KIWANUKA

Really enjoyed this one. Will def go back to some songs.

Interesting & different soulful album, I enjoyed it and can see how it won the Mercury Music Prize. Not quite enough for a 4 but it's a high quality 3.

Interessantes Songwriting, aber irgendwie hat es mich nicht richtig gepackt. Das Album hat für mich auch zu viele Längen. Kann man sich anhören, kann man auch lassen - also 3 Stern.

Schönes Album, Tendenz leicht Richtung 3,5 Sterne.

Had never heard of this artist before; it's rare that the List surprises me that way. This was pleasant enough soul but I'm unlikely to revisit it.

I found this album pretty good. It had some nice 70s inspired vibes. Admittedly most of the early tracks didn't really catch my ear (although they did serve as good background music) - but for the later tracks is where it really picked up. I even added a few to my playlist: "Hero", "Hard to say Goodbye" and "Final Days". I'd give it a 3.5/5. I'd give it a 4/5 if more tracks were like the ones I mentioned.

Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.

Pretty well produced and played. Not my style of music, but they are talented and it was nice to listen to.

I really like some of the directions this record goes. Tons of great musical arrangements. Will relisten for sure.

I don't mind this

Production is great. Songs are meh. Kinda rushed listening.

Ordentliche Sound aber nicht überwältigend.

Chill album with a 70s vibe. Notable songs: Hero Living in Denial You Ain't the Problem

nice voice

Cool

Decent enough. Would listen again.

This is almost a 4.

This was very nice. It felt nice, it sounded nice. It wasn't especially challenging, but I enjoyed it. I'm a bit surprised it won the mercury prize and I'm a bit surprised the Wikipedia article for a mercury prize winning album doesn't tell me more. But that kind of sums up the music too.

Sentimiento extraño ya que me ha gustado mucho pero no he conseguido destacar ninguna en especial. Sin duda sería buen vinilo para relax en casa.

It’s a good album, I liked the music, but overall I found it a little boring for me.

Glad for something that sounds a little different. Would be happy with 100 more R&B albums on the list.

I loved the first two tracks, then became a little ambivalent as the album went on. Not bad, but it kind of faded into background music as I cleaned up my classroom at the end of the day

First listen didn't sink in at all but I was impressed on the second one.

Solid record. Eminently listenable. Good energy. Awesome production, love me some dusty drums. While not exactly life changing, I'd come back to this one for sure. 3/5

I had a previous album of his, but it didn’t do much for me. Was I not in the mood for it when I listen to it? I’m not sure, but this one hits on a few levels. There’s sort of a retro sole vibe, lots of God and some good stuff to dig into.

I was really excited about this album from the first song, but then it kind of mellowed out for the rest of the album. It was really pretty but didn’t hold my attention.

Solid 7

Two tracks on this album stood out for me - "Piano Joint" and "Solid Ground" - The rest I could take or leave. All in all, it is an album that I would listen to again quite happily, but I probably won't intentionally revisit it.

Pretty good album! Very late 2010s indie mixed with soul.

Pleasant but not memorable, a bit of a bland wash

Like anything featuring Info & Danger Mouse, this album sounds INCREDIBLE. Absolute top notch production. Music-wise, I think I need more time with it to fully appreciate it. I like what I heard, but wasn't fully gripped by the music. This has all the classic signs of being a grower.

Was quite groovy. I liked it, but not necessarily what I would pick to put on all the time

This started off really well but then became a little dull. Kinda just became background music. Still, it was an enjoyable listen!

Pretty good, put a skip in my step on a rainy day. Webt on a bit mind. Feel like he got his bangers in there a bit early. Also, God is rubbish.

It's quite that it mixes things about contemporary sound and production with classic stuff and some nice instrumentation and so on... lots to like on paper but it just doesn't quite imo. A drearyness that keeps coming in waves and weighing me down in amongst it all.

tailed of a bit, still in to the singles

Fine, but sleepy.

Sonically and technically superb album, does not push many buttons for me however 3/5

Good listen, surprised I hadn't heard of it, not really my scene, but enjoyed the soulful beat.

Enjoyed a pretty modern album for once. Good indie sounding work, enjoyed the lyrics. Nice introduction to this person.

Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Paar gute Tracks, sonst öde.

I'd not really kept up with Michael Kiwanuka after his debut album came out, but it's interesting to see how his sound has evolved over the years. Kiwanuka shows his influences quite clearly, and I do think this album is a pretty successful modern take on 70s soul. However, whilst I found this enjoyable it did feel like it lacked any truly standout moments.

A mostly strong collection of well-crafted songs on this one. You can tell that Michael Kiwanuka is a versatile (and by the time of his 2019 self-titled release, also a veteran) songwriter. Kiwanuka is as cohesive and mature an outing as it is “retro”-sounding. However, even with it’s analogue buzz and glow it doesn’t sounds like it’s coming from and living in the past. Topics such as anxieties, racism, and police brutality are, sadly, as pressing as they have ever been. And the record itself works like a prism, channeling a myriad of artists and styles. In doing just that, Kiwanuka manages to deliver a condensed version of his record collection and - this is no easy feat - makes it feel somehow timeless. So mind you, it’s far more than cheap pastiche. Take Living in Denial, which partly sounds like an uptempo soul classic, borrowing some of the vocal processing elements that also defined Portugal. The Man’s Evil Friends (which, just like Kiwanuka, was produced by the retro enabler and maximizer himself, Danger Mouse). I can’t help but think that this list spot might be better suited for Sault’s 2020 twin outings Untitled (Black Is) and Untitled (Rise), helmed by none other than Kiwanuka’s co–sound alchemist, Inflo. On Black Is and Rise, the political message is just a tad sharper, and the songwriting more adventurous and uptight. Kiwanuka, on the other hand, is a much more mellow affair — a real crowd-pleaser, if you will. It’s easy to see why people were spinning this heavily in the weird and upsetting early months of 2020. All this could speak for - and at the same time against - the quality and lasting impact of Kiwanuka. It certainly helps that there are some amazing tunes on it, such as the opener “You Ain’t the Problem,” “Hero,” and “Rolling.” Unfortunately, the interludes don’t do much for me aside from slowing the record down. Sometimes I’m left wondering whether this album, with a shorter runtime, might have maximized its effect even more.

It's certainly refreshing to hear a modern album on here, especially as new as 2019 - I am not really understanding the importance of this thing. Is there a unique story behind this album that makes it so special? Don't get me wrong, I certainly enjoyed the listen - but I am just struggling to understand the significance of this. I've never even heard of Michael Kiwanuka outside of his work with Tom Misch. A lot of the music on here felt same-same. At least it was a good same-same, and an enjoyable listen; but I certainly couldn't tell any of the songs apart really. Nor did anything catch my ear outside of MAYBE the 'la la la' on Living In Denial. Still, I enjoyed this - but definitely don't see myself coming back to anything from here in a hurry.

Listenable and entertaining. Unfortunately did not inspire much thought to put to words.

An interesting genre melting pot, the end result is groovy if a little boring for my taste. I think this probably would have worked better as an instrumental album. Would definitely not have given this a shot without this list. Pleasant but a little forgettable. Highlights: Hard to Say Goodbye, Final Days

Favorite tracks: Living in Denial, Hero

hadn’t heard of this guy at all, and finally got excited about the premise of this activity: I’d been hoping for something I didn’t know! And here it is! Smooth and a little funky, this is a great record for people (read: me) who are new-ish to soul. “Hero” is definitely the standout track for me, although I didn’t find myself wanting to skip any of them. Thematically, it’s great. It’s unapologetically self-indulgent and praises humanity in all the right ways. It’s complex and simple all at once. There’s something special on show here for anyone looking for a musical pick-me-up; give “Solid Ground” or “Light” a shot. A lot to love here. Admittedly, I’m looking at this maybe a little more scientifically than I ought to. There are a handful of tracks I’d seek out again on my own, but I don’t know how often I’d put the full record on. Hard to say on a first listen. If I were to revisit this in a week, it may score higher. If I could give it a 3.5, I’m sure I would.

This album had me frustrated. Not because I didn't like it. It's because half of the album had me falling asleep and the other half was insanely good. If every song had the energy that Hero had, this would immediately be a 5/5 for me no questions asked. There weren't many other songs that had me looking down to see what song was playing though. Not much else had me thinking "oh i gotta remember this one. add to library." Michael's voice is incredible. His vibe is immaculate. Many of the songs on this album had me wanting more though. You Ain't The Problem was such a promising start, but unfortunately I was lulled to near sleep for a majority of the time I spent listening. The highs were extremely high, and I'm happy I heard them. Some of them might even make it into some playlists for revisiting. He has me interested. He has me wanting some more. But the sleeper songs are so sleeper, it might feel like a chore.

This was a strange one. I really enjoyed some parts, but I kinda felt myself drifting between the songs and some were a little too similar for my tastes. I’d definitely be interested to hear more of his other projects.

Was a pleasant listen. Wish it would have done more. Felt very repetitive.

Enthusiastic about this one. Stuff like this is what I was hoping to get out of the album generator idea.

Didn't excite. Couple of decent tracks, though.

I wanted to like this. Great moods but none of the songs went anywhere. They were like the interstitial tracks on a Marvin Gaye soundtrack album.

Nice album. Feel like it made nice back ground music.

Never heard of this guy, some of the songs were very good.

6/10. Funny but a bit repetitive and some songs let the project down

I’ve tried getting through this a few times. Not that it was bad but just didn’t grab me enough to keep it spinning and not get distracted. Solid but didn’t stand out for me.

Very cool album and totally different to what I normally listen to. Lacks a proper standout tune but every song is interesting. Fave Tune = Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)

It's cool, it's soulful (obviously), it's 70s and it is a relaxing time. Too bad the songs individually did not stick out that much to me. Overall decent but nothing mindblowing. 2.5/5

I can tell it's quality, just not my thing.

Pretty interesting might come back to it.

que portada es esa tío

Enjoyable arrangements help the vocals pop, good listen.

This was pretty good. A bit slow for my personal taste, but overall enjoyable.

its alriiiiight, low 3

good

Foremost, I am surprised to see an album from so recently, was this book reissued after 2019 or is this post-book addition? Anyway, I am not complaining, never heard of this artist before, but I am like what I am hearing. Had a couple of listens and a few songs stuck out, especially "Rolling". A well-produced, soulful records. Not really sure how to rate this, I know this is at least 3.5/5.0, but not sure if I should round up to 4 stars. I do want to REVISIT this in the future as this is a good record no doubt, and I am glad to see we still have original and good music these days unlike some people would like you to believe... After a few listens I somehow feel bad for about to give 3 stars, but also don't want to give 4, too bad you can't change them after

Good, but not my style. ★★★

Amazing listen, you get trapped in every sound. These Songs surround you

This album was nice, but it was also so cleanly produced and smooth around the edges it sounded like something Ed Sheeran might create (not a compliment). Needed more of a distinctive sound for me. I did really like the string passages. 3/5

Nice album. Maybe I would prefer less instrumentation. Sometimes less is more. It lacks memorable moment to deserve 4 or 5 stars. I give 3 stars.

Not as bad as I thought it would be. Ended up liking it a bit.

A strong 3

OK

It was a nice enough album, I'm not sure if I'd go back to it again. But a pleasant enough listen.

This was fine but i don't think i'll ever have the urge to re-lsiten

Pretty good, will I listen again? Probably not

Good vocals nice vibe very produced tho

Not always sure what to make of this album in terms of the tone. Each track brings something different and unique to the album. Goes from easy listening soul to James Bond style music to something out of the Lemon Jelly playbook. I had hoped for a standout tune as per Michael’s “Cold Little Heart” but alas this is pleasant enough to have in the background but doesn’t warrant a detailed re-listen

Interesting and clever but dull

Some strong tracks but things out of steam

Kiwanuka’s strength is the quiet but substantial power he generates with his voice. There is a serious, even mournful quality to much of the tracklist, which is quite touching. This is a very pleasant, consistent album which at points bursts with a bit of added colour.

Well put together music, lacked depth in the performances. Didnt really speak to me either, felt a false.

It was OK but forgettable.

This was interesting. Never heard of Michael Kiwanuka so I was pumped to listen. Enjoyed it. I think I kept expecting it do do more, but it is brilliantly executed and well performed throughout with a good production.

Ну далеко не лучший его альбом, первые два сильнее

Great for rainy days. Could imagine this being used for some nostalgic or melanholic movie.

Really solid stuff here, although probably not super high replay value

was enjoyable. Very viby and had some killer guitar and drums

This is nice, gave me something to add to my collection. Why its on this list is anyones guess, but it is nice.

Not really my thing even nicely produced. Just did not touch me at all.

A good listen. 3/5

3.8

Not too bad

Pretty mellow album. Vanilla. Liked Hero and I’ve Been Dazed. Great songs. Beautiful. I’d listen to it again.

This started off great. Sort of a Curtis Mayfield vibe going on. 5 songs in and it has leveled out. Now it’s slow and piano baresque. Sort of like a very mellowed out The Weeknd. But there’s samples. The music is good, it’s just sort of too slowed down and mellow. Living in Denial has come to revitalize the album I think. Hold on….. Ok, ok Hero is another “back on track” song. That’s it. It wore me out. Choice cut: Hero

73/100 instrumentally a very good album, though I do think the vocals bring it down, with many of the best songs just repeating a phrase for it's entire duration. best songs: hard to say goodbye, hero, you ain't the problem

Alright

could i write poetry to this? n

3.5

soulfull voice, athmospheric Instrumentalization, not quite on par with the best of his songs

Michael has a good voice, and the instrumentals are pretty good, but its a little toothless and radio friendly for my pallette.

Opening: I get a 60-70s evening beach club vibe. Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) is a great slow jam. Hard to Say Goodbye is a dreamy soundscape. Pushes the album into a a new level from the first half.

3,5

Started out strong but tapered off. Not bad though still.

Buen disco. Tiene estilo.

Really ok new music artist. Nice beats and attentive lyrics. Solid 5.3

Fun album, improved on a re-listen, I'd bump it up to 3.5 stars.

Some of these songs are a bit boring, but some are refreshing, especially “Light“.

Easy listening

6.5/10

This was like nothing I normally listen to. I thought it was a pretty good album overall, the dude has a nice voice and the parodies good. The album just isn’t really my style, but I can see why people would really enjoy this if they are into the genre. Maybe a bit James Brown esque in there too?

Another one I liked quite a bit more than I thought I would.

All I can hear is the theme to Big Little Lies. That particular song wasn’t on here but he’s the artist on it. I guess he’s consistent? I thought this was pretty but boring and I kept seeing Reese Witherspoons distressed face over some Monterey fog during the listen

Didn’t love but would listen again.

A very good record full of ambition and big ideas. Great flow to the record as well. No real standout bangers and I most likely won’t revisit, but I probably know some people who would count this among their favorite records.

On the one hand, this is the first record from this century in a while. On the other hand, it is the from the same person that made "Cold Little Heart". But I'll try to be fair and hold my judgement. Starts good! Love the non-chalant "You ain' the problem" in the chorus. This track feels huge. Second song keeps the energy going, and the third brings some emotion to the table. This is very much a pop, soul oddissey. Both versions of Piano Joint are very effective in setting a mood, and feel like a journey of their own. Living in Denial's great. Hero might be the first dud though. I'm not sure how to describe what I mean, but it feels like the aesthetic of the song was more important than its actual sound. Like the sound. Hard to Say Goodbye is the longest song on the album (and it needed a long song, as the grandiose mood it seems to be going for works better in longer tracks, with more build-up), but it doesn't really feel like it. Love the guitar throughout. Solid Ground is the most effective so far. But, it also feels too formulaic. The vocals are alone when they should be, the instrumentals come in, at the same time, right when they should. I don't really know how to feel about this. While I can't really find many flaws, and the genres that it went through being right up my alley, "KIWANUKA" just didn't leave much of an effect on me. It is an epic. Extremely dramatic even. And I usually love that. And yet. While the lyrics are sometimes not the most inspired thing of all time, the performances (vocals and instrumentals) more than make up for it. A big part of the album's appeal is its accessability - despite being grand and featuring a wide variety of instrumentals, it still feels like anyone I know could like it. However, that also proves to be what keeps it from being truly great. Some of the songs here, while very well executed, fall short on the emotional side. A prime example of this is "Hero", which does next to nothing for me. It's weird. I think this is the first time that I've liked (almost) every song on an album, and yet feel no need no experience them again. I think there's something great in here, somewhere, but what I just spent almost an hour listening to felt like a watered-down version of it. Most of all, this feels like it was made to please. To be looked at, and seen as something great. Not necessarily the deep feelings of an artist (as the rather shallow lyrics often show). If someone were to play this in my vicinity, I wouldn't mind it (I might even enjoy it some), but I don't think I'll ever want to listen to it again out of my own free will. Bye!

The first song is sick, definitely got my attention. Love everything about it. It ties the energy and realness of soul, maybe Afro soul?, to modern highly produced music. Plus it’s upbeat and catchy, interesting cadence, good hook etc. great song. As I went through the rest I realized this guy sang the opening song for Big Little Lies and this very specific brand of soul felt a little too manufactured. I’ve Been Dazed sounds like a progression you’d teach a 12 year old, and the dressing all over it irritated me more than it masked anything. Piano Joint is basically a Marvin Gaye rip off, I feel like they legit pulled Inner City Blues. Overall it’s pristine and beautiful sounding but that’s not why I like soul music. May be putting Michael in a box he doesn’t want to be in. But this Leon Bridges clean soul singing isn’t for me. Spent some time thinking about Aretha this week. My kids love the movie Sing and they do “Say a little prayer” and their version is soulless, so listened to Aretha to see what she did differently. She has insane rhythm and dynamics, it reminds me of Hendrix guitar playing. So locked in and in control, he can make a major scale sound other worldly, and so can Aretha. Not trying to hold this guy to that standard, but what makes music engaging has a lot more to it than hitting the notes. Impressed by MK, will be on the lookout for more of his stuff, but other than Track 1 won’t come back to this one.

Starts off promising then veers into Frank oceanesque melancholia which I can see others liking but which I personally find a little drab

I ran into this album during early covid and found a lot of these tracks scattered across my playlists. Marks a moment in time for me As an album piece, its solid. The flow between some of the songs is so smooth. The intense reverb and Kiwanukas soul vocals are very entertaining and easy to get lost in. Love the random sounds used throughout too All that said, I felt bored about 10 mins in. Maybe its just the day im experiencing this, but I couldnt quite keep my attention on this.

I like his voice and singing style, but the album was pretty one note and didn’t grab me at any point. A bit boring

A strange one this. I really enjoyed it in many places, but I just got an underlying feeling that it was corporately contrived. I think i need to listen to it a few times to see how it shakes out, if i can be bothered.

Pretty good. Interesting production and a smooth voice. A couple of catchy songs. I don't find myself compelled to return to it, however. Maybe it's slightly bland? Feels way too overrated imo

Quite enjoyable and a super smooth voice. The term psychedelic soul defining this is quite apt. The emotive quality of the vocals equaled with heartfelt and vulnerable lyrics.

Was definitely worth my while. Felt like an adult swim commercial sung by Damon Albarn (gorillaz/blur)

Z plusem

A few pleasant songs for me but ultimately nothing of consequence Fav song: Living in Denial

что-то этот Киванука не увлёк меня, возможно нужно больше времени

Started out strong for me, slowly lost steam. Not a bad album by any means, just felt a little repetitive.

good vibes all around, he has a really cool and distinct sound.

Hero and Light are great but there's not quite enough happening here to grab me full on.

I missed this one when it came around and that is a shame as it is a very good record!! Great production with a good mix of feelings. Nice Work, Mick!!

New to me. Good early but found myself getting bored by the end

Reasonable.

Smooth vocal. Solid funk/jazz backing music and guitar.

I really enjoyed this! Never heard any of the songs before and am glad this was something new I was introduced to!

Was aight

I haven’t ever heard this

This album was a crazy mix of blues, soul, and rock. The lead singer, also the bassist and guitarist, had a cool and smooth voice, but if I’m being honest, it was nothing that impressed me too much. This album was good, but I don’t know if I would ever truly go back to it again.

A nice variety of tracks

This isn’t bad and he has a nice voice but it’s produced in a way typical of modern records where it’s easy to ignore. I kept forgetting I was listening to it.

Probably better in headphones on a walk. Will revisit. My cat loved this album.

I had high hopes for this, never heard of this fella, and based on the cover alone, I was expecting something cool. Fuzzy guitars, falsetto background la-las, middle of the road rock songs. Nothing mind-blowing going on here. MK’s first record was nominated for the Mercury Prize, maybe that one is better? Who knows. This record doesn’t make me want to dig deeper.

Amazing, well made, gets a bit samey towards the end

It was fine but I didn't really get into it

Nice

Ist gut aber iwie nicht sehr Aufmerksamkeiterregend. Schöne Abwechslung und auch kein bestimmtes Genre. Kann nix schlechtes sagen aber läuft einfach im Hintergrund runter. 3/5

It’s a good album would listen again.

Interesting and pretty fun

M.Kiwankuka has managed to capture an essence of his identity and pour it all over this album. The lively beats, colorful drum, and catchy rhythm in tracks like You ain't the problem further improves the experience.

3.5

The album felt like it wanted to be from the 60's/70's but lacked the charm and feel of something that comes from that time. Overall it was nice listen but tries too hard to try to be something it cannot live up to.

I ain't the problem? I beg to differ ;)

Great album, I would have never found it without this project. Particularly enjoyed "You're not the problem" and "hero"

He has a beautiful, powerful voice. The music is simple, but very emotive. The overall soundscape is moving. I liked it to a degree, but not enough for repeated listening.

Not my thing really

Solid. I'm not crazy about Kiwanuka, but it's a good record, for sure. Highlights upon first listen include "Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)", "Hero", and "Hard to Say Goodbye".

Michael Kiwanuka has a great voice and this album had a classic quality, really captured some of that vintage soul sound with modern touches. Can't say it's a sound that really works for me though. Think he could have been a bit more incentive sometimes, I like the general sound of a lot of these songs but you know what you're getting from the first few seconds most of the time. Wouldn't mind hearing more of his stuff but this album is just okay.

Not his best Album, but very solid vibes

I really like “rolling” but rest of album wasn’t there for me. Probably need to listen again

Cool vibe, a bit to chill kinda dragged a bit.

Some good tunes. Meandered at times but overall a very solid listening experience

I had no prior knowledge of this artist, but I think this experience really captures the essence of the 1001 Albums campaign — discovering music you’d probably never listen to otherwise. And I have to say, I somehow enjoyed this one. The African influences add a “cherry on top” effect to the album, making it even more special.

There were a couple of songs I liked, but the rest didn't really hold my attention. 3 stars or C-.

Day506 - he has a smooth voice but this isn’t the album of his i would choose for this list

-wow this one came out of nowhere, I’d never heard of this guy before but this was pretty interesting to listen to. “psychedelic soul” is indeed the perfect description for it -his voice is beautiful, i like the genre blending, there are some very strong songs on here… it wasn’t all my cup of tea but def pretty solid -Favorites are You Ain’t The Problem, Rolling, and Solid Ground

Surprisingly good

really beautiful voice and strings that are usually just in the background but really stand out. bit samey over all for me though but nice to listen to

The song 'Hero' stood out to me. Nothing else really did unfortunately. Sounds nice though.

A pleasant listen, though nothing stood out in particular. It has a timelessness about it, so I love that this is one of the newer items on the list.

It was good, but it didn't really hit today 🤷🏻‍♀️ Album rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Pretty solid! Interesting melodies. Liked a few songs. Definitely a different sound for the current time.

A lot better then most of the music I’ve listened to for this challenge.

Really cool album - started off a lot better than it finished. Liked the upbeat songs. What the heck genre is this?

Such a chill and enjoyable album

An artist I’ve never heard of before. I was into his sound most of the time. There was enough there to make me interested in listening to more of his stuff.

I have never listened to this artist before. The first 1/2 the album was ok at best. The second half though I like a lot reminiscent of 70’s lush songs.

It was ok, but not worth listening to multiple times.

unpredictably intriguing! i’m glad that i gave this album a chance because one of my least favorite songs is michael kiwanuka’s “cold little heart”. so upon listening i was incredibly skeptical! BUT HOWEVER i really truly enjoyed this album and its creativity fusing jazz and blues in a unique way.

Enjoyed immensely. Very soulful and impactful.

This will probably never be in my collection, not because it's bad - it's quite good actually - but because it's that obscure.

Good vibes. Reminiscent of some 60s era smoother jazz/Bossa Nova. Definitely worth a listen.

enjoyed the style, relaxing and mellow

Everyone is raving about this album, it is OK. Nice vocals and music, but nothing to extraordinary. One thing I liked is that you can not cage it in just one genre. I'll give it 3 stars because I cannot do 1/2 stars otherwise it would be 3.5. Bad? Absolutely not. Great? Again, absolutely not. Was it enjoyable? Yes. Will I listen again? Most probably yes. Usually I do not fall in love with any album the first time I listen, so it merits a second try and see if I can bump that rating... The jury is still out!

Not a ton to say about it except that I was pleased the whole way through. Mostly just background listened but it was cool - I can see why someone would be super into this record.

I really like the overall vibe of the album. I felt like I recognized several songs, but only in the way that I had heard clips in commercials, or that the sounds were generic enough to sound recognizable even if I hadn’t actually heard it before. A nice enjoyable album, but nothing that blew me away.

Was good but missing a little something something

This was really great, but definitely started to lose interest as it went on

great listen

Song: you aint the problem this song is good at first it was giving me fruity vibes I don ´ t know why but i like it i would give this like a four stars Song: piano joint ( this kind of love) this song is good but I don ´ t really listen to this music but it's good it kind of sounds like country in my opinion but i would give it like 3 stars or 2 stars Song: hero this song is good it is like a song rainbow falls will play for some reason but its good this song will be like 3 stars

I enjoyed listening to this album because the beat is very catchy and it gives me energy. I do not really understand the lyrics, but the songs are still a vibe.

you ain't the problem I like this song because it reminds me of Mexican music and I can hear some drums . piano joint (this kind of love) I like this song because it is talking about love and when it is the right time to lose. hero I like this song because it is talking about like he wants to be a hero and always wants to be a hero.

Solid modern jazz album

Undeniably good, a little long

1. problem - 1.5 2. rolling - 1 3. dazed - 1.5 4. joint - 1.5 5. piano - 1.5 6. human - 1.5 7. living - 2 8. hero - 9. hero 2 - 10. hard - 11. dayz - 12. interlude - 13. zolid - 14. light -

Good album. Never would have expected it to be on this list. Never listened to him before but I’m glad I did. Lots of different styles going on. Great guitar tones. Produced amazingly.

It was good, but I don’t have much else to say. I enjoyed it enough while it was on but I don’t know if it’s something that I’ll ever pick up again.

I like the vibes of this album, but I’m not sure I’d listen to it casually. Respect it, but not my regular vibe.

Never heard of Michael Kiwanuka, he's got a great voice and is a skilled rock guitarist. Album seems a good mix of topics: love, politics, instrumentals, etc. "I've been Dazed" and "Final Days" were standouts for me. The tracks were warm and seemed very grand and floaty, for lack of better words, and I did enjoy that sound. The guitar parts were catchy. Not my typical type of jam, a little slow, but I wouldn't change it if it came on. Everything was executed well but nothing really floored me to move this one away from the average "great" album. Glad to have listened!

I had not heard of this artist before this list, so a nice surprise when I listened to this album, and enjoyed it a lot! It's got a psychedelic jazz, soul feel to it. It works. 3.4/5

Good

There was a lot of cool and unique sounds in the beginning of this album, but it really petered out in end. In large parts it was an evolution on the singer songwriter vibe but I’d call it an incomplete one.

literally for the who-the-fuck-cares-how-many-time-i-have-said-it-in-a-row time: My bias toward soul music is pretty hard to erase by now. but anyway, it... actually sounds pretty great! and it doesn't sound that long! and it sounds pretty rocky and groovy! still, 3/5

First time listener, enjoyed this for sure. Probably won't reach for it regularly, but I'll listen again

point8.

- I have listened to this album probably a dozen times and I am still not sure how much of it sticks with me. I do not mind it and do like some of the beats, but it also just washes over me. - I know Kiwanuka from "Cold Little Heart" -- that tracks has made much more of an impact on me than anything here.

it was alright

2.75 - Easy listening but nothing standout or super memorable

3/5

This album feels very nostalgic, even though it was released in 2019. Feels like the sort of music you'd hear in the early 2010s, which isn't a bad thing at all.

This is the most recent album I've gotten on this list so far. This one was okay. Not quite my taste, but not bad. I wouldn't turn it off but it's another forgettable album.

Too much chili

It was a little bit too long. But not too bad.

Nothing that really stuck with me, but nothing bad per se.

Liked it.

Pleasant

It had a nice sound to it

Decent soul/r&b music, interesting instrumentation

This is a very interesting album. In many ways it feels very retro - like parts of this came straight out of the 70s. But those parts are fused with some very modern influences. I found it quite remarkable. 3.5⭐️

I don't know, it reminded me of like a black Elton John. Little deeper, and little darker. Good music, wish I were drinking it listening to it on a record sipping a nice bourbon.

Pretty nice, felt very much like background music. Not sure I would ever put it on, but definitely ok with having it on.

Beautifully produced, as expected with Danger Mouse behind the boards, with lush and stylistically diverse arrangements. The melodies don't really stick and I doubt I'll ever revisit.

Some stuff was groovy and I liked the production

I had never heard of this artist before. Absolutely not my music but very interesting to listen to.

Had this on in the background while I worked and liked it a lot. Should probably do a re-listen and pay a little more attention, but 3/5 for now.

Interesting start, but it kind of ended up all over the place stylistically.

Enjoyed it. Really liked Piano room.

3.1 2x catch up 1/21/25

I love an album full of textures and groovey psychedelia. Lots of ear candy.

Better than I was expecting

Michael Kiwanuka - an artist I've heard a lot of praise for but never listened to First half of this album was so so good. Really loved the vibes Second half got kinda boring though as the songs slowed down a bit, and got a bit long with the intros/interlude. Shame Great voice though, I see why people like him! 3 ⭐️

A good, low-key music album. I heard his blues influences, as well as his easy listening lyrics.

So enjoyable! Did the US not discover him yet?

A singular musical voice, solid songwriting with interesting psychadelic influences.

Modern blend of jazz and soul, intertwined with cool guitar riffs. Would give it 3.5 if I could.

First album I don't know if I've ever heard a song from. Digging it, first few songs have good sound and flow well. Middle piano songs are ok but just changed the mood too much and songs started to just sound formulaic before switching back to better development in Hard To Say Goodbye thru the finish. Can't stop thinking it reminds me of Black Keys if they had more diversity in sound, with clean and solid vocals instead of distorted.

Some songs I would come back to!

The instrumentals were engaging and interesting but the lead vocals didn’t quite match up for me

Pretty fun

Was alright but production/mix could get in the way at times

A solid album that has some real sparks of brilliance. That said, I didn't end up gelling as much with it as I thought I would. Kiwanuka draws on a lot of tradition here, mainly 60s psychedelia and chamber pop. But there are enough elements here that don't make it feel dated, like the synths on "You Ain't the Problem". I found myself more drawn to the earlier songs on the album. They're exciting and gives the beginning of the album a real push. The first track is electric, and "Rolling" is an amazing modern take on 60s psychedelia that sounds fresh. That said, as it goes on, I find that it loses a bit of momentum, it drags a bit. The strings come on a bit too often, a bit too heavy. There are some interludes that feel too long. I understand that some "down time" is needed, especially given some of the themes of the album, but I find that it makes it drag. The second half, despite having some amazing guitar work, largely floats into the background for me. Again, this is not to day this is a bad album, not at all. It's just not something I'd put on and listen all the way through except for the standout tracks. It does interest me in checking out Kiwanuka's other music, though. Fav tracks: You Ain't the Problem, Rolling, Hero

This album started really strong the petered off. High 3

Great production. Didn't love the vocals. A few standout songs.

Started strong, lost interest halfway through

He's got a great voice, and I thought it was interesting with some good compositions, it's was just a bit emotionally heavy for me in an exhausting sort of way. Glad I heard it though.

Some smooth velvet waves that remind me of some times when things have been moodful. Also some rocky patches where his introspection is too personal and didn’t connect with me. Listened to this a lot at one time so must have quite liked it then.

another new artist for me - nice voice, okay music, groovy/soul

Slow, plodding, good. But not to my liking overall.

At the start I was worried this was going to be world music. I was pleasantly surprised with a strange blend of rock and world that kept me interested.

Very good, laid back.

1st song- um its 4/10 i guess it sound ok 2nd song-its not even that bad but its 6/10 3rd song- it rate 8/10 its goodd

Do you like pop/country music? If so, this album is for you! It is really unique. I love this album because I love Kiwanukas's voice and the background music. The one thing that I don't like, however, is that I can't understand what he is singing. But, either way, I still highly recommend this album.

Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.

Good but also sounds like NPR music in a way I can't really look past. It rides a weird line between being very beautiful and sounding like it was almost just made to be in the background of a Netflix series or HBO show and I can't unhear that. I even hate saying that because it has good musicianship and it's in good taste but it's still missing something, it's too pretty, like a woman that is too conventionally beautiful, maybe it's just that I need musicians to be dumb or angry or horny or neurotic but somehow he is none of these and therefore I can't say I connect with it. It has all the ingredients for a perfect cake but you're already full.

Totally new to me and I didn’t hate it

2nd song sounds like Born to be Wild. It sounds good so no complaints here. Also liked Final Days Maybe a bit too many sleepy songs

Albumet fremstår for meg som slags underlig krysning mellom Rag'n'Bone Man (pga. Kiwanukas stemme) og Tyler, The Creator (pga. de instrumentale og melodiske innspillene), krydret med innslag av gospel og soul. For meg virket denne syntesen godt, hovedsakelig fordi albumet fremstår som dypt personlig for Kiwanuka. Ikke bare er albumet oppkalt etter ham, som selv retter lytteren mot hva det skal omhandle. Nei, i tillegg til navnet virker Kiwanuka til å vrenge seg utover og vise sin egentlige sårbarhet mot verden. Om man vil si det vrenger han frem sin sjel, en hentydning til albumets betoning av soul. Denne sårheten er ekte; den er menneskelig; den er følt; den er vesen-tlig. Likevel skal det sies at ikke alt med albumet var fryd og gammen. Jeg kan forstå de som tenker en slik eklektisk stil peker mot en artist som ikke har en konkret retning med musikken sin. Kiwanuka skal ha for å gjøre albumet interessant, men til tider kan sangene virke litt vel eksperimentelle i form (f.eks. "Living In Denial" og "Hard To Say Goodbye"). Noen av sangene høres ikke ut som de er del av samme album (f.eks., "You Ain't The Problem" og "Light"), nesten så det kastes frem forskjellige forsøk på å finne en stemme i musikkverdenen, hvilket er forståelig mtp. hvor vanskelig det er å finne sitt sted i musikken, spesielt når mulighetene er flerfoldig. Det skal også skrives, for de som tviler på Kiwanuka musikalske ferdigheter, at: kunstneren trenger ikke, uansett hvilket medium det er snakk om, forstå hvordan de får kunsten frem, de bare GJØR det. Vurdering: 3/5. PS: Likte veldig godt noen overgangene i albumet igrunnet deres sømløse utførelse, f.eks. fra "Rolling" til "I've Been Dazed".

nice

Hey this was pleasant! Had not heard of this artist ever before but it was pretty nice, modern easy listening. Kind voice and good, if not revolutionary instrumentation.

Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🪙🫅🏿⬛ Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🎶✨ 💔📝 ⏳🌌 ⚔️🏆 ❤️💑 🌳🌊 🎉😊 Rating: ✨✨✨/5

It didn’t do much for me, but it wasn’t bad. It was a little scattered.

Never really listened to Michael Kiwanuka before despite being aware of him. Not really my usual thing but still very enjoyable and maybe would grow on me with a few more listens. Sounds like it could have been from any era. Fav track: You Ain't the Problem

3.5

KIWANUKA has many memorable songs. Michael Kiwanuka brings something interesting to soul on this project. I can understand the acclaim this project has received, unfortunately it's not enough to make me like it completely. Some tracks even catch my attention but the project itself starts well, but at some point it gets lost for me.

3 из 5. Прикольнейнький соул, возможно подниму оценку потом потому-что чувствуется потенциал, пару песен прям хорошо

Needed more juice on a cloudy morning Squirrels are looking fat, winter is coming

Idk kinda bland but not bad

Very enjoyable, but not my vibe.

Every song hits the same slow, soulful tone. Would have liked a couple more funky, upbeat songs thrown in to add some variety.

this was so nice!

Jest dal mnie dosyc nowe, i monottone? w całym swoim takim przyjaznym nastroju

Enjoyable retro style. Smooth voice, some interesting layers. Favorites: "I've Been Dazed" Least: (1x) 3 1/2 stars, B+

It was ok, felt like music u play when vibing so idk

Instrumentally, goes hard. Don't particularly love the man's voice, sounds slightly sped up or something?? Slight Kiedis vibes.

Decent vibe. Background music

Really really nice

idk i got kind of bored

gut, aber habs ma nit gspeichert

Bit boring

Same Africa music

Great instrumentation but nothing really jumped out at me.

I enjoy the distortion effects but overall this album just kinda passed me by

Most of these albums have either been artists I know but never gave an entire album a chance or artists I don't know at all and don't really like. This album was one of the rare, "wow" moments where I just found a new artists to add to the rotation.

great voice and some nice soulful tracks

Good voice, pleasant enough to listen to again but with no 'sparkl' that makes it special for me. Can't put my finger on what is lacking, perhaps its just that the amalgamation of different styles and backing confuses rather than interests me.

It’s good. Somehow never takes off into really good, lacking some level of excitemenr and emotional oomph. I’ve Been Dazard and Hero are proper good tracks. I don’t like the production, it feels low go and somehow sapping the energy of the songs, they also feel like they’re all 10bpm too slow?

Highlights: Rolling Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) Hero Final Days My first impression of this was that the instrumentals reminded me of chopped up soul Hip-Hop beats, which makes sense because this is a R&b/Soul album produced by Danger Mouse. The more I listened to this, the more it grew on me. A very enjoyable, easy listen, but I'm unsure of how much depth there is to dig in to. I will definitely be revisiting this album, and I hope it continues to grow on me.

I had high hopes after the strength of the opener - it felt like it was opening up a window into modern soul. And by the end — the sound clips and paint-by-number lyrics ("lying on the ground / feeling like a dyin' man / no reality / fading memories / following the crowd / coulda been a stronger man") made a lot of the drama and weight it was reaching for seem unearned.

Didn’t grab me the way I hoped it would, and it would seem I am in the minority. It’s atmospheric, and the guitars are fuzzy, and it feels soulful, but it spends most of its run-time being really introspective and pensive apart from a handful of songs. It just didn’t hit the spot enough for me.

Had never heard of this, and started off very excited, but ended up not really liking it overall. Difficult to articulate why... it had kind of a glossiness that I found off-putting

9/18/24. This is perhaps the newest album along the 1001 journey so far, very soulful and blues like. Almost reminds me of Khruangbin with the sound, and soulful vocals. Lost a little steam at the end, but still enjoyed.

++: Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Another Human Being, Final Days, Interlude (Loving the People), Solid Ground, Light +: You Ain't the Problem, Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (Intro), Piano Joint (This Kind of Love), Living in Denial, Hero, Hard To Say Goodbye +-: Hero (Intro) 7,6/10

Listening experience is a 4. Really cool record that just FELT nice. Its possibly the songwriting itself wasn’t the strongest because I don’t know if I’d ever go back to it but if it’s on I’m all about it.

its from 2019 so its automatically novel compared to most the rest of the list, cool interesting listen if not the biggest standout

i enjoyed this but i can't say it stood out to me much. i could tell it was well-produced and it was nice to listen to, but it was almost too clean...? idk how to describe it but it just didn't capture my interest. i can't say it was bad though. maybe i just need to give it another listen.

When the first track started I thought this album was going in one direction, but the beat kicked in and I was taken in an entirely different way. I really enjoyed this album. Such an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. Good stuff!

This was delightful. An unexpected pleasure to listen to.

Beautiful all the way through

Some nice, positive energy. Dreamy, some psychy; lot like good 60s pop. Subtle. Never got on my radar, wish it had.