Kiwanuka (studio album) by Michael Kiwanuka

One of 2019's best albums. Michael Kiwanuka is one of the definitive Soul artists of his generation.

For me, the discovery of 2019 especially You Ain't The Problem. Shame we're still waiting the follow up

A pretty good and consistent record but there isn't really anything that stands out as being truly exceptional. With that being said there is a lot of enjoyable moments on the record and he has definitely got a unique sound for us to explore. Songs like Rolling and Hero are pretty short but are the tracks that stick with me after I have left the album. They provide a lot of energy and have some great performances on there. The rest of the record is similar to this but it feels a little more subdued. I do love his vocal with its rich and deep sound that dominates the music. On top of this, there are the lyrics which are well thought out and give us a lot to explore in depth. The album also flows extremely well and it is easy to get lost in the tracks as they smoothly glide past you. I think this is aided by the intros to some of the songs. Overall, this is an easy album to enjoy that you can stick on and just get lost in, which is perfect for chilled out listening.

Why had I never heard of this guy until I listened to Grey Area by Little Simz?! This dude is incredible!

Amazing sound from a guy who should be promoted more.

From Graeme2 02/07/2020 19:29

This is my shit. Perfect sound and influences, just the right amount of everything that's good. What shit review. Anyways, you reckon that danger mouse bloke might come round my house and produce my pish for nowt? If I won the lottery I'd get him to produce an album and get ghostface to do a verse, then sell it to shkreli for a mil. Word.

From corenfro 12/20/2019 01:26

This could be album of the year... who is this guy? what was his budget? it sounds amazing!

I was a little disappointed with it after my first listen, but by listen number three or so my mind was simply blown. This album takes everything that made Michael Kiwanuka's first two albums great and compounds them. From the excellent lyrics to the irresistible sound that flows so effortlessly through the record to the gorgeous buttery tone of his voice, the whole thing is a near perfect feat. I would say this is likely the album of 2019.

Easily one of the of the most creative, exciting albums this year. Though I had heard a few song by Michael Kiwanuka before (cold little heart, love & hate) this was the first time I listened to one of his albums all the way through. Not only was I extremely inpressed but it also made me want to listen to the rest of his work too. Right now, this is my favorite of his projects and one of my favorite albums from this year. I'd love to see this get more recognition!

Just in time before the end of the decade, Michael Kiwanuka provides us with one of the most culturally aware records that we've been gifted. No doubt the message may take a few listens to permeate but when it does you really begin to understand just how important this album will be for years to come. The blend of psych and blues is a difficult task to perfect in this era, but in this album Kiwanuka at least makes it his own. Just like many other great albums of times past, I think this will be one that we look back on and appreciate the fearlessness to address topics of tense societal conflicts within the framework of cross-generational genres.