KIWANUKA

Soulful

I appreciate having a newer album here. I had heard some of these songs before and liked them. The full album is less impressive to me. There are a lot of songs that sound the same, it becomes a hodgepodge of noises by the end.

Not what I expected, never judge an album by it's cover 🤣

Bra kvälls och billyssningspop a la Lloyd Cole. Fyra

This is one of those albums that I've seen a million times but have never actually listened to. I've heard nothing but positive things about it so I'm really excited to listen today. This album is so diverse and surprising. It has so many different styles but it all flows together really well. The music is great (though maybe a tad simplistic at times), the lyrics are poignant, it is performed and sung impeccably well. What else can you ask for? I'll probably listen to this album a few times today and can imagine that I'll stick it in regular rotation. One that I slept on for far too long and is a brilliant piece of work. 5/5

Really surprising, really good

I like the sound of this album a lot. First song is really good and so is Living in Denial and Solid Ground. Kinda a banger of an album. I definitely will listen again in the future, I really liked it. I agree, not sure what genre this even is but it is really fun to listen to with heaps of variety and all the songs flow into each other really nicely. My top album so far. Only song I have heard before is hero, but my favourite was Living in Denial with Lights a close second. Hard to choose they are all really good, especially together as an album. Definitely checking out his other stuff after this. - surely 5 stars?

Incredible vibes from start to finish.

Really enjoyable album

New! Different! Worth a couple of relistens, maybe more. Look extra time with this one.

I’m a bit of a sucker for a retro soul vibe, but I love that this then puts an interesting, contemporary spin on it.

It was good. Need more listens

Lovely, but didn't throw me away

It seems like I should like the album but it does feel like background soul music. It's not really super smooth, but it also doesn't have the bite of funk, or the pain of blues.

Never heard of this guy... really liking the vibe. Feels like a male Sade. Could see vibing to this again.

The guys got a nice voice and I liked a handful of songs, most of them were just background tier for me though. If there was a 2.5 stars, I'd give it that. Didn't dislike it, there just weren't a lot of songs that I liked, and really none that I liked *a lot*.

good

Kiwanuka? I hardly know her. This was perfectly nice. It would take an awful curmudgeon to take strongly against it. 2.5 I have never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before. That’s what I get for not caring who’s been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize for the last twenty years. You can see why Mr Kiwanuka has been nominated multiple times (winning for this). The arrangements are neat and the use of backing vocals and strings is very well judged - tasteful. Retro reverb filters on everything that will take them. Nice drums and bass. Nice singing. Nice extended chords. This album has as nicely dressed a window as your granny could have managed with all the lace in the shop and her pick of the roses. Sadly though, once you are in the house it’s beige wallpaper from bottom to top. Ah Granny. Kiwanuka’s shapeless lyrics about nothing much are best ignored altogether but unfortunately, not having taken the recommended amount of alcohol beforehand (‘As a Mercury Music Prize panel member’) I made the mistake of listening to them, then reading them. The melodies are sweet nothing. The hooks efficient but immediately forgettable. Kiwanuka isn’t untalented, but he has nothing to say. Anyway he has a Mercury Music Prize now, which tends to be the main thing for most Mercury Music Prize winners. 1.5/5

Modern record with an old vibe, like a soul record from the 70s

Enjoyable

8 / 10

It’s hard to explain but somehow this album was both completely unexpected and exactly what I expected all at the same time. It was very smooth musically, great lyrics and a fun listen. But also groovier than I expected. Almost had an Afro-disco thing going on. If that’s even a thing.

It was ok. I wanted to like it more.

Stunning voice, though I don't think his best album still quality

What a great discovery! During the first few songs, I couldn't tell what decade I was listening to. He incorporates great sounds and techniques from multiple eras and creates a timeless album. Funk, jazz and gospel inspired, with beautiful vocals and dreamy soundscapes.

This is an amazing album. I had never heard of Michael Kiwanuka before this and now I'm glad that I have. When I first saw the cover I was like "Awesome I Am Going To Get Some AfroBeat", now I'm like "Awesome, I Got Some Great New Soul". Amazing start to finish.

This is a great album, and glad to see it on the list. I sure do enjoy mind surfing using this as the soundtrack.

Wow, this is exactly why I use 1001albums! Glad to have discovered this.

Really great lo-fi guitar album. Would listen to this again 100%. Not really something I would find in my rotation daily, but really solid.

light, colourful, fun

KIWANUKA is a beautifully crafted album, full of warmth, soul, and rich production, but it is also an album that sometimes feels a little too sculpted for its own good. The retro influences are unmistakable, drawing heavily from classic soul, psych rock, and 70s warmth, and the whole record is wrapped in this hazy, sepia-toned atmosphere that can be incredibly inviting. Kiwanuka’s voice is gorgeous throughout, calm and earthy, with a kind of understated power that never needs to shout to be felt. Tracks like “You Ain’t the Problem” and “Hero” stand out as the album’s strongest moments, where the songwriting cuts through the lush textures and really hits with clarity. There are even flashes of something almost hypnotic, especially when the arrangements get more layered and experimental. But at the same time, the album is long and sometimes drifts into its own moodiness a little too comfortably. Some tracks blur together, not because they are bad, but because they feel more like pieces of a soundscape than individually memorable songs. Overall, it is a solid and often gorgeous listen, even if it occasionally feels weighed down by its own atmosphere. KIWANUKA is impressive in its ambition and its craft, and there is a lot to admire in the richness of the sound, but it is also the kind of record you have to be in the right frame of mind for. When it works, it works beautifully, but it does not always hold its shape.

Jazz bar

Very mature, I don’t feel I like it but at least I don’t hate it

I was genuinely surprised by this album. I don’t like soul or R&B as a general rule but something about the instrumentation, vocal delivery, production, and just overall execution struck me. Nothing really stood out to me but it all flowed so well that might have to give those a reluctant 3 even though I saved a lot of the songs. I will probably never listen to any of the songs individually but maybe put this whole album when I am in the mood for something more mellow.

This is pretty unique and cool. Mesmorising in places

Preaching? I don't think so. Thinking? Always, but that does not seem to be its source. Solidifying? Yessir. Letting go? Absolutely. Kiwanuka does a remarkable job marrying the sentiments of an indie band like Radiohead and a soul-barer like Bill Withers. For that, we should commend him, but it takes more than an impressive incorporation of influences to make great or even decent music. Fortunately, Kiwanuka passes the ear-test as well: the record is loaded w/ more than a share of hard-hitters and soulful rock tunes that don't only give pleasure but make it as well. Its only want is lyrical: 'I thought I could break away / I hope I fall in love today'; 'Am I a hero? / Am I a hero now?'; 'You are my air to breathe / You're just like a honey bee.' Hm.

Liked first song

Great talented tunes, thx!

Pretty good stuff! Soulful, mellow, entertaining, pleasant and full of variety. Enjoyable.

9/10 album. Great listen all throughout

LOVE Beste sang: Solid ground

Great album. Reminds me of puzzle solving at home, listening to these amazing songs. M.K. has an amazing voice, and the music comes from different genres, beautifully produced. Straight 5.

4 out of 5 Surprisingly great. Deep soulful rock

Super cool hello!? Production and songs were immaculate! Massive fan of this record! I only knew one of his songs before this

I knew the opening song before (which is still a highlight) but wow what an awesomely produced album with great tunes. Real great. Love his voice so much it’s so unique. Sort of like Reggie watts in a way.

3/5

2,9

I was totally unfamiliar with this artist. I want to like this album more than I do. First, the positives. The band, and Kiwanuka's voice, sound great. The sound of the psychedelic soul instrumentation (especially the guitars and the drums) scratches a real itch for the best of the late 60s/early 70s like the Pretty Things, Can, Funkadelic, etc. On some songs, the experimental approach to pop reminded me of more contemporary artists I have liked quite a bit: TV on the Radio, Solange, Sampha. But there is something about the smooth, frictionless cleanliness to this record that does not hook into me. It feels unremarkable, in that it fits pretty easily among some of the landfill indie rock/pop that was churned out in the 00s and early 10s. Many of the songs on the album sound like commercial ad placement unit shifters; as I listen, I'm already imagining the "poignant moment" in the "prestige drama." Because of this, all the songs hover in a general emotive register that leaves me feeling little desire to "rewatch" the album; none of the songs are stuck in my head, nothing hit me in an "I need to hear that again" way. It sounds like he has been handed the keys to the music industry and has access to great resources: the best professional studios, producers, recording engineers, orchestras, etc. For my taste, this slick, professional sound creates an uncanny contrast with the grit of the rock instrumentation. I would rather hear a garage band version recorded in a basement.

Absolutely beautiful music with rich instrumentation. What a joy to listen to.

класс

Gorgeous voice, unique genre. Pleasure to listen to

Excellent!

Kinda funky and experimental in a way but still rocks hard with guitar licks and such

gechillt, ganz gut

I really liked this! Soulful, loungy, modern folk with nice vocals. I liked the musical variation and the beats. I also like the cover but it's nothing special, that's a 3/5.

GETTING CAUGHT UP! I'm not trying to be that guy, but the fact that this album is so new really changes things for me. it was a fun album, don't get me wrong, but the fact that it's on here and shit like Emotion by Carly Rae Jepsen (yes I am gay.) didn't make the cut is crazy to me. the newer albums on this list are crazy to me for a lot of reasons. but yeah, this album was fun but I don't feel too strongly about it

This was cool but not super interesting to me. With how few recent albums are in here I could think of plenty better. But I enjoyed myself and I'm glad it's so high rated on here. The along with so many other albums is proof that "music sucks today" is completely false

Lovely to listen to this in full, I had heard 1-2 songs before

Pretty big fan! Added to my library. Listened several times.

To say I was skeptical going into this album would be an understatement, but I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t expecting it to have as much rock influence as it did. Also I love Kiwanuka’s voice. So full of soul and passion. Really solid. Standout Songs: You Ain't The Problem Rolling I've Been Dazed Hero Hard To Say Goodbye Solid Ground

This was outstanding. I'd heard it around the time it came out but maybe I wasn't in the mood for it at the time. Great instrumentals, amazing vocals.

Loved it!

I never heard of this guy. He has a pleasant voice and knows how to use it. Good music, a bit too psychedelic for my taste sometimes. All in all nothing to special but maybe good for fans of his genre.

When I first saw the name and the cover it was familiar but could not recall any music from this album. Once I got two songs in I was hooked and toward the end I remembered the song Hero. Honestly did not want the album to end.

Where cold heart

Would probably give a 4.5

Great recommendation from the list, haven't heard of the artist/album before. Atmospheric production, great variety of songs, stellar album! Favorite track: hero other picks: you ain't the problem, piano joint, solid ground

yessir i love this the first song sounds a tiny bit primal scream - almost as if i remember it from a playlist with both of them on lol

Lush soundscapes and soulful emotive vocals

A very listenable album that didn't have a lot of stand-out tracks, but also didn't have any bad tracks. I did like the dense instrumentation throughout. 3.5/5

Some cracking tunes on here but not consistent enough to be one I would listen to all the way through.

open track is a joyous journey. sound is great. has retro vibes.

Ah. A Mercury prize winner. This is about as essential as pouring bleach into your ears which is what I felt like doing. Dull. And mediocre. Like a mild headache that’s just there but isn’t enough for a Panadol to stop. Just there as an irritant. Actually the first track is ok. Oh and Danger mouse produced. Three words you can put in the right order. Sake. For. Fucks. 1 mark for a good first track. .5 for a predictable and dull album. 1.5

Pleasing Pleasant. Good a range. enjoyable for sure. But not a top 1000 list. There is SO MUCH strong talent in this segment, which is a tragedy perhaps. Easily Far, FAR better is Gregory Porter (on "Liquid Spirit") - i haven't seen him on this list yet. Listen to that if you want a virtuoso vocalist with astounding warmth who will send shivers. Others cant even touch him . Sorry to all those who gave THIS a 5 - you have more listening to do. Imagine HiFi version of greats like Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole. This is a 4. You can now skip to the 5s.

I came home really looking forward to having something good to listen to, false hopes dashed on the rocks of my looming dementia. Seriously, what was I thinking.? I just had to, I mean had to press the stop button.

"Ooh, we really need some recent releases on the must hear list. This one is recent and won an award! Better stick it on the list." I don't think many people will remember this record in 10 years time. It's ok, but is it a must listen? I mean, he's got a great voice, and can write a song, and play guitar well enough. The Danger Mouse production leaves me a little non-plussed. It just sounds like... a Danger Mouse production. This is an OK album that provides yet another data point to support my hypothesis that Mercury Prize winners are over-rated with little cultural staying power.

Added it to my library, which means pretty good. Very eclectic and modern. Good grooves and a nice "album" feeling.

Just Great !

I get to pull my hipster card and say I actually did know this album before starting this project. Which seems to be uncommon given how many reviews state they’ve never even heard of Michael Kiwanuka before. I’m sure there’s something recency bias to a pick like this, but it’s a really solid r&b album and better than a lot of other stuff I’ve gotten so far

This was really good and a great surprise. Never heard of this artist and was a little skeptical since it’s a fairly new release. Loved the varying genres - it sounds modern and retro at once, making it a timeless listen.

Was excited for a soul genre but wasn’t really my taste

I love this album. The music is beautiful, his voice is warm and captivating. As some people have mentioned it sounds retro but modern. Very good.

Not bad but felt a little boring and derivative to me. Like Roots and Dangermouse

Really enjoyed this one. Will def go back to some songs.

Really, really good!

Wonderful music

Not sure why I have never heard this before

Very fun album! Never heard of the artist or album before, but I was super impressed.

"Darling, were the crayfish starters delivered in time for for tonight's dinner party?" "Yes they were. I do hope that Benedict and Sophie will enjoy the meal, I've also had a case delivered of that wonderful expensive Bordeaux from Waitrose that they like" "Oh this is going to be such fun, we should play the Kiwanuka album for background" Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Dinner party tunes ★★★☆☆ (5/10)

Very funky, very fresh.

Resulta que le tengo una unidad de like a una canción de este album, pero no recuerdo cómo ni cuando lo descubrí. Típico feel-good album de 2019, según muchos historiadores el mejor año de lo que llevamos de siglo (los historiadores en cuestión: yo). Me gustó mucho, propone cosas muy interesantes y las decisiones instrumentales van duras de pelotas. Además, tener canciones con una intro separada: +3000 de aura. Likes: You ain't the problem, Rolling, Piano Joint, Hero, Hard to Say Goodbye, Final Days, Interlude, Light

Conocía la existencia de este álbum, tenía canciones en likes (buen precedente) pero no había ahondado nunca en Michael Kiwanuka. Cuando leí produced by Danger Mouse ya sabía que iba a ser canela en rama. Lo infra que está ese tío poco se habla, me parece top 5 productores de este siglo pero sin duda alguna. Siento que Michael Kiwanuka aprovechó al máximo la cuasi hora que dura este álbum con canciones que mantienen en vilo, sonidos refinados y variopintos y una performance vocal que tampoco deja indiferente. El álbum me parece muy redondo de principio a fin, y por momentos, muy cinematográfico, que generalmente siempre es algo positivo. No veo por qué no darle las cinco estrellas tbh, está más cerca de la perfección que del 9 para mi gusto. Favs: Rolling, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Hero, Solid Ground

Holy god this is a good record. KIWANUKA is the very definition of standing on the shoulders of giants. Kiwanuka and his production team (Dangermouse and Inflo) wear their influences on their sleeves, yet make music that sounds totally new, never succumbing to imitation or even to attempts at revitalizing previous eras. I've heard a few people online refer to Kiwanuka's sound as 21st-century psychedelic soul. That is a fair categorization as long as we keep in mind that the phrase "21st-century" comes first. Yes, the most obvious influences here are Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and later-career Marvin Gaye, but other, most recent influences shine through too...Portishead, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Seal, and even earlier Dangermouse himself. The album sounds immediate and familiar but never derivative. KIWANUKA is truly a masterwork. Except for one major, glaring problem. In many places, this thing is mastered hotter than a ghost pepper. It's clear that this album was made with great care, so I'm assuming the choice to add high-level distortion and even some vocal wobbles was deliberate, kind of like how many classic hip-hop recordings in the '90s deliberately left in or even inserted '70s-era vinyl noise for atmosphere. Much of the record sounds like it was force-fed through an old transistor radio. This album is full of introspective yet celebratory jams that make me crave volume, but the mastering had me turning the music down rather than up due to instant ear fatigue. Seriously, you can look it up on the Dynamic Range database. The DR on the CD and download versions is six of a possible fourteen. Electronic albums can get away with a score that low, but a layered, orchestral soul album can't. This piece begs for and deserves a remaster. The vinyl version scores a nine, which gives me hope that the original recordings weren't pushed so hard. I almost docked this album a star for the mastering. It is hard to give five stars to a record that physically hurt me to listen to. However, subsequent listens opened the music up a bit. Once I got used to it, I was able to keep the volume low and listen to the layers. I was especially impressed with this record through headphones. KIWANUKA deserves every accolade it has earned, and I am excited to dig into the rest of Kiwanuka's catalog. I'll never really be satisfied with this album until it gets the remaster it deserves, but the music's genius pushes past all my complaints to earn full marks here. Five stars.

Excellent album. A few songs dragged a bit, but overall really striking collection of songs.

Lounge Jazz RnB maybe? Not sure how to categorise this but it’s mellow and buzzy and awesome

Interesting & different soulful album, I enjoyed it and can see how it won the Mercury Music Prize. Not quite enough for a 4 but it's a high quality 3.

Smooth in places, anguished in others, Kiwanuka masters his craft.

A brilliant synthesis of so much that's gone before. Which is why it's 4* rather than 5...

The opening tracks were phenomenal. Loved You Ain’t the Problem and Rolling. Then the middle hit with multiple piano bar tracks. This is the weakest part of the album. Next we get to Hero. Great track! Hard to Say Goodbye is beautiful, with a very vintage sound. Solid Ground is also a strong track. This was my introduction to Kichael Kiwanuka and this was a phenomenal album overall. He is very talented and this was a great listen! Loved Final Days

This is great. Crosses genres from 60s psychedelia to soul to Eastern Africa infused rock. I didn't expect to like this, but I loved it.

Interessantes Songwriting, aber irgendwie hat es mich nicht richtig gepackt. Das Album hat für mich auch zu viele Längen. Kann man sich anhören, kann man auch lassen - also 3 Stern.

Schönes Album, Tendenz leicht Richtung 3,5 Sterne.

Ein sehr opulentes, aber teilweise auch zurückhaltend-emotionales Album, das zwar nicht die größten Höhen seines Vorgängers erklimmt, aber dafür ein noch vielschichtigeres und konstant hochwertiges Songwriting bietet. Ein ganz, ganz toller Musiker.

Das geht wirklich einfach gut rein.

Lieb die Stimme einfach und den flow von Kiwanuka

Wunderschön.

Ein Album, das noch keine 20 Jahre alt ist, ich bin schockiert. Aber auch begeistert, das machte mir richtig viel Spaß

Great vibe in a Khruangbin, non-specific jazzish/exotica/orchestral soul way. I like how the poppier beats give way to something more introspective as the album goes on. This kind of thing doesn't really stick with me, but I dig it while it's on.

Very glad to have an opportunity to really sit with this album, which I had heard before but not listened to closely, because it’s incredible, a swirl of classic soul, psychedelia and contemporary R&B. There’s plenty of retro flare within: “Piano Joint” is ethereal and stirring, and conjures 70s singer-songwriter fare, with lovely orchestration, while “Living in Denial” evokes Isaac Hayes. But it also sounds thoroughly contemporary, with modern production and cinematic flair courtesy of Danger Mouse and Inflo, both of whom merit further inclusion on this list. The end result is something that is soulful, affirmatively personal and timeless.

This guy knows how to subtly squeeze a good chord progression.

Had never heard of this artist before; it's rare that the List surprises me that way. This was pleasant enough soul but I'm unlikely to revisit it.

A remarkable voice. His style is both new and drenched in the past at the same time. Moody and swirling and just plain enjoyable. Good stuff.

One of the best albums ever recommended by 1001albumgenerator. please send me more like this! He is clearly a musical genius, up there with Prince, Peter Gabriel, Beck and Thom Yorke.

Second album of my project and this is infinitely more like it for me. Love the originality and creativity. His voice is great and the writing is tremendous.

I found this album pretty good. It had some nice 70s inspired vibes. Admittedly most of the early tracks didn't really catch my ear (although they did serve as good background music) - but for the later tracks is where it really picked up. I even added a few to my playlist: "Hero", "Hard to say Goodbye" and "Final Days". I'd give it a 3.5/5. I'd give it a 4/5 if more tracks were like the ones I mentioned.

World music? Kinda jazz? Seemed like a good recording. Just not my thing.

Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.

I have not found Kiwanuka in mainstream music channels in the US, so was not aware of him or his success. Decent album. Nothing stand out, but no duds either. Solid listen.

Pretty well produced and played. Not my style of music, but they are talented and it was nice to listen to.

I don't know why, but I was not expecting something this rich, mellow and accessible. It's like one of those orchestral soul albums of the 70s but with a bit of edge and a modern feel. It's great. A real album as well, it works as a whole.

New album to me. Really enjoyed Kiwanuka’s orchestral arrangements.

I really like some of the directions this record goes. Tons of great musical arrangements. Will relisten for sure.

I don't mind this

Production is great. Songs are meh. Kinda rushed listening.

An absolute banger from start to finish. Wow. I immediately ordered this on vinyl after listening to it.

Ordentliche Sound aber nicht überwältigend.

This was a really positive start to my day

That's a Woo Hoo from me

Chill album with a 70s vibe. Notable songs: Hero Living in Denial You Ain't the Problem

Dreamy yet weighty. Couple nice songs I added to my playlist

I had no idea what this was before I hit play, but I absolutely loved it. Kiwanuka's voice and vibe were just awesome. Soulful, funky, emotional, melodic, and just pleasantly musical, I really liked listening to this and hummed along to the changes throughout. I listened to it twice all the way through and was still digging it -- I almost went a third time. Five stars.

Catchy tunes (you’re not the problem). Also like the long instrumental parts on pretty much every song on the album, which include a nice variety of sampled parts and strings. He has a very nice voice too.

Great album. Cohesive collection of beautiful songs. Hip-hop, soul aligned.

Yes indeed this is a 5* album. A modern marvel. So much great stuff going on here and on top of it all a voice that glues into your mind. Got so much time for Michael Kiwanuka. 5.0/5.0 Best Song: Living In Denial

Really like this album, its good a very unique neo soul spacey kind of vibe to it. Its a lot of fun, he's such a good songwriter. Rolling is a great track as is hard to say goodbye.

7.5/10

nice voice

Been meaning to check this guy out. I love his vibe. Hero is the best song on the album.

Cool

Decent enough. Would listen again.

This is almost a 4.

Another surprise. Expected slow and piano. Got that on a few tracks but wow guy opener was funky and Hero (and it's intro) have been on repeat.

This was very nice. It felt nice, it sounded nice. It wasn't especially challenging, but I enjoyed it. I'm a bit surprised it won the mercury prize and I'm a bit surprised the Wikipedia article for a mercury prize winning album doesn't tell me more. But that kind of sums up the music too.

Very nice. Was the singer for Big Little Lies

Sentimiento extraño ya que me ha gustado mucho pero no he conseguido destacar ninguna en especial. Sin duda sería buen vinilo para relax en casa.

If I was not super depressed I could actually really enjoy this.

Una mezcla agradable que me ha gustado en general

It’s a good album, I liked the music, but overall I found it a little boring for me.

Soulful. This felt like music from a gentle giant. Nothing is pulling me back in, but I wouldn't complain if someone put it on.

Pretty nice production, a lot more clean classic rock album

Glad for something that sounds a little different. Would be happy with 100 more R&B albums on the list.

Really back and forth between a 3 and a 4 for this one. It had its moments and I liked how it ended but a lot of the songs in the bulk of the album felt pretty drifty without much variety. I think this one could grow on me though.

This is very good music.

A masterpiece, just as I expected

Gorgeous album. Kiwanukas voice is careful and understated, but gives off this gruff emotion just on the verge of breaking. Gonna need me a couple of chefs to kiss here please. Best: Final Days Worst: Another Human Being

Absolute slapper, highly recommend this album.

Really well constructed album and definitely worth another listen. Very disappointed I hadn't already heard of this guy as well up my street. Only complaint was the lack of a really great song but loved most tracks and no real skips. This may change on second listen.

7/10

What an unexpected treat. I've been complaining about how the selections from the 21st century have been so milquetoast and then this comes up. It totally slipped my radar when it came out but I'll throw this on. It's making the rotation for sure.

Absolutely brilliant record

This is the most recent album I've listened to so far and I really liked it! Super catchy, I couldn't help but tap my feet and dance. I love his voice. Fantastic new find!

Really impressed by this one, probably the best modern album I've gotten to date

I loved the first two tracks, then became a little ambivalent as the album went on. Not bad, but it kind of faded into background music as I cleaned up my classroom at the end of the day

Was pleasantly surprised by this. Was torn on whether to give it 4 or 3 stars but gave this the benefit of a doubt.

Holyyyyy. The vibes be immaculate here. Gimme more strings. More moody. More choir. Gimme Hero. Nah, turn down the sombre and crank up the guitar, and do it again. Now do like a Jimi Hendrix thing but like, use piano and shit. Nice. Niceeee.

First listen didn't sink in at all but I was impressed on the second one.

Fairly strong throughout but it starts to feel like it has gone on too long by the end.

Solid record. Eminently listenable. Good energy. Awesome production, love me some dusty drums. While not exactly life changing, I'd come back to this one for sure. 3/5

Oooh, something I've not only not heard, but haven't heard of. First impressions...70s soul vibes, 70s atmospheric, experimental, moody vibes, but modern touches...melodic, funky, fun. Sometimes sounds like the score to a film, which...

I had a previous album of his, but it didn’t do much for me. Was I not in the mood for it when I listen to it? I’m not sure, but this one hits on a few levels. There’s sort of a retro sole vibe, lots of God and some good stuff to dig into.

Dope!

Perfect

I was really excited about this album from the first song, but then it kind of mellowed out for the rest of the album. It was really pretty but didn’t hold my attention.

I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. I liked it a lot and would definitely revisit!

Really enjoyed this.

Really enjoyed the vibe of this album, will likely check out his other albums.

What an ALBUM. Just so beautiful and chill.

KIWANUKA is the newest album I’ve had to listen to for this challenge by a country mile (beating out PJ Harvey’s Let England Shake by about eight years) and it’s one I’m surprised I haven’t come across before, as I’ve been much more active in music discourse during the past 10 years than the previous 10. Regardless, reactions from this community looked really positive, so I went into Michael Kiwanuka’s third album with high hopes! Okay, it’s pretty good. There’s a nice balance of bops and more moody, low-key cuts here – I tend to prefer the bops, but the musicality on show never really dips, so I’m okay with a few breathers here & there. KIWANUKA makes me really curious to dive deeper into psychedelic soul since it seems like the genre both influenced and was influenced by a lot of other styles I tend to enjoy. I’ve been giving out fours left & right lately and I hate to add yet another onto the pile, but this is one I can easily see myself revisiting/recommending and there’s not a single bad song here (though maybe one too many interludes breaking up the pace of the LP). I’ll have to check out Kiwanuka’s previous album Love & Hate soon, since that one seems to have garnered even more acclaim than this one! Highlights: You Ain’t the Problem, I’ve Been Dazed, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Living in Denial, Hero

Solid 7

Two tracks on this album stood out for me - "Piano Joint" and "Solid Ground" - The rest I could take or leave. All in all, it is an album that I would listen to again quite happily, but I probably won't intentionally revisit it.

Pretty good album! Very late 2010s indie mixed with soul.

Really beautiful, maybe a wee bit long. four (lowercase to match the vibe of the album)

Favorite tracks: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Hero, Rolling, I've Been Dazed

This was a mighty fine bore

Pleasant but not memorable, a bit of a bland wash

Like anything featuring Info & Danger Mouse, this album sounds INCREDIBLE. Absolute top notch production. Music-wise, I think I need more time with it to fully appreciate it. I like what I heard, but wasn't fully gripped by the music. This has all the classic signs of being a grower.

Glorious album.

Great album, almost no notes. Favorites: hero, you ain't the problem. Listened to it twice in a row

Not great. Sounds like he wants an 'alternative sound'. Kind of like a Dave wannabe. 1/10

This man understand the flow of an album.

I've loved this record since it came out, Kiwanuka is a master at creating these intimate, vulnerable and incredibly soulful moments. It's very hard to pick favourites, but I think "You Ain't The Problem", "Solid Ground" and "Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love)" are the best of a very very good record. I can't think of a way to improve this one honestly.

Was quite groovy. I liked it, but not necessarily what I would pick to put on all the time

Excellent production. Very immersing listening experience.

Got half way through and felixed it. Great first track but not my thing

This started off really well but then became a little dull. Kinda just became background music. Still, it was an enjoyable listen!

Pretty good, put a skip in my step on a rainy day. Webt on a bit mind. Feel like he got his bangers in there a bit early. Also, God is rubbish.

It's quite that it mixes things about contemporary sound and production with classic stuff and some nice instrumentation and so on... lots to like on paper but it just doesn't quite imo. A drearyness that keeps coming in waves and weighing me down in amongst it all.

tailed of a bit, still in to the singles

Top grooves and vocals, takes you to a far off place and has so much soul and story, first listen will be one of many.

Discovered this album just a couple of years ago. Liked it first time around but just gets better with every subsequent listen. One of my favourite albums now.

Really really good. Amazing layered sounds and just an amazing cover to cover listen.

Fine, but sleepy.

This was pretty awesome, came out of no where for me Will I listen to again: 100%

What an incredible record!!

Sonically and technically superb album, does not push many buttons for me however 3/5

Good listen, surprised I hadn't heard of it, not really my scene, but enjoyed the soulful beat.

Wow, best of the 2010s we've had so far by a country mile. Impossible to pin on a genre.

Enjoyed a pretty modern album for once. Good indie sounding work, enjoyed the lyrics. Nice introduction to this person.

Snork. Første er god, dermed ikke 1 brunstjerne til denne.

2 stars It wasn’t bad. But I can’t say it really held my attention. It would fit in as the score for a quirky indie comedy in the 2010s. But the kind that you wouldn’t remember the name of a would never pick when it comes up on Netflix.

Mot what I would normally listen to. But I enjoyed it. Musically and vocally soulful.

Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Paar gute Tracks, sonst öde.

Already a fan. He doesn’t have a bad album. Glad to see this here.

So chill but also groovy

Excellent album, before I knew it I’d listened to the whole thing. Each song runs seamlessly into the next but has its own unique feel.

A very good chilled out, somewhat jazzy album that I really enjoyed.

Very funky and bright rock album. Lots of great new sounds and a solid album to dance to. Highlights are: You Aint the Problem, I've Been Dazed, and Piano Joint

110/1001 Michael Kiwanuka - KIWANUKA Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ Enthusing soul, blues, rock and jazz into this album, it's a wonderful experience throughout its runtime. The 50 minutes of it absolutely flew by. I remember being so happy for him when he won the Mercury Prize for this. I honestly need to listen to it more.

I'd not really kept up with Michael Kiwanuka after his debut album came out, but it's interesting to see how his sound has evolved over the years. Kiwanuka shows his influences quite clearly, and I do think this album is a pretty successful modern take on 70s soul. However, whilst I found this enjoyable it did feel like it lacked any truly standout moments.

I enjoyed this a lot! He’s got a great voice and the production is really nice. I vibe with this.

Wasn't familiar with Michael Kiwanuka, but this is a wonderful album with a great sound. A great find.

Started off great. You Ain’t the Problem sounded unique and the production had an interesting sound. But after that, it started to become really, really dull and boring — a chore to finish.

A mostly strong collection of well-crafted songs on this one. You can tell that Michael Kiwanuka is a versatile (and by the time of his 2019 self-titled release, also a veteran) songwriter. Kiwanuka is as cohesive and mature an outing as it is “retro”-sounding. However, even with it’s analogue buzz and glow it doesn’t sounds like it’s coming from and living in the past. Topics such as anxieties, racism, and police brutality are, sadly, as pressing as they have ever been. And the record itself works like a prism, channeling a myriad of artists and styles. In doing just that, Kiwanuka manages to deliver a condensed version of his record collection and - this is no easy feat - makes it feel somehow timeless. So mind you, it’s far more than cheap pastiche. Take Living in Denial, which partly sounds like an uptempo soul classic, borrowing some of the vocal processing elements that also defined Portugal. The Man’s Evil Friends (which, just like Kiwanuka, was produced by the retro enabler and maximizer himself, Danger Mouse). I can’t help but think that this list spot might be better suited for Sault’s 2020 twin outings Untitled (Black Is) and Untitled (Rise), helmed by none other than Kiwanuka’s co–sound alchemist, Inflo. On Black Is and Rise, the political message is just a tad sharper, and the songwriting more adventurous and uptight. Kiwanuka, on the other hand, is a much more mellow affair — a real crowd-pleaser, if you will. It’s easy to see why people were spinning this heavily in the weird and upsetting early months of 2020. All this could speak for - and at the same time against - the quality and lasting impact of Kiwanuka. It certainly helps that there are some amazing tunes on it, such as the opener “You Ain’t the Problem,” “Hero,” and “Rolling.” Unfortunately, the interludes don’t do much for me aside from slowing the record down. Sometimes I’m left wondering whether this album, with a shorter runtime, might have maximized its effect even more.

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

Modern classic. Warm and rich production. Great voice and sense of melody and groove, great percussion. Has a sensitivity that reveals throughout, takes a while to open up its heart. Incredibly tastefully made

To echo the common sentiment shared by many others, this is absolutely the kind of album I am hoping to come across whilst doing this list. Just a phenomenal album that seemingly gets better and better the longer it goes on.

I had never heard of this artist before now, I put it on my normal headphones streaming from Spotify and I think it is a good album. I personally don't know if it qualifies for hearing before I die. I didn't really hear any tracks that just grabbed me outright. I give it 4 stars because it is a competently made and cohesive full album that was an easy listen even with an almost hour run length. I usually end up doing 3 stars for albums that meet all of these qualities but there's something about the quality of this one that I think puts it slightly above.

Enjoyed something different today

Incredible. How did I miss this?

Heartening to see a modern artist release an album with the ambition of the legends. Feels like a cohesive experience and the opening few tracks in particular have an energy and instantly iconic feel. Just lacks that killer classic to tip it over the edge.

It's certainly refreshing to hear a modern album on here, especially as new as 2019 - I am not really understanding the importance of this thing. Is there a unique story behind this album that makes it so special? Don't get me wrong, I certainly enjoyed the listen - but I am just struggling to understand the significance of this. I've never even heard of Michael Kiwanuka outside of his work with Tom Misch. A lot of the music on here felt same-same. At least it was a good same-same, and an enjoyable listen; but I certainly couldn't tell any of the songs apart really. Nor did anything catch my ear outside of MAYBE the 'la la la' on Living In Denial. Still, I enjoyed this - but definitely don't see myself coming back to anything from here in a hurry.

Listenable and entertaining. Unfortunately did not inspire much thought to put to words.

An interesting genre melting pot, the end result is groovy if a little boring for my taste. I think this probably would have worked better as an instrumental album. Would definitely not have given this a shot without this list. Pleasant but a little forgettable. Highlights: Hard to Say Goodbye, Final Days

Favorite tracks: Living in Denial, Hero

This album totally snuck up on me!! After the first listen I was somewhat interested. But, like most of the albums that have become sacrosanct to my soul, the more I listened to this album, the more I HAD to listen to it. Again and again. Melodic and soulful. Moody and poignant. It almost shames me that I did not know who this guy was. Absolutely love this!!

Really enjoyed!

Fine musician. Sounded like Seal to me. Nothing wrong with it, just nothing screaming special either.

hadn’t heard of this guy at all, and finally got excited about the premise of this activity: I’d been hoping for something I didn’t know! And here it is! Smooth and a little funky, this is a great record for people (read: me) who are new-ish to soul. “Hero” is definitely the standout track for me, although I didn’t find myself wanting to skip any of them. Thematically, it’s great. It’s unapologetically self-indulgent and praises humanity in all the right ways. It’s complex and simple all at once. There’s something special on show here for anyone looking for a musical pick-me-up; give “Solid Ground” or “Light” a shot. A lot to love here. Admittedly, I’m looking at this maybe a little more scientifically than I ought to. There are a handful of tracks I’d seek out again on my own, but I don’t know how often I’d put the full record on. Hard to say on a first listen. If I were to revisit this in a week, it may score higher. If I could give it a 3.5, I’m sure I would.

This album had me frustrated. Not because I didn't like it. It's because half of the album had me falling asleep and the other half was insanely good. If every song had the energy that Hero had, this would immediately be a 5/5 for me no questions asked. There weren't many other songs that had me looking down to see what song was playing though. Not much else had me thinking "oh i gotta remember this one. add to library." Michael's voice is incredible. His vibe is immaculate. Many of the songs on this album had me wanting more though. You Ain't The Problem was such a promising start, but unfortunately I was lulled to near sleep for a majority of the time I spent listening. The highs were extremely high, and I'm happy I heard them. Some of them might even make it into some playlists for revisiting. He has me interested. He has me wanting some more. But the sleeper songs are so sleeper, it might feel like a chore.

This was a strange one. I really enjoyed some parts, but I kinda felt myself drifting between the songs and some were a little too similar for my tastes. I’d definitely be interested to hear more of his other projects.

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

Was a pleasant listen. Wish it would have done more. Felt very repetitive.

Enthusiastic about this one. Stuff like this is what I was hoping to get out of the album generator idea.

Such a fresh neo-soul album! This is a genre that I actively listen to, so I’m surprised this wasn’t already on my radar. First record from this daily album thing that I listened to more than once.

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

Too slow for me personally, though it does sound very atmospheric. I liked the vocals a lot, the instrumental is decent too. Other than that, boring. I'd give it 2/5

I can see why this became a sort of sleeper hit for many back in 2019, where it seemed to get a lot of attention by people most plugged into British music and especially into Soul. It's just a wonderful album, combining the intricacies of prog and psych soul with some rock elements that work to add energy to the music but never overtake the sound, it's a perfect mix really. I guess my thing with this album is that I'm not in love with its slower songs towards the middle but other than that, it's a very nice listen

Didn't excite. Couple of decent tracks, though.

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

Give it another listen

I wanted to like this. Great moods but none of the songs went anywhere. They were like the interstitial tracks on a Marvin Gaye soundtrack album.

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

I've never heard of this dude but I like it.Closer to a 4 than a 3.

what an album! very classical funk and r&b

Nice and chilled

4.5 out of 5 - so nice and chilled, beautiful voice

i didnt really like it. was a classy sound but not to my taste, really slow and dirgey

Well, that was a pleasant surprise. This was smooooth. I think it's more suited to a lazy Sunday morning lie-in than my morning dash. I imagine lying in bed, fella brings me a coffee, we snuggle for a bit, and if we fall asleep, so be it, we enjoyed it anyway. I really enjoyed the last few tracks - Hard to Say Goodbye onwards had such a feel to it. I only wish I wasn't driving during that bit. Genuinely pleased with this one and will listen again on Sunday morning.

absurdo de bom

ótima surpresa esse aqui hein gostosim demais, pedradaça esse aqui. bom pra dar uma limpada das música véia e monótona dos últimos dias!!

Whenever someone names an album after themselves, especially while deep into their career, it suggests a bold, brave turn towards a new frontier; that we are finally getting the real person as opposed to a persona. While Michael Kiwanuka isn't some brash, complex personality, he does have enough in his arsenal to make arresting material to keep those engaged with him. KIWANUKA will go down as perhaps his best and most immersive work, as he embraces a rather royal and regal presentation while stripping himself somewhat bare with his influences and inspirations. It's yet another step forward in what's bound to be a brilliant career. Favorites: You Ain't the Problem, Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Another Human Being, Hero, Hard to Say Goodbye.

Another fantastic album that is absolutely not for me

Enjoyable. Not the sort of rock that I normally enjoy, but I got into it.

Nice album. Feel like it made nice back ground music.

Never heard of this guy, some of the songs were very good.

Second day in a row I got something from 2019. Seems the generator might be having a bit of a moment. I'm not complaining, though, this was enjoyable!

I wanted to rate this higher, but there is just so much fat that needs to be trimmed. One song has about 17 seconds of silence as an intro. Other than that, it's pretty mid. Influence 2. Hits 1. Quality 3. Super meh 2.

Overall: 7/10 I enjoyed this one quite a bit! Kiwanuka has a pretty great, soulful voice and he can convey a lot of emotion in his music. There's a lot of variety in the sounds that keeps everything interesting. There was never a specific hook or song that grabbed me but the entire experience was worth a listen. Fav Song: Final Days

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

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

smooth, groovy, deep lyrics hidden in easy listening

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

Nice surprise, hadn't heard of Michael Kiwanika before today

6/10. Funny but a bit repetitive and some songs let the project down

An artist that I knew very little about. This was a really nice surprise and very cool listen that seems to defy genre. It weaves seamlessly from old to new and retro to modern all wrapped up in a soulful delivery. Dig it.

I’ve tried getting through this a few times. Not that it was bad but just didn’t grab me enough to keep it spinning and not get distracted. Solid but didn’t stand out for me.

Great stuff. I’m sure I’ve heard him before but glad he’s on the list. Definitely need to give his catalog a listen. Rounding up. 3.75/5

Good vibes. Piano Joint is a gorgeous song. Didn’t know him before, so good find.

A real vibe! Smooth flow from one to the next song. Must be listened in order.

Soulful record filled with emotion. Each track flowed really well into the next. Loved this one. Favourite Track(s): Hero Least Favourite Track(s): Hard To Say Goodbye

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

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

Very cool album and totally different to what I normally listen to. Lacks a proper standout tune but every song is interesting. Fave Tune = Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)

Trippy soul

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

It's cool, it's soulful (obviously), it's 70s and it is a relaxing time. Too bad the songs individually did not stick out that much to me. Overall decent but nothing mindblowing. 2.5/5

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

You Ain't the Problem

This is well performed and pleasant, but a little unexciting to really score that highly. Borderline 3/4.

I can tell it's quality, just not my thing.

I had never listened to this artist before, but I really enjoyed the psychedelic elements. Songs like Hero almost have a Khruangbin-type element to them. Will definitely be listening to this again, this is a perfect blend of rock, soul, and pop that I would think is very accessible for many listeners. Also another great album artwork this week

I knew Michael Kiwanuka when I was just expanding my music tastes in college, but just fell out of the habit of listening to him. Imagine my surprise when a later album (after the time I had been following him) is basically perfect! The melding of more contemporary influences with some almost folk sensibilities makes this a big breath of fresh air.

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

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

Pretty interesting might come back to it.

Didn’t enjoy this really. found it boring and sounded repetitive to me.

This album is really well done; each song is better than I thought. "Michael Kiwanuka"- haven't heard anyone talk about him, but he is a good artist with a pretty good voice. I'm going to listen to more of his music and maybe more music like this.

que portada es esa tío

No sabia que esperarme porque la portada es full fea, pero me sorprendió y me gustó. De verdad hay temas que son buenisimos, hasta el interludio jazzy raro del medio. Probablemente lo vuelva a escuchar y como música de fondo mola. Tengo que ir a clase así que no me extiendo. 8/10—>4/5

Liked this a lot