KIWANUKA

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.

Bardzo ciekawy album. Myślę że do niego wrócę. Immaculate vibes

first listen. this album is phenomenal!! so grateful to this list for introducing me to it. now im gonna listen to Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) on repeat!!

this is a seriously beautiful album. i've never heard of this guy before but consider me a fan now. truly a great experience listening to this album. all of the tracks are fantastic, but they work so well together it would be hard to not listen to the whole thing again. my only gripe is that i wish the song intros were combined with the songs they're for.

One of my favorite, recent, concept albums. Amazing sounds, fantastic songwriting, I see myself listening to this many more times.

Trabajo subidor de ánimos, con temas más bailables y otros más introspectivos. Medio lo-fi. Lo imagino para escuchar tirado, fumando. La canción que mejor combina todo lo anterior es Hero, por lejos. Una muy grata sorpresa en la última semana de marzo en Argentina.

Blew me away. New favorite album. Thanks!

This was really enjoyable. Another in the list of albums I don't think I'll actively seek out again but I enjoyed thoroughly and am glad I heard it all the way through at least once. The incorporation of the fuzzy psychedelic guitars that seem popular within certain parts of Africa (currently escaping me where, maybe somewhere nearer the East coast but not quite the horn?) was so so good and the production over felt one step away from being what I would describe as lush and instead using a base of acoustic instruments that feel quite raw at times and are greatly enhanced by these "lush" embellishments. Very cool vocal inflections too

I had never heard of this guy before and my expectations were low, but damn this was good!

This album is sweet. It is a very smooth blend of genres. So smooth I really couldn't pin it down if I tried. Michael has a great voice and the production is crisp.

Deserves a 5, I've listened before but this time I properly listened. Lyrics are simple but somehow fresh.

This was a really cool album with an eclectic mix of influences. The songs contained a mix of tribal, rock, pop, blues, and experimental sounds. As a whole, the album was groovy, catchy, and uplifting. I really liked his unique vocal style and the lyrics including themes of love, pain, religion, and touching on social issues.

Love this shit

Phenomenal from start to finish. Crafted with skill, care, and a true love of storytelling via music. "Hero" and "Final Days" were standouts for me. It's a wonderful experience to be exposed to an artist gifted in their craft. 10/10

full of bangers

5 albums in and I got someone I never heard of before. I must say, I am super impressed. If anyone tells you that modern music sucks, direct them to this album! Best Song: I've Been Dazed Worst Song: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) - Intro Most Likely to be Used in a Car Commercial: Rolling Album Score: 9/10

I really like how one song flowed to another. It was a interesting fusion of several genres as well.

I was not expecting big things from this album because we have not had much luck with soul albums from this list in my humble opinion (cough cough Kelela cough cough), but this was fantastic. Easy 5 stars and one of my favorite albums that we've had so far. His voice is great, lyrics also great with a story and umph behind them. Musically it was great with splendid variety from slower more melancholy songs to more upbeat tracks. I absolutely loved this album.

Primer album que escucho gracias a esta lista y menuda forma de empezar. Magnífico de principio a fin. Es capaz de crear una atmósfera musical mágica, sin anclarse en un único género musical y bebiendo de diversas influencias, todo esto sin descuidar las maravillosas letras que potencian el ambiente que consigue crear.

Big fan of Michael Kiwanuka. Big thumbs up

The sound of this album was like the exact middle point of Jon batiste, sault, the black keys, and thundercat; all of which I love, so naturally I really loved this album. It was so funky and bluesy and soulsy and jazzy and folksy that I wouldn’t be able to listen to it critically even if I tried. Final days, hero, and you ain’t the problem were my favs.

great african-soul-rock album, not the bedt one of Kiwanuka, but still awesome. Soild Ground is still in my heart

10/10

Awesome album I’d never heard before. Opening track really hooks you. Has a timeless feel to it.

Nice and mellow, great 👍

Kiwanuka is one of the best artists of the past decade. Original, soulful, and generally amazing music

Yes!!!! I never heard of this person or this music and it’s AMAZING. I love everything about it!! It’s such a great blend of different styles, he production quality is great.. added. 5 stars.

Really enjoyed this album. The music arrangements were full, great lyrics, great voice. I’ll be following this artist.

What a miracle this album is. It feels like it captures the essence of humanity at the moment and distills it into this album. This whole website was worth it just to be introduced to this one album and artist.

It's hard to tell what year this is from, and I mean that as a high complement. It defies any categorization by era or genre. Wonderful stuff.

# Playlist track - Rolling # Notes - What a FANTASTIC listen. - Great album, interesting and fun from start to finish. - One of the best I've heard so far. 7/7

chill listen

Loved it. Unique and fun.

High quality, erinnert etwas an Jimi Hendrix, alles in allem sehr gut

Wonderful masterpiece

Really great stuff, I love seeing what modern music has made this list and this is one I had never heard of. My favorite here was probably Hard to Say Goodbye.

This album sounded great. Really enjoyed his voice. The songs were well structured and the album held together well as a piece. This one will be one I come back to.

What can i say... A deserved winner of the mercury prize in 2019. Inflo the producer of Jungle, Sault and Little Sims as a producer and drummer, keys, programming and even harp arrangements amongst other things for this record, together with the bass, percussion, programming of Danger Mouse on this tour de force of an album. Michael Kiwanuka made a british neo-soul classic and nailed it. Everything is stylish on here. The blend of those cool drum grooves and mellow bass parts dotted all across the sonic landscape empowering the sincere tenderness of inflective soul that fills the rest of the landscape, where gospel choiresque get to shine , get muted and transformed into a call with Michael himself. the slight whale of the electric guitar lick here, a string arrangement by cellist and arranger for Wired Strings, Rosie Danvers there to complete the loving soulful sound meandering deeper into a searching man quest for answers of acceptance. Purpose. Love. I could not be helped but be a captivated listener, and be grateful to be humming along to these sentiments i would say his weakest song on the album is "hard to say goodbye" and with a third listen, that was even amazing. The overall pace of the album starts out strong and how the song fuse together like they are another part of one song. this because many songs start off muted and build fuzz to transform to the main body of work and vice versa. it means that in between Rolling and I've Been Dazed i first didn't notice they were two different songs. just brilliant sound engineering. i listened to the vinyl edition, because i have it lying around and sound wise it is superior to youtube rips by a country day, but that is a different discussion.

Best album I’ve listened to all year (so far!)

Please do not pass this up. Its sublime.

This is fantastic, an easy and smooth listen.

ja sam odusevljena wow super nemam rijeci kolko sam uzivala u ovome albumu !!!! poslusala sam ga 15 puta ukupno besramno

loved it

ocjena i od mene i od hernausa koji je slucajno krivo stisnuo jer je album top

How have I never heard of this guy before? This is genuinely one of the best albums I have ever listened to in my life. It's so calm and soothing, yet the lyrics have just enough politically charged anger to get me excited. Not to mention the diversity in this album. Defining its genre is pretty much impossible because of all the influences it takes and the wide range of instruments used.

This was absolutely delightful to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

starting with a banger

Ok, yeah! This is what I came here for. I had never heard of this guy, but now I am a fan! My favorite track from the first listen has got to be I’ve Been Dazed. Had to listen to that one again. I will be returning to this artist and checking out his other albums!

WOW!

Best discovery so far. Sounds like Damon Albarn from Blur.

Fantastic, emotional, soulful album

Relaxing and enjoyable. I love his voice.

WOW! It's been a *very* long time since I started playing an album and was so immediately and completely subsumed within it. I can't do justice to the feelings I am feeling at this exact moment. I want to practice my drums every day until I am good enough to audition for Michael Kiwanuka's band. I want to sit in the room with him and be a part of the process – to be there first when his angel muses visit him and speak these glorious songs into his head. I want to be this man's friend. This is an incredible album from the first note to the last. My only problem is that it ended and my elation started to fade. Happily, all I have to do is play it again, and it's back. Completely, utterly in love with this.

Wow! Love it!

Increíble desde la primera nota a la última, no puedo decir que lo he analizado al 100% pero es el primero de todos los que he escuchado que me ha sacado una sonrisa cada canción por su genialidad y su voz. Sin duda un álbum que será recurrente en mis escuchas

Amazing!!! Best album so far!!!

Modern soul for the soul. KIWANUKA is a stunningly beautiful album that is able to draw on it's inspirations without feeling derivative or stale. It is not only inventive, but flows incredibly well. God, what an incredible piece of work this is. It's albums like KIWANUKA which reminds me that music is art, and i guess that makes Michael Kiwanuka an artist. Gorgeous.

Every song is solid. The album flows well and has a good variety of moods and styles. There's very few things I would change (like how muted the backing vocals sound on You Ain't The Problem). I'm excited to relisten to this!

A great example of how music today doesn't suck compared to music before. Now that's what I call an album!

Not only one of the best albums of the last few years or the last decade, but one of the best albums ever recorded. The definition of heartfelt and uplifting music under the banner of psychedelic soul. I listened to Kiwanuka countless times.

Forgot to do notes because Calculus, but it was an amazing experience, truly a masterpiece. I felt a warm sensation thru the entire LP. My favorite in this page. Top 5 Final Days Light You Ain't the Problem Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Solid Ground

This is so awesome. Better than the first time I tried to spin it ~4 years ago....I've Been Dazed really kills. My favorite track so far.

The comparison to Bill Withers many make is very apt; while Kiwanuka doesn’t have the same power as Withers, the timbre resemblance is spot on. That being said, Michael Kiwanuka brings a lot to the guitar work that you don’t hear in Withers’ tunes. There’s a casual confidence to Kiwanuka that carries throughout the album, and the production compliments his vocals beautifully. Strings come in the beautifully supplement at just the right moments. Hard to Say Goodbye has one of my favorite combinations as background vocals, almost angelic, double a rough distorted guitar the creates a yin-yang juxtaposition exemplifying an artist painting with a full palette. Coming back to the production - every aspect is allowed to breathe and has a nice roundness to it. No component feels sharp or out of place. They all blend and dance in and out of each others’ embraces effortlessly. It makes me think of a dance you see in a movie placed in the Middle Ages where partners change frequently, all moving in concert like a beautiful geometric pattern, and then they land all at once with the partner they began with. Only in Kiwanuka’s music, it seems some partners appear out of thin air, but without surprise. His interludes and intros act as a glue to carry the listener from track to track, guiding you as if you were just learning the courtly dance, but never making you feel unwelcome or out of place.

Chill

Really flows as an album, all the songs are different but it works soo well. Lovely use of multiple instruments and musical styles just combined together flawlessly. Will listen to more!

This was fully enjoyable, every track. Soulful and jazzy at the same time; a 70's vibe mixed with a modern R&B vocal.

Wow these are some great songs, definitely will be listening to these again

Hot damn, this is the first album on this list I have never heard of and am genuinely shook by how good this is.

Nice!

This is an outstanding album. Not a bad track and the music is just fantastic. No bad song and no bad vibes.

In a word: Enlightening This is one of the best albums this generator has given me. For how original each and every song is, this album is shockingly cohesive, which is a big accomplishment compared to some of the other albums I've reviewed. It was such an out-of-body experience that I wish I could have again for the first time. Utter perfection.

Wow. Last days hits differently.

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

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.

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.

Que riqueza sonora

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

Different from what I normally listen to. Loved it.

On god a perfect album fluid and deep

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

He is new to me and I enjoyed it

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

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

Incredible

Incredible from start to finish. A masterwork

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

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.

Super soulful and beautiful sound, no complaints.

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

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

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?

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.

Grossartig

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

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.

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

Loved it

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.

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

Fantastique.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Thank you Michael. You’ve done it again

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

What a discover. Wow.

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

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.

Bro Yes

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

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?

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.

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.

Chill, Sunday vibes

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

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

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

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.

Very Mellow!

Loved it

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!

Sounds like music from the 60s

Awesome roadtripmaterial

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 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

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.

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

marvelous

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.

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.

Excellent

What a bop, cried twice

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

Beautiful.

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.

This is GREAT! Never heard of this artist before and I am getting strong TV on the Radio vibes but a little more chill. It's modern but has touches of classic 60's rock. It's recorded perfectly too. DAMN this is good. This is a banger and I am now following this dude on Spotify.

Maaaaan that was SUPERB! A beautiful soulful super-musical melting pot of numerous genres. Stunning.

5-

A genre-defying masterpiece. I've never heard of Michael Kiwanuka, but this album blew me away. Every track was outstanding, and I loved how each one segued into the next. As unique and different as each song was, the album still managed to feel incredibly cohesive. Instrumentally, each song was incredibly complex and beautiful, and Michael's rich voice fit perfectly into each song. This is an album that I will definitely be visiting again soon.

Ush… se me borró pero ke cosa tan bonita este album, también con mensaje muy fuerte pero bello, se siente bontio. Another human es una canción que se siente un abrazo. Yo no se mucho de arreglos musicales pero no manches que bello suenan las pistas.

Gostei muito!

Surprisingly good, will listen again

The music is really good. Overall would be perfect for a breakup.

Joya

Un excelente album, con performances extraordinarias y una producción perfecta. Un disco que cimenta la posición de Kiwanuka como el representante del soul británico.

Wow. This is a really incredible album. The lyricism, the guitar melodies, it all just works together. You can feel a lot of different influences here, but it's also clear that this will itself be an influential album long into the future.

Extremely solid album - damn

Cool album, I remember when sound opinions got it on my radar

Masterpiece, the feel from A to Z, c'est un voyage ostie Favorite Tracks : You ain't the problem, hard to say goodbye, The Light Rating : 5 / 5

Very soothing voice. Strong album that was a breeze to listen to. I can't recommend it enough when looking for a calm and relaxing time. Light 5/5

Unexpectedly great. How have I not come across him before?

Finally some delicious fucking music.

Damn, this was SO good! I’d never heard of this guy before but this was amazing. I haven’t heard anything like this before and will definitely be keeping it on my phone.

Super bon, 2019 ayoye, je pense que je suis trop fermé à la nouvelle musique. merci à la liste je vais réécouté c'est certain ! 5

Dès les premières notes, je me suis dit que ça avait le potentiel d'être un 5 étoiles. J'ai adoré l'ambiance feutrée, mais riche. Digne descendant de la soul des années 70.

Ну как же это супер вкусно и приятно. Киванука просто в сердечке Алкоальбом: хайбол в темном японском помещении

Один из немногих случаев, когда любовь к артисту появилась после случайного прослушивания лайва на Усадьбе Jazz в 2019 году. Было же время... Ламповые фузз-гитарки, Родес-пиано, умеренная хрипотца... Но в общем парень прям заряженный. Тот самый соул, который за счёт этники, вокала и щемящих сердце текстов цепляет за "соул". До мурашек. Это очень крутой альбом. p.s. 2/3 альбомов из первого выпуска подкаста закрыты, йоу

Never heard of this guy before this period jesus some great tracks on here especially rolling. I'll be sure to keep listening to his stuff. He's apparently quite well known in the UK but this is the 1st. I've heard of em but not the last.

"I've been dazed" and "Solid Ground" are my favourite tracks of the album.

Wow. Absolutely WOW. Like many others, I didn't know what to expect and also like them, I was pleasantly surprised by where this journey took me. Soulful, lush, heartfelt, and so, so smooth. I can hardly believe that this is a recent record with how much it feels like an album from the 70s. Wow.

Another one that I was delighted to see appear for me this morning Working again with the dream team of Danger Mouse & Inflo delivers a beautiful blend of genres, and a well sequenced album that is a joy to listen to.

Parasta bestiä.

genre r&b/soul this is a concept album about a "troubled spirit" finding healing through music but still has undertones of despair and disappointment. you ain't the problem is a really fun upbeat song with unique instrumentals and sounds of a crowd cheering. did some research and found out this song was used as a theme song for the men's football euros in 2020. the song hero is very minimalistic lyric-wise but there's an epic guitar solo that makes it one of the best tracks on the album. there are a lot of references to religion and turning to God for support to get through tough times. one of the best albums from this app so far 9.5/10

KIWANUKA is one of those special albums that sound so genre-bending that it kind of creates it’s whole own musical universe. KIWANUKA envelops you in a warm, ethereal atmosphere. The album opens with "You Ain't The Problem," a powerful song that immediately captured my attention with its infectious groove and Kiwanuka's velvety-smooth vocals. His voice, simultaneously soothing and commanding, resonates with an authenticity that carries throughout the entire album. One of the defining qualities of KIWANUKA is its richly layered instrumentation. The songs are filled with lush arrangements, incorporating elements of gospel, soul, and vintage rock. Tracks like "Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)" and "Hero" feature soul-stirring melodies and sweeping orchestration, reminiscent of classic Motown and Stax Records. This album sounds like a 60s record with modern crisp production quality. Kiwanuka's ability to blend genres and eras like this is very impressive. The album’s big moment is ”Cold Little Heart”, a 10-minute epic that builds gradually, fusing together layers of intricate guitar work, haunting strings, and soulful vocal performance. It's a mesmerizing one that leaves a lasting impression. Lyrically, KIWANUKA delves into themes of identity, self-reflection, and the struggle for acceptance. Tracks like "Rolling" and "Living in Denial" address the complexities of personal growth and navigating one's place in society. This album transcends eras and genres of music in a truly special way. KIWANUKA is one of the most underrated albums of the past decade and one that you really need to hear.

Fantastic combination of old music methodologies with modern jazz and r&B over the top of it. Every song flows gently into the next one.

Top picks: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Living in Denial, Light, Hero.

Bongos! (You ain't the problem) Also just a very groovy song Rolling: Kinda reminds me of MGMT's little dark age in some of the sound effects. Cool though I've been dazed: ooh we roll right through the album! didn't even detect the song change. uplifting and enlightening song! Piano Joint (intro): suspenseful yet groovy Piano Joint: I could learn this on the piano! Living in denial: kinda weird, not my favorite song. Also not a bad song though, just not my jam. Hero: Cool beat! I think the guitar solo would have been really cool if it wasn't so distorted but that's also the sound he's going for Hard to say goodbye: OOHH! That's an intro. If I was making a movie like Baby Driver, I feel like this song would belong in a movie like that, but I have no idea where it would go! Final Days: even though the song is about the last days on the planet, it feels inspiring, like it's our collective first day :) Interlude: The monologue at the start of the song is a good memorial (maybe wrong word - reminder?) of racism Solid Ground: Nice chord progression Overall: First album in this project that I had never heard of, and I'm very glad I did. It has so much going for it: a wide variety of sounds, some jazz influence, and an emotional rollercoaster. Meant to be listened to as a full album, not individual songs. Was a pleasure to listen to, I'll have to remember it for later :D 5/5

10/10 beautiful and endlessly creative definitely gonna hear this guy’s other stuff

Relaxte pop

Brilliant album. Another great album by Michael Kiwanuka

Love & Hate has a couple of songs that are individually better, but as a cohesive album this takes the crown.

This album is so, so, so, so close to being a perfect album. A heart-wrenchingly meaningful and beautiful album that does not have a bad moment from start to finish, just a couple hiccups. The album never lets you rest with most songs featuring a mostly natural transition. I say “mostly natural” because there a certain transitions which jolt you into the next song by featuring mismatching instrumentation, or at times audibly skipping into the next song (this could be an error with the streaming platform). Otherwise this album is a complete delight, that I won’t get tired of. 9.5/10

Lovely

I liked everything about this music

I love his sound. Would love to see in concert.

Blues, jazz, soul, rock and ambient elements all combine to create an effortlessly cool, melodic, heartfelt and interesting album that flows beautifully and sounds simultaneously modern and retro. t's easy to see why this album won the Mercury Prize. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: You Ain't The Problem Date listened: 18/04/23

Really got into Love & Hate but somehow this passed me by. Glad this brought it up! Gorgeously layered tracks that never feel impenetrable. Kiwanuka's voice has incredible character, and blends with this slightly dusty production and smooth instrumentation beautifully. Four and a half. Fave track: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)

New to me. More, please.

Rating: 10/10

It's really hard to listen contemporary albums and wonder whether they will endure, whether people will look back on it as a classic. I thought when I first heard this album it was one of those albums. In an era of music where so much is mood and ambiance without songs this was a stand out of the year it came out and of the decade it came out in. When I first listened I thought that this could have come out in 1973 and we would still be playing it now. There are few new albums that I listen to over and over again in an era of all I can consume streaming. Indeed, I'm doing this project so my average listen to an album I haven't heard before is sharply tending to zero. This, however, is a beautiful piece of work and I don't hesitate to put it in the top 20% of albums on this list.

FINALLY!! This generator gives me an album actually worth my time. The day it was assigned to me I listened to it almost two times, the first time all the way through. And I know, it's more "mainstream" or whatnot, but I'm past the point of letting that determine what I listen to. Anyway, I felt that the songs flowed smoothly from one to the other, and it seems like one of those albums where you don't necessarily have to pay attention to it to enjoy it. The first time listen was also enjoyable, like I mentioned with the accessibility of it. However, KIWANUKA is one I will definitely be going back to. "Solid Ground" stood out to me on first listen, made me want to cry lol.

simply a great album all the way through. heard some gorillaz in there every now and then. will definitely seek out more stuff by Michael Kiwanuka

My favorite album of 2019. It is a masterclass of progressive R&B. It recalls the past and paves a way forward.

Its a 5 compared to the rest of todays music. A 3 or 4 in the list.

The production of this album is just immaculate

Even before I was halfway through this album, I knew it was going to be one of my favorites so far. This is the kind of thing that makes it worth it to try listening to to a randomly assigned album every day. Not all are going to be hits, but this one certainly is. I love when an album can be so many good things at once - musically pleasant while still being interesting, lyrically meaningful, fun and something you want to move to, etc etc etc. Now I want to listen to everything else Michael Kiwanuka has made.

So fucking good, amazing production

I really love this album so was delighted that it appeared on the list to remind me to give it a listen again.

You Ain't the Problem: nice groove that starts with a distinct Latin flavour. It has a summery, almost mid-70s vibe. Rolling: very insistent rhythm with sprinkles of psychedelia in the keyboard sound and the background vocals. I love Piano Joint. It has that late night, melancholic hopefulness that is so hard to get right and so perfect when it is done right. Living in Denial is Philly Soul without the almost incel-like misogyny that pervaded it. Maybe I'm not making it clear just how fucking wonderful this album is. His voice is bringing soul back. The backing is perfect. Am I a Hero encapsulates why this man is so superior to his contemporaries. He finds a sound and loops it, just like so many acts nowadays. But then he adds a great groove and an awesome vocal with a message. Solid Ground is so simple, his voice and a sparse backing. It feels so sad. Then it builds up to an almost discordant climax. Very effective. Light is nice and bluesy, then that great guitar finishes it off perfectly. It's no surprise that Spotify then went to Bill Withers after this. Michael Kiwanuka is his spiritual successor.

I was familiar with another album from Kiwanuka, but hadn't explored his others. Fucking amazing stuff. Such a voice and the musicality shines through.

Excellent album

Yasss

Was first introduced to Michael with his Love and Hate album, such a pleasure to listen to an artist with a backing group that play real instruments. Love many of the arrangements that he has put together on this album, absolutely love the full version of Cold Little Heart with the 5 minute intro. Moya and Martin chillout vibes. The best album up for review yet!!!!!

Had this on repeat when it first came out. One of my favourite albums over lockdown. Already part of my frequent rotation not sure if I’ll give it the same rating in 5 years time but for now this is a 5 star album in my book.

- Cool sound - Psych soul - Bold emphasis with hard distorsion on some tracks - Definitely has its moments - Sounds classic - Feels cherry-bombesque by moments - Feels Little-Simzesque by moments - Boards of Canada feel in Final Days intro - 4.3/5

My #1 album of 2019!

New to this artist but wow, this was excellent. So happy I was able to experience this album with my wife.

Amazing piece of an amazing artist.

As good as it gets in modern music - I had a couple of these pinned already - top 100 lifetime streams. The rest of the album is just as good. Into the rotation

Fantastic stuff

Slammin'!! A tour de force. Wow, what a great voice with terrific instrumentation. Piano Joint came on with a strong Bill Withers vibe, yet it was completely unique. Sparse piano, quiet background vocals, and strings ornament the luxurious voice of Michael Kiwanuka. Can't really say enough good about this one. I'm excited to find a 5 from an act I've never even heard of!!

Kinda blown away on this... The album has a lot of characteristics of the early 70s soul albums but combines contemporary instruments and recording techniques making this a must-listen. The tone is soft, somber and enlightening. Like nothing I've heard before. A true find all the way through.

SLAYED! Will be returning quite often this year.

very cool

A real throwback album in that it has influences from a lot of genres but also seems best taken as an album as a whole. Also holds a special place for me as first concert back after the pandemic. At times soft, at times deep, at times rocking. Just a great piece of music.

Beautiful

Groovy, easy to listen to, great voice

Fantastic album! A fresh take on classic rock and soul sounds, with great production and introspective lyrics. Personally, this album really meant a lot to me in 2020, with it’s themes of separation, loss, a sense of doom, racial injustice (including the words of the late great John Lewis), but ultimately a sense of hope and perseverance. I still keep coming back to it, too.

Excellent

Top marks for the haunting sample of the Lost Cosmonaut in Final Days. If it's true, it's one of the saddest things I've ever heard.

Love in first song. Need to wait to finish whole album, but already feel like 4 or 5. Never heard of this and I am pleasantly surprised and I love bathing in these retro guitars and instrumentation and his voice... Will skip my list for few days just to repeat this....and gonna call my alternative radio station to ask them what the hell guys, why dont you play some of this??

wonderful listen. WIll add to my rotation. Calming voice

great top to bottom

Really liked it, want the LP to play it at home

You ain’t the problem- Lively and groovy opener👍 Rolling- Guitar more heavily introduced in this track, v catchy 👍 I’ve been dazed- Smooth transition into slower, more wistful track Piano joint- Intro fine, song proper is beautiful and laid back👍 Another human being- Interlude like, with beautiful harp and leading into next song Living in denial-bop👍 Hero- amazing guitar work👍 Hard to say goodbye- Not substantial enough for its runtime Final days- great melody into interlude Solid ground- This is great, especially when the instrumentation kicks in👍 Light- atmospheric closing track but doesn’t do much for me This is an excellent album, as well as working really well as an album 5/5

richtig richtig geil

Great album, message and vibes

Piano GOOD

A Classic

Very good and surprising

Good

wow, i really loved this album so much. i tried to look up if he's touring and he's not. maybe one of my new favorite albums.

First song is awesome! I loved this album best one I have listened to since joining

A stone cold masterpiece. Sounds timeless yet relevant.

Pretty good and funky

phenomenal. soul so thick you could eat it with a spoon

It's like Zero 7, the Gorillaz, and Pink Floyd had a baby.

Loved it

This was great! Would listen again.

8/6 lounged

1st track is a banger, excellent album

Kind of an odd contemporary from across the pond to "Awaken, My Love" in a way. I enjoyed every moment of this.

Definitivt en femma

Really good, big suprise for me

4.5 stars, beautiful albums. Upbeat stuff has Beck vibes, slower stuff Hozier or Sam Smith. Pleasant listen all the way through but standouts are "You Ain't the Problem", "Rolling", "Light"

Michael K is the best

Beautiful music

This one really took me by surprised. My experience with the newest albums on this list has been pretty negative so far. The album cover also didn't look too promising to me and I didn't like the beginning of the first track too much either... but the sheer quality of this record pushed those preconceptions and first impressions straight out the window. This is a wonderful album full of feeling and delicate beauty. After the first spin, I had to give it a second spin free from negative preconceptions and loved it. Now I'm listening to his 2016 record and loving that one too.

Never would have shown up in my music wheel house, but I am so glad it did. Immediately favorited it and downloaded it for later.

I had never heard of this album but I definitely enjoyed it and am going to listen to it again.

Love

Well that was lovely. Soulful, intricate and elegant.

nice

Intense, rich voice

Kiwanuka é incrível. Esse álbum rivaliza com Love & Hate sobre qual é a melhor obra desse monstro contemporâneo.

This is one of the most enjoyable new albums that I've heard in a while. I guess if I had to categorize it, I'd call it psychedelic soul. You can definitely hear influences of Pink Floyd alongside Marvin Gaye and the Beatles here. Kiwanika's voice is beautiful on this album and the songwriting is strong as well as the production. This album has been on repeat for a few days now and I can't wait to check out the rest of his discography.

Slaps

Amazing

That was a fantastic album.

Really enjoyed it, maybe just in a generous mood today, but it was quite good.

This was completely unexpected and utterly delightful. Michael Kiwanuka seems like the British answer to contemporary American artists like Gary Clark Jr. and Leon Bridges and I'm not mad at that. The musicianship is top-notch, the songwriting is excellent, and the production quality is fantastic. I have nothing negative to say. Everything about this album was enjoyable.

This is my favorite in a while! Wow this was so good. I loved how intoxicating the music and guitar parts were. So beautiful and tragically underrated.

Never heard of this guy, but absolutely loved the sound and album.

Liked the album, very groovy rhythms and vocals

Brilliant

I really enjoyed this album and artist! I will be listening to him again.

I am shooketh

Bon j'ai liké plus de la moitié des titres ça part sur un 5.

A comprehensive, intriguing, soulful, masterpiece? I don't know a masterpiece when I hear it but this might be one. It gave me a feeling of awe as I listened, like I was consuming something far bigger than myself. That is thanks in part to the power of his voice and the elegant use of the instruments and backing vocals. Everything feels big and bold. A really wonderful album; give me more Kiwanuka!

Reminds me of Leon bridges

Well done sir

This is album is so sooo beautiful! The combination of soul and avant-garde is downright heavenly!

What a pleasant surprise, I have read about him but never listened to an album before. Today I listened to this album three times. And shared it with a bunch of people as well.

De los mejores descubrimientos.. en años!

wow! a new refreshing sound!

I loved this album that was both so enjoyable and so meaningful to listen to.

I didn't know what to expect here, but it was splendid! There was a sublime flow to the tracks and almost every track just grabbed me and pulled me in...some kind of funky, some kind of jazzy, some nice slow jam. It kept me interested in hearing what would come next.

What an absolute treat. Fantastic. FANTASTIC!

Fantastically Beautiful

Well, well, well, this was a pleasant surprise. I had been aware of Michael Kiwanuka but I was expecting this to be a soppy great wet lettuce of an album. I had assumed he peddled watered-down mainstream "soul" which would be none of my business. How wrong I was. Google tells me it is Danger Mouse produced which explains the epic panoramic production. There's more than a bit of Bill Withers buried in the album's DNA but it is still very much its own thing. It's modern soul on a grand scale and I will shortly be purchasing a copy, this one is a keeper. Well done 1,001 Albums Generator, a big thumbs up for you.

Absolutely loved. Soulful, reminded me a bit of Leon Bridges for the vibe

Don’t hesitate Time heals the pain You ain’t the problem

Masterpiece

gorgeoussss timeless lovely

Thought that this was interesting a nd a great listen all the way through. Will definitely be going back.

So dope.

This album is a gem! Hero and You Ain't the problem are so damn good. could listen to this one all day.

Beautiful album. Absolutely beautiful.

Beautiful album

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