By: Michael Kiwanuka
There were several times this past year - including thirty seconds ago when I started this review - when I could not remember Michael Kiwanuka’s last name for the life of me; but since listening to his masterpiece of a sophomore album, his rich songs have been anything but forgettable. If the great soul singers of the 60’s and 70’s (Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding) had fused consciousness with post-Beatles George Harrison, this is the album that would have emerged. The earnest spiritual longing Harrison conveyed in his liquid guitar sound mixes beautifully with the words of racial injustice that Kiwanuka writes. Kudos to producer Danger Mouse from infusing this record with a throwback quality that somehow feels of the moment.
Key song:
“Cold Little Heart” - The ten-minute opening track tells you everything you need to know about the album you’re about to hear. The first five minutes may be nothing but sweet guitar bliss, but once the elegance falls away to nothing but a lone acoustic guitar, you know Kiwanuka is not trying to soothe you to sleep. He’s trying to wake you up.