Top tracks — play these first
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Daylight — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and reflective lyrics about seizing opportunities, encapsulating Kenna's signature style.
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Baptized in Blacklight — With its hypnotic rhythm and layered instrumentation, this track highlights Kenna's ability to blend funk with electronic sounds while exploring themes of enlightenment and self-discovery.
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Say Goodbye to Love — This poignant ballad showcases Kenna's emotive vocal delivery paired with intricate melodies, making it a standout moment that reveals vulnerability amidst the groove-centric tracks.
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Static — The song's complex structure and thought-provoking lyrics delve into feelings of disconnection and societal pressures, exemplifying the album’s deeper themes beneath its danceable surface.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kenna's blend of funk and electronic elements creates a distinctive sound, though the album's cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Baptized in Blacklight' and 'Be Still'.
- The album closes with a track that features an extended instrumental outro, allowing for a gradual fade-out rather than a sudden end.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- introspective vibes for quiet nights
- consistent flow for focused listening
- emotional depth in each track
- soulful melodies for personal connection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Make Sure They See My Face marked Kenna's second studio album following his debut New Sacred Cow. At this point, he was striving to solidify his unique sound amidst a rapidly changing music landscape, having previously gained attention for his innovative approach to funk and rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thundercat· Janelle Monáe· Prince
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Say Goodbye to Love
The bridge shifts into a haunting reflection on loss and acceptance, contrasting the earlier upbeat sections.
This structural change emphasizes the emotional weight of the song, deepening the listener's connection to Kenna's experience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Daylight 4:27
- 2 Out of Control (State of Emotion) 4:06
- 3 Loose Wires / Blink Radio 4:40
- 4 Say Goodbye to Love 3:18
- 5 Sun Red Sky Blue 4:09
- 6 Baptized in Blacklight 4:16
- 7 Static 4:54
- 8 Phantom Always 4:42
- 9 Face the Gun / Good Luck 5:34
- 10 Better Wise Up 4:04
- 11 Be Still 4:11
- 12 Wide Awake 4:17
- 33 Big Lights 4:20
- 54 [silence] 0:04
- 55 Rockaway Life 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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