Heaven Help cover

Heaven Help

Lenny Kravitz · 1993

23 min · 5 tracks · folk music

A vibrant mix of rock and funk infused with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate a quest for hope.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heaven Help Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's main theme of seeking hope amidst adversity, combining emotive lyrics with a soulful melody that highlights Kravitz's vocal range.
  • →
    Are You Gonna Go My Way — This anthem features driving guitar riffs and an infectious chorus, representing Kravitz's ability to fuse rock and funk while becoming a defining hit of his career.
  • →
    B Side Blues — This track showcases Kravitz's introspective lyricism and bluesy vibe, reflecting on personal struggles while embracing a laid-back groove that resonates strongly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks strong cohesion across its varied tracks.

What we noticed

  • The title track opens with a steady groove, layering rhythmic guitar riffs over a soulful vocal line that builds in intensity.
  • The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo with prominent percussion, contrasting the slower pace of the first.
  • The live track at the end features extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and audience interaction.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short energetic bursts
  • upbeat tracks for gatherings
  • feel-good anthems for driving
  • live performance excitement

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced introspective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — 'Heaven Help' solidified Kravitz's identity following his initial success with 'Let Love Rule.'
Themes
soulful resilience· personal struggles
Career context
Released on November 10, 1993, 'Heaven Help' came during Lenny Kravitz's ascent to fame following his breakthrough album 'Let Love Rule' in 1989. At this point, Kravitz was solidifying his identity as a genre-blending artist, merging rock, funk, and soul into a distinctive sound. This album further showcased his evolving musicality and lyrical depth as he navigated the mainstream music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Prince· Jimi Hendrix· Carlos Santana

Tracklist

  • 1 Heaven Help Start here 3:11
  • 2 Spinning Around Over You 3:35
  • 3 B Side Blues 3:32
  • 4 Are You Gonna Go My Way 3:31
  • 5 Freedom Train / Always on the Run (live) 9:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata