Kiwanuka
Michael Kiwanuka · 2019
51 min · 13 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of soul, folk, and rock that intertwines introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation and layered harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Ain’t the Problem — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its groove-driven rhythm and exploration of self-acceptance amidst personal struggles.
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Hero — In 'Hero', Kiwanuka confronts societal expectations and personal dilemmas, showcasing his powerful vocal delivery over a hauntingly beautiful arrangement.
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Light — 'Light' serves as a poignant reflection on hope and resilience, encapsulating the album's overarching themes through its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively and features thoughtful arrangements, though some interludes disrupt its flow.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a steady groove with rhythmic guitar and layered vocals, while the fourth track shifts to a minimalist piano intro.
- Several tracks feature interludes that create pauses in the flow, allowing for reflection before transitioning into more dynamic pieces.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually reduce tempo, creating a sense of resolution and introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- soulful melodies for reflective moments
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
- personal and societal introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone upbeat singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Kiwanuka is Michael Kiwanuka's third studio album, released after a period of artistic evolution following his acclaimed second release, Love & Hate in 2016. By this time, he had established himself as a significant voice in contemporary soul music, building upon his earlier successes while exploring deeper themes of identity and belonging.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leon Bridges· Ben Howard· Hozier
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Ain’t the Problem 4:10
- 2 Rolling 2:51
- 3 I’ve Been Dazed 4:25
- 4 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (intro) 2:18
- 5 Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) 3:51
- 6 Another Human Being (interlude) 1:51
- 7 Living in Denial 3:31
- 8 Hero 4:39
- 9 Hard to Say Goodbye 7:05
- 10 Final Days 4:10
- 11 Interlude (Loving the People) 2:42
- 12 Solid Ground 3:53
- 13 Light 5:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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