Let Love Rule

“We have Prince at home.” The Prince at home:

Lenny Kravitz wants you to know three things: Love is good, Hate is bad, and he listened to a lot of his parent's records while he was going to Beverly Hills High School. Let Love Rule's musical offerings of peace and love are so insipid and empty that it's hard to imagine him having anything but a cushy upbringing—take how Klan lynchings are mentioned in passing on one track, but don't weigh quite as heavily on Kravitz's mind as the racial injustice the entire next song is dedicated to: him being unable to catch a cab. With a complete lack of nuance, it just sounds like a studio version of a dude with an acoustic guitar sitting below a tree on a college campus trying to get laid, which is maybe not the best idea when you're already married to Lisa Bonet. Key Tracks: Blues for Sister Someone

.5 all kravitz albums are ten stars by default due to the ripped pants penis flop video. however every song on this album takes away .5 stars from this rating. so overall .5 stars because zero stars don’t exist. https://66.media.tumblr.com/e8123b078d94d8b0d61bd8a8bc0963dc/tumblr_nskhs7yCrG1qg8i7yo3_r1_500.gif

Kravshitz

I should not be this combination of angry and bored two songs into an album. What is the point of this album? Lenny Kravitz seems to have mastered the art of making vacuous music that manages to convince people that it's deep despite all of the intellectual content of the album being spread thinner than a pat of butter on a 6 foot sub. JUST REPEATING THE WORDS "FREEDOM TRAIN" OVER AND OVER AGAIN IS NOT A FUCKING SONG. Wait, nevermind, he said "Uh-huh" a couple times too, so I guess that it technically is a song Every song is just him repeating the name of the song over and over again, which makes me wish that he had named one of these "I'm going to shut the fuck up and stop recording now" 2/5

This is shit, but I'm going to rank it above Lennon just for bantz.

I was not expecting to rate Lenny Kravitz this high. Was completely unfamiliar with his work, but the versatility and energy is incredibly impressive. He made this album basically ENTIRELY BY HIMSELF. One of those albums where there wasn't a clear winning track, a lot of it flowed effortlessly and did a great job of being unique on its own.

Parts of it sounded like Prince. Parts sounded more grungy. Very cool vibe and guitar playing, but at the same time, nothing really WOWed me. Great job Lenny, here's a 3.5!

Easily one of the greatest debut albums of all time. The Beatles influence is strong, but not dominating. Sometimes the layers upon layers of vocal tracks gets a tad overwhelming, but otherwise the technique is used to great effect (a la George Martin). Hands down, the title track is an all-time classic and in today's political and pandemic fatigued world, would be a welcome reminder to be good to one another. Also, Karl Denson's saxophone solo on Let Love Rule is one of absolute greatest in recorded history and a joy to the ears everytime I hear it.

For me, Kravitz has always dwelled in that area between “modern iteration of Sam Cooke“ and “yoga instructor your wife/girlfriend is a little too excited to see.“ I liked this album, but it didn’t do much to move him one way or the other on that spectrum.

Might be the worst one yet. Lenny Kravitz is absolutely horseshit

Another album whose singles played predominantly in my 90s video phase. Decades later it comes of as maybe a little soft-pedaled? Plenty of good stuff though. Saw Kravitz live at a festival in the mid-90s and he did not disappoint.

It's 1001 albums. They're not all going to be winners.

Oh no, it's like being stuck in the mind of a horny 55 year old woman with poor taste.

3.5 rounded up lenny kravitz is one of the coolest mfers on the planet but this didnt need to be this long. still rlly fucking good for a debut tho highlights: sitting on top of the world, i build this garden for us, empty hands, flower child (sep 25 2024)

I bought this album when it came out, and it was on steady rotation for a while. Now — as I was then, I'm impressed with the songs, performances, vibe, and the sparse but adept production. The experience held up on this listen, the first in many years. This is just a plain solid album, and that's without delving into the fact that Kravitz apparently did most of it himself. I was never again enthralled by anything Kravitz released, he seemed much more focused on being a rock star that a music artist, and I felt the next bunch of releases were devoid of the things that made this album so great (good songs and honest performances). I've pretty much not listened to anything since 1998's "5," which disappointed me (I did buy the CD, though I no longer have it). But that's a tangent, this album is really good. 'Nuff said.

Great music for a one-man show. I didn't realize Kravitz was so soft rock when he started. I feel bad only knowing him for his amazing cover. He's a great writer.

Far from the most original album in the world, but it’s funky enough to be enjoyable and not overly cloying or derivative…at first. Lyrically, the longer this record goes on, the more annoying I find it - especially when he makes sort of overt references to the artists he’s paying homage to…like how the first line of “Flower Child”, a clear Lou Reed/VU homage, is “Dressed in purple *velvets*” - thanks for spelling it out, Lenny.

It was ok to me, but didn’t stand out as anything spectacular that must enter my ears frequently in the future.

Bloat is a big issue here, honestly liked most songs, but too many on the same record methinks.

https://youtu.be/UPw-3e_pzqU?si=nM3ve12h0N1E5DlZ lenny kravitz sucks. been thinking about the kravitz bowl. been thinking about dave chapelles racial draft. been thinking about a lot of things. i thought kravitz's whole thing was that hes black jewish? the after like three songs whole fucking album is about christ christ christ. my god. happy easter by the way. this album is so platitudinous its like a giant big plateau of platitudes. the great plateau nation of tibet with all of its yaks and lamas could sit comfortably inside this i mean just marvel at such visionary lyrics as: \"It's on the freedom train Come on dance on the freedom train It's on the freedom train Come on dance on the freedom train (yeah)\" repeat x4 times (varying on the \"yeah\"s) and thats freedom train. read the lyrics for \"fear\" and tell me david brent didnt write it what is it with these rock'n'roll narcissists and talking about "let the children play" or "and the children gathered round" etc? leave the fucking children alone! im looking at you cat stevens. and bowie. and lenny kravitz. "or am i a rapist who needs a release?" EEHHHHHHHwwwweeewewwwwwewewewew yikessss this album is bad, and it gives me a new lease on life

Lenny’s got one good song and it’s not on this album

Wouldn't listen again

He’s the male version of what I expected Taylor swift to be

Can't decide if he wants to be Lennon or Prince, sucks at both.

I don’t think I enjoyed a single song on this album

.5 points for Blues for Sister Someone for sounding like Lenny tried to cover Venus in Furs based on someone describing the song to him, and instead it came out sounding like the worst song Led Zeppelin never wrote

Cheesy soft soul r&b/funk. It's just so dull. "Best" Tracks: Let Love Rule, Fear, Mr Cab Driver

A soulless Pound Shop Prince.

Boring berk

Innovative and fresh

psychedelic rock revival album

lenny kravitz's music is typical stoner music. it's great as is but it's even better when you're high. of course i don't wanna resort to stereotypes, as this guy's psychedelic tracks are a step above a lot of other artists. lush, smooth, and mildly smarmy, this album is FULL of the slow and soulful sound that one expects of the genre, but kravitz does it in a way that really speaks to... well... the soul. the mind, the body... it's music that impacts you, especially the more you listen to it. it's clever and very funky soul.

“Free Bird” Lenny was the best.

I always liked the singles. The album was even better!

5/5 Cohesive tracklist full of funk and soul, which changes up well and is never boring. I slightly prefer the rockier, poppier second half. Lenny's vocals and lyrics are fantastic. Sitting On Top Of The World 5/5 Let Love Rule 5/5 Freedom Train 3/5 (LEAST FAV) My Precious Love 4.5/5 I Build This Garden For Us 4.5/5 Fear 4.5/5 Does Anybody Out There Even Care 5/5 Mr. Cab Driver 5/5 Rosemary 5/5 (FAV) Be 5/5

Sensational. Lenny rocks.

4-5 Let Love Rule!

I think this is the first album we’ve had that I actually own. This is really good, and forgot how much I enjoyed it. Love Sitting on Top of the World, Let Love Rule and My Precious Love.

I know this album very well I remember one of my friends playing it all the time not my kind of music but definitely tell him to the artist and awesome debut album

Great music across the board. Some sounds like Hendrix, some sounds like the Beatles. Music style changes. Vocal style changes.

Big like

cool

Album aanwezig

10/10 ayo new favorite album just dropped

Wow, awesome. Did not expect to like this at all.

I loved it 30 years ago and is still great

Yeah it was pretty good.Felt a little long and wasn’t really my kinda music but I liked it.Could’ve done with less Jesus stuff though but that’s his choice I guess

real hard

cool

This is a phenomenal album! I remember the first Lenny Kravitz song I ever heard (American Woman, off of Big Shiny Tunes 4). I thought it was a fantastic song, and really liked his style, but never really delved into his back catalog at all. I found myself enjoying that same sound on this album (rock mixed with strong funk/jazz/blues vibes). This album touches on topics such as peace & love, racism, and religion. The piano breakdown in My Precious Love was fantastic!! Favourite songs : Let Love Rule, Rosemary, Blues For Sister Someone, I Build This Garden for Us, Flower Child Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, Mr. Cab Driver, Freedom Train, Sitting on Top of the World 5/5

Hadn't listened to this since a long time and was reminded what a great album it is. A warm bath!

First time listening to the full album by Lenny Kravitz and my first thought is - Why haven't I done this sooner? It's a very well made album, entertaining from start to finish (although it falls off a little by the end). Mix of rock, at moments hard rock, with blues and soul, resulting in extremely fun record for a wide variety of fans. Lenny was the solo artist on this album - vocals and lyrics, guitars, bass, drums and other instruments were composed and played by him. And you can tell how talented he is. It wasn't over the top at any point, which happens to some other overcomplicated recordings, but also it wasn't too simple, it hit the right mark. Guitar solos felt really at place and in the groove of the song or beat. Additional instruments like sax or trumpet added another layer to the mixture. And finally, it wouldn't be as attractive without great singing voice of Lenny. He could swing in-between slower, more emotional tracks and fast and heavy ones with ease, and you could tell he felt good and comfortable in any setting. I am very surprised with this album, but it easily jumps to the list of my favourites.

From the outset this was a really enjoyable collection of songs with shades of hippie rock, psychedelia, soul and funk. Kravitz is quite obviously a massive fan of late sixties psychedelic rock and this is apparent in the music styles and especially his lyrics; whilst cliched they never jar. He sings enthusiastically throughout and the music has plenty of breathing space. There's a few nice touches like the processed vocal effect on 'Freedom Train' and strings on 'Fear'. Great stuff.

Still love it.

I had honestly only ever listened to fly away before this but this was a great intro into Lenny kravitz. Excellent album and his yelly voice with the production just works

Super-groovy and awesome.

Great groove, I should listen to more Kravitz

I love people like Lenny who sing with such passion. It really gets you into the album and music and lyrics and theme. Phenomenal record.

So good

Que disco raro! No porque sea malo ni nada... Siempre asocié a Kravitz con algo mas rockero y no lo tenia tan blusero. Me encantó, creo que mas que la musica que hace normalmente. Tiene unas pinceladas de Hendrix que quedan excelentes con lo espaciadas que están. Es una lastima que haya encontrado otra identidad y no haga tanto de esto, aunque probablemente tambien sea que evolucionó en la forma de hacer musica y no sea tan cruda. No se si habría lugar para un Hendrix hoy, tanto como para un Lenny así. Faveado.

Aun con un contenido lírico discreto (aunque certero en ocasiones) el álbum es una pasada. Una faceta maravillosa de Kravitz, mezclando soul, pop rock 60 de UKs, blues y pequeños destellos de psicodelia. Un buen 9

Loved this! The instrumentals and tone are great. A mix of relaxing and energizing.

hard

Absolutely incredible.

no co mam powiedzieć no zajebiste, każdy utwór bez wyjatku, najbardziej chyba be, empty hands i blues for sister someone

Amazing. Just amazing.

weer een zeer sterk debuut album in deze lijst... jammer genoeg heeft hij dit nooit meer kunnen evenaren... dit is zijn enige album met consistent goeie nummers

Dam got pregenant

Rockea el tipo

el es bello, su voz es sexy, toca bien la guitarra, quiero ser el.

-yeah i liked this album! -my fav song was probs let love rule

Great Kravitz

Not too bad

Liked this alot when it came out...don't listen to it much anymore

Was unfamiliar with Lenny's work outside of 1 or 2 hits, but the versatility and energy is soooo impressive. Part of it sounds like Prince. Some parts very grunge-y. The guitar parts are so cool and it flows effortlessly. Really enjoyed it. Actual is a 3.5 Liked Songs: "Sitting On Top Of The World" , "Let Love Rule" , "I Build This Garden For Us" , "Fear" , "Does Anybody Out There Even Care" , "Rosemary" , "Flower Child"

liked songs: Sitting On Top Of The World, Fear, Be This was pretty good! I'm impressed that Lenny Kravitz played like 95% of the instruments on this album himself. It's very strong for a debut. 3.5

Liked it and parts of it reminded me of Prince.

Psychedelic Rock / Soul. I liked it.

Goeie artiest. 4,3

This one was very enjoyable. While I enjoyed Kravitz’s work prior to listening to this album, I had not really taken a deeper dive into his discography so it was pretty interesting to listen to his debut. There are some really funky basslines strewn throughout it that liven the mood even when Kravitz sings about serious topics.

I listened to a podcast a while ago that compared Lenny Kravitz to Bruno Mars in that it’s hard to distinguish an actual sound that defines either artist. I agree for the former, but not for the latter. Funk-inspired rock, not an imitation. Kravtiz’s songwriting strength is definitely in the music, not the lyrics. Still, the music is so good, I find myself not really caring too much what the lyrics are about. Let love rule? Sure! Why the hell not!

J’ai vraiment aimé, Lenny fait du bon manger, je réécoute définitivement

Este debut fue de lo mejor del 89. Y luego vendría el sensacional Mama Said, su mejor disco, más una serie de 4 discos estupendos. Luego era difícil mantener el nivel, aunque siempre ha publicado discos con muy buenas canciones. Los ingredientes son los habituales en Lenny: Prince, Hendrix, Stevie Wonder y un poco de Led Zeppellin. Todo se lo guisa él mismo, y lo hace fenomenal. Además marcaba estilo, junto a Lisa Bonet (o Vanessa Paradis o Madonna...) ya fuera como cantante, compositor, modelo, actor o fotógrafo. Lo que podría y debería haber sido otro neoyorquino como Terence Trent D´Arby (que ese 89 publicó un estupendo e incomprendido segundo álbum), lo generó Lenny. Al margen de Mr. Cab driver o Let love rule, puntales del disco, merecen mucho la pena temazos como I Build This Garden For Us (segundo sencillo) o My precious love y sobre todo Empty Hands. Esto a finales de los 80 , con The Pasadenas o Roachford (que tenían su gracia) incluso Milli Vanilli, fue agua en el desierto. Neither black, nor white...

Very strong start got a bit weaker on the second side for me but still good

Lenny Kravitz is one of those names I have always been familiar with, but have never listened to. Psychedelic and bluesy for sure. Lands somewhere in the 3.5 range for me, but we're gonna keep this heater train rolling with another 4.

Excellent debut album. Wide ranging songs. Missing the banger you’d get from later albums, but more of the classic hippy rock that made me love him from the start.

merry kravitzmas i guess

Really nice album which is consistent in both tone and quality without becoming repetitive. Kravitz's singing was very passionate and impressive. Favorites: I Build This Garden For Us, Let Love Rule, Freedom Train

Lenny!

Never heard any Lenny outside of Fly Away and American Women (shoutout to What Makes This Song Stink on Youtube for the Kravitz bowl), and I'm pleased to say I liked his debut a ton. Let Love Rule is an awesome song with two greatsax parts and a ton of 60s influence, while sounding notably more modern than it. It's probably the best tune here. But I also liked I Built This Garden For Us a lot, too. Surprised at how much religious stuff there was in here, though.

Better than what i was expecting. The best songs on here are Sitting On Top Of The World and Let Love Rule. The worst was Does Anybody Out There Even Care.

Hmm it’s alright but not overly special

That’s a really good album.

soulful interesting record

Wow. I don't know why but I was expecting this would be terrible. I think I was getting him mixed up with Luther Vandross. Really good mix of funk with rock, leaning heavily on the latter. Lots of homage paid to various bands, heard elements of Faith No More, Beatles, even Nine Inch Nails in there. Not sure what that last track was about, skipping that it's a great album

Great album. Good rock.

This is a fun album from Lenny

Very enjoyable listen. Channeling '60s psychadelia with some Beatles influence too.

Good stuff! Funky and fun to listen to. His voice is not my favorite but the instrumental parts are fun. This man should be in the rock and roll hall of fame for keeping this kind of music relevant into the 21st cetury. High 4.