Top tracks — play these first
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Hell Bent — This track showcases Kenna's ability to merge catchy hooks with deeper lyrical themes, embodying the album's eclectic spirit while gaining commercial traction.
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Freetime — With its infectious groove and upbeat energy, this song encapsulates the essence of carefree living and self-discovery, illustrating Kenna's lyrical depth.
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New Sacred Cow — As the title track, it encapsulates Kenna's artistic vision, combining thought-provoking lyrics with a rich soundscape that challenges conventional norms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kenna's debut showcases a unique fusion of funk and electronic elements, though it lacks some cohesion in its flow.
What we noticed
- Tracks often feature layered vocals that intertwine with the instrumentation, creating a rich texture throughout.
- Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes or shifts in dynamics, keeping the listener engaged and surprised.
- The final track features an extended outro that gradually fades out, contrasting with the more energetic earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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 that invites reflection
- introspective melodies for quiet moments
- groovy tracks for easy listening
- gradual peaks that maintain interest
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer standalone hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Kenna's debut album, 'New Sacred Cow' marked the beginning of his exploration into blending electronic music with funk elements. At this point in his career, Kenna was gaining attention for his unique sound and distinct Ethiopian roots, having already collaborated with notable figures like Chad Hugo from The Neptunes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thundercat· Janelle Monáe· Prince
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Love/Hate Sensation
The bridge introduces a stark contrast in tone, shifting from reflective verses to a more confrontational stance on personal relationships.
This shift not only emphasizes the internal conflict but also showcases Kenna’s ability to navigate emotional complexity through varied musical dynamics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Within Earshot 1:20
- 2 Freetime 3:23
- 3 Man Fading 4:05
- 4 Sunday After You 4:16
- 5 Vexed and Glorious / A Better Control 6:13
- 6 Red Man 3:39
- 7 Hell Bent 4:53
- 8 Yeneh Ababa (Rose) 3:13
- 9 War in Me 5:20
- 10 New Sacred Cow 4:01
- 11 I’m Gone 3:54
- 12 Siren 3:38
- 13 Love/Hate Sensation 4:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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