

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

Excellent find, just a solid all around album

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

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

A masterpiece of genre blending with extraordinary musicianship and vocals

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

Beautiful, just beautiful.

Emotional, beautiful

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

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

Beautiful work. Wow

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

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

Excellent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect album cover to cover

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

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

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

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

Listens: 3 Standout tracks: You ain't the Problem, Rolling, Final Days Added To Library: TRUE Fantastic. Wow. I'm not sure how I've never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before.

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

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

New to me--really enjoyed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really really enjoyed this! Nothing in particular to fault, and quite a few standout moments. You ain't the problem, living in denial, hero, solid ground I already knew and loved. Was very happily surprised to hear Piano Joint for the first time on an album. Like when I saw him live this year, most of the album fades into one progressive flow and I don't deep dive or analyse but the experience is wonderful. There were some very interesting moments I'm intrigued to dive into - political or racial discourse I think - but again, didn't really tune into it much this time. It's not a flawless 5* but not far off!

Not what I expected but it was very good

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome R&B

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

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

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

Very pleasant surprise. Never heard of him but wish I had 10 years ago. Cool combo of soul and rock and the quality stays up throughout. I want to hear more from him!

Really cool sound

Calm Grooves

Banger album I will be going through his whole discography now

I was shocked to see how similar Kiwanuka's voice was to Porter, album was just amazing too

After listening more and more I became a fan of this guy, great songs, great music, absolutely wonderful. Updated my rating from 4 to 5 ;-)

Full of the soul I love, all mixed in a pot with a funky groove. I love it already. 4.5/5

Awesome. Kept my ears engaged from the first to last track--will not only revisit, but will make a point to save this one.

Albums like this are why I continue to listen everyday

Dreamy

Amazing album. I felt closer to spirituality listening to it. The instrumentation is amazing, with the production making each instrument sound nice and crisp. It gives Michael an amazing platform to sing simple, but thought provoking lyrics that hit your core with the power of his beautiful voice. This album is gorgeous

this album was like a spiritual experience.. beautiful, clear buttery vocals with soulful instrumentals, while still staying just upbeat enough. lyrics are simple, but impactful, really enjoyed my listen

I can’t even begin to explain how beautiful this album sounds to my ears. It’s almost like every chord, every key and every horn is perfectly arranged in the right place. Then his voice comes over and completely sweeps you off your feet and suspends you in the air as you float through this project. Phenomenal work by Mr. Kiwanuka!

Hadn't left a comment in a while, but this albums is just fantastic. Such a delicacy.

Where has this album been? This completely flew under my radar, and will definitely be listening to more music from Michael. Absolute banger of an opener on here!

I love the deep and scrapy sound of Michael Kiwanuka's voice that with its limited reach is not even always that pitch perfect. I enjoy all his albums, but this album in particular is a masterpiece. It starts out super energetic, but also has a very melancholic, almost depressing, sound throughout the entire album, with melodies and features coming back once in a while. Atm I especially enjoy I've Been Dazed, and the transition from Interlude (Loving The People) to Solid Ground. A very much deserved 5 stars!!!

Took me by surprise, very good!

Loved it

Great! No notes.

Exceptional.

Oh wow, is this great or what? Rarely does something so unfamiliar hit this deep. So glad I’ve joined this group,

Hermoso, desde la producción, hasta la voz, definitivamente va a convertirse en un clásico para mí

wow this whole album was amazing, I especially loved Solid Ground.

Michael Kiwanuka have my children.

I really liked this album! New artist to me, was a really cool fusion of different styles, really felt timeless. 4.5/5 would definitely listen again

I didn’t think artists were still making music like this any more, let alone winning awards for it. This album has a great blend of pop, rock, soul, and a bunch of other things all mixed (figuratively and literally) really well. I wish there were a few more songs as energetic as “You Ain’t the Problem” but every song on here is great. In a way this reminds me of the Frank Ocean album we had a bit back. It’s got a core feeling (expressive rock?) but it reaches out in so many directions and the lyrics aren’t so exacting as to pin it down to a series of events. “Piano Joint”, “Hard to Say Goodbye” and Living in Denial” are the kinds of things I want playing when I’m trying to just get everything out of my head and relax or tune out. They’re unobtrusive without being background music; a rare feat. I really enjoyed this one. This is the kind of stuff I signed up for.

What a treat. Loved it

I really liked this! looking forward to coming back to this artist

His voice carries me through my day. Instant classic, and well deserving of this recognition. Beautiful yet mournful. The interlude held my hands as I reminisced on the anxiety I felt in 2016 as I hid in the closet of a married mans house when his wife came home too soon. Dying phone in one hand, pants and phone charger in the other. "text Kate" Michael Kiwanuka whispers. I do. "I know I'm here and I don't belong" Kiwanuka reminds me, on his next track, Solid Ground. He's right. 5/5.

Wow! How refreshing to listen to something that lacks a clear definition of genre while being impressively unpredictable. The sound ranges from 60s rock, to ambience, to blues and jazz, sounding classic and contemporary at the same time. Massive respect to him.

This was beautiful. A throwback sound, excellent production, awesome voice, chill vibe.

Wow! Can't believe this one passed me by but I loved it front to back. Excellent singing, hooks, instrumentation and production. Seriously a fantastic album.

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

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

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

really good album great vibes

VIBES

Brutal

Such a unique and timeless sound. From the first notes I was thinking how cool it sounded. I was worried it would lose steam by the end, but it didn't.

This is a great album. A little black keys, a little black pumas, a little funk and soul and still utterly unique. I feel like I could listen to this album for a long time and still discover new ideas and riffs. Very, very good.

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

This is really chill, a very smooth listen

Cool soul album! Bright and positive!

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

Beautiful album

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

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

This was fantastic

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

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

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

This was an amazing album!

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

Really nice

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

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

Love this album. Great way to start this journey.

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

Great R&B sound

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

Love his sound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Banger album

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

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

Loved loved loved this!

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

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

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

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

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

Great vibes. Better get it

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

Unexpectedly great.

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.

Some amazing songs

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

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.

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

My love making album

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

9/10

Nice blend of old and new, unique sound.

Unexpected gem

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

Amazing album. Such chill, but powerful music.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 : )

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

Fab

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.

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

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

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.

Good album

Very unexpectedly good

what the fuck

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!

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.

KIWANUKA!!!!

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

Liked it very much

Fucking great goddamn

Soft and cozy like a hug c:

Incredible, honestly adding it to my regular rotation.

Fresh discovery

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.

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.

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

Enjoyed this way more than expected. Great album.

5/5 love itttttt

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.

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

Fantastic, what a surprise! I love it.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Uffff y está maravilla?????

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

Astonishingly beautiful album. Michael Kiwanuka has an incredible mind for production and sound. His voice is easy and his conceptualization of the musical containers for his lyrics are spot on. A completely unusual take on this album is this: since the pandemic I’ve been looking for art that has made sense of the experience that we’ve been through as human beings, both locally and globally. I found that some of the best pandemic art including books were created in the years just prior to 2020. And this is the first album I’ve really found that captures the varieties of experience of that time. This album has stories of doubts stories of rescue stories of fear and redemption. It’s an album that captures a spiritual journey, but it’s also one that can stand for the common human experience that we can refer to having lived through the pandemic. Kiwanuku is an absolute gem. This album deservedly won the Mercury prize and plaudits from around the world. It’s an instant addition to my library and that makes it an automatic five. This might be the first album I’ve heard in this exercise for which I’m grateful.

I wish I had more time to unfurl my thought on this. Every time I listen to this I appreciate it more, and see and hear more things - more feels, more little details, more moods, more subtle shifts. Every time I get touched in a deeper way. There is so much talent packed in these 14 songs. So many stories, so many accents. His voice and his guitar work is beautiful. The craft involved to create each of these little objects is unbelievable. A gem of a record, that I would probably not have listened to if not for this list.

Lovely and smooth. The gunshot/snare juxtaposition on "Living in Denial" made me jump. Wonderful production and performances throughout.

This was a pleasant surprise. I somehow missed this album when it came out. Michael Kiwanuka has a knack for capturing the authentic sound of the 60s and 70s soul while introducing modern little tweaks here and there that do just enough to keep you interested and wondering what might be coming next. I agree with others that this album works really well as a complete album and not just a collection of singles. I certainly have my favorite tracks but I think I will keep them to myself and just ask that people give the whole album a listen to. I think they will find it worth it. I also enjoyed that Kiwanuka wrote many of the lyrics of the songs from a universal point of view and especially from a viewpoint of compassion and hope. On the few songs that delved into subjects that have been done to death recently, the song arrangements and performances were done so well that I still enjoyed the track, despite disagreeing with the viewpoint of the message, and that is a pretty nifty magic trick to accomplish. I can see why he toured with Adele in 2011. She opened the decade with a classic and he closed the decade with an equal classic of his own.

Amazing

Michael Kiwanuka is a British man from a Ugandan family, who makes a modern version of soulful R&B. His songs have a joyful energy that Kiwanuka carries in his rich voice, and is developed in an interest mixture of musical influences. African rhythms are complimented by backup singers, a horn section, and synthesizers to give it a modern twist.

felt like i was taken away somewhere beautiful for an hour

Surprisingly loved this!

It's a very rainy afternoon but it doesn't feel like it with this playing. I'm going to be wondering for a while about what that sound is at the start of Hard to Say Goodbye, though. Realising I recognised the first song was a nice start, and the last one sounded light before I even saw the title :)

Toe-tapping, catchy, emotional, and incredibly interesting instrumentation. Co-production from Danger Mouse that hits your damn soul *just* right. Whew. KIWANUKA shines and provides some legitimately refreshing melodies. Is this modern-day Motown with a healthy dose of "Dark Side"-era Pink Floyd? Whatever genre this fits into, I LOVED this album. Each song seamlessly flows into the next, and it really feels like a collection of songs to be listened to together, in order. The intro tracks (and the outro after "Final Days") don't feel forced or unnecessary. Kiwanuka's vocals are dripping with soul, emotion, and realness on every song. His acoustic guitar fingerpicking sounds effortless on the acoustic tracks and blends perfectly with the rest of the instruments. Likewise with the soft electric guitar solo work that, again, channels the best that David Gilmour has recorded. It's clear all involved put a LOT of work into KIWANUKA. "Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love)" in particular brought me to tears. The earnest sadness of "Solid Ground," and the way Michael's vocals are swallowed up by the swelling strings and piano for the last minute. Just, damn. Seeing this album was on a bajillion "Best of 2019" music lists while I listened and scanned Wikipedia did not surprise me one bit. This might be my first completely unknown-to-me album during this project that I was completely struck by. Incredibly deserving of a 5 star rating and I'm glad it's on this list. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *The opening track to this album ("You Ain't The Problem") was used by broadcaster ITV as its theme tune for its coverage of the Men's Football Euros 2020. *The album won the Mercury Prize 2020. It was the third time in his career he had been nominated following nominations for Home Again and Love & Hate but the first time he had won. Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *This upbeat track ("You Ain't The Problem") was born out of Michael Kiwanuka's feelings of inferiority in an industry that is highly competitive. "If you don't belong, live in the trouble," he defiantly sings. *(On "Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love)): The singer added this song originally had a different theme and chorus - "My oh my, it's sad in love." He and his producer Danger Mouse liked it a lot, and it rhymed perfectly, but he just couldn't sing the lyrics because they were too negative. He decided this was his moment to move away from his love of melancholy songs....New York served as an inspiration for "Piano Joint." Kiwanuka explained to Q Magazine: "The chords made me think of '70s New York and that soulful sound, like, Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack. It has that kind of regalness to it." *(On "Hero"): This acoustic, reverb-drenched track was the hardest song on Kiwanuka to write lyrics for. Michael Kiwanuka had had the music and melody, written with Danger Mouse and UK producer Inflo, for a couple of years; he just couldn't come up with any words that felt right. Then one day he was flicking through pictures on his phone of civil rights activist Fred Hampton. The 21-year-old chairman of the Black Panthers' Illinois chapter was shot and killed in his bed by police in 1969; Kiwanuka started thinking about how young Hampton was when he got killed. This prompted him to reflect on some of the musical icons who had died young too. Standout Tracks: You Ain't The Problem, Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love), Hero, Final Days, Solid Ground, Light

Another good album. 5/5

Really dug this! It’s so soulful and a real journey of ebbing and flowing energy. Feels very intentionally put together. It’s full of both haunting heartache and rockin’ jams. Hero gave total Jimi Hendrix vibes. Beautiful stuff.

Amazing soul album. Blends a lot of styles.

A fresh and daring blend of multiple genres addressing racism and social inequality. Really must be listened to in full.

Such a great find! Soulful and smooth

Had no idea what to expect going into this album, but that was a phenomenal listen and an extremely well produced album. He is a great singer and the mix of piano, drums, and strings worked perfectly with his singing style. I always enjoy albums that have songs seamlessly flow into each other as well. I will be adding this to my re-listening library for sure.

I liked the instruments more that the singing. I liked the second to last song,, his voice was more unique than the others. One of the songs reminded me of a feeling I had while reading Homegoing.

First modern album on here I've found original and really liked.

Wow, simply astounding. The combination of genres and influences is just exquisite in this album. Definitely putting it on my rotation.

Oh my goodness, what an absolute gem this is! It's nice to see some newer albums making the cut here and I can honestly say this is the first album/artist I hadn't hear of before to get 3 back-to-back spins. This is insanely fresh and a wonderful mix of genres. Initial impressions were it sounds like a more Psychadelic Curtis Mayfield, but it quickly evolves beyond that to something entirely unique to itself. An absolute must listen. Standout Tracks: The whole album is really an experience, but if I were absolutely forced to pick out favorites... You Ain't the Problem, Rolling, Piano Join (This Kind of Love), Hero, Solid Ground

Here’s one I’ve caught a few snippets of over the years, but never given my full attention to. And boy howdy, this is a modern classic! There’s so much happening here that I love about music; genre bending and blending while still managing to be consistent, combined with unpredictability! Every track is solid, with staple singles that completely pop thanks to perfectly crafted interludes.

Kiwanuka soars through soundscapes of his own making with an effortless ease and exacting control befitting only a musician of his prodigious caliber.

Outstanding. A proper album with a beginning, middle and ending. Great to listen to it all the way through as intended. Great songwriting and a voice and musician to match.