The soul is a very fragile entity. Easily lost when traveling along the wrong path, it can also be renourished if we have the will and sight to do so. A battle we all must face, many of us turn to music as a saving grace. Something that provokes introspection and heals our wounds, artists such as Michael Kiwanuka use this energy to not only create music but self-soothe.
Like many of us, Kiwanuka has feelings of inadequacy and the dreaded imposter syndrome. A very real challenge, essentially what this means is, that while Kiwanuka is living his dream as a musician, somewhere deep inside there is a fear that it is all smoke and mirrors. Rather tragic to think about, the truth of the matter is Michael Kiwanuka could be one of the most fascinating singer-songwriters to emerge in the last decade. A very lofty statement, since emerging as a solo artist in 2011, all he has done is draw in listeners with a magnetism rooted in raw human emotion.
A performer with a keen sensitivity and influence from Classic Rock, R&B, and Soul, listening to any of Kiwanuka’s records is a divine experience. Exampling this further, his music is rich with texture, exceptionally dynamic, and hauntingly calming. Explempfied on his 2012 debut full-length Home Again, expanded upon with 2016’s Love & Hate, and taken to new heights with 2019’s Kiwanuka, just one listen and you are hooked for life.
Analyzing the most recent explorations in his career, Kiwanuka found him bringing out a more Rock side for the sensational “Hero,” but also a funkier sound for “You Ain’t The Problem.” Two examples of how effective 2019’s Kiwanuka was, since that time he has released some music, but now in 2024 the wait is finally over for a brand new studio album. Set for release on November 22nd through Polydor and is called Small Changes, some might say five years gap time in between. A fair argument, after diving into Small Changes you will soon discover good things come to those who wait.
Packaged with eleven new songs, the album has slowly been teased since July when the lead single “Floating Parade” emerged. Driven by a thick bass, then in September, there was “Lowdown (Part 1)” and “(Part 2)” which fit perfectly back-to-back on the album itself before the jazzy “The Rest of Me” and “Rebel Soul” arrived in October. Each is a very good sample of what Small Changes is about, but there are also many other gems inside it; including “Follow Your Dreams,” the dazzling “Stay By My Side,” and the mesmerizing title-track.
Each song is an extension of Kiwanuka, he bears it all in a refreshing, confident manner that continues to show his genuine nature. With Small Changes, Kiwanuka takes the best aspects of his 2019 album and builds on them in a way that tells you that he is progressing in an artist direction he is comfortable with. This is probably the best feeling any singer-songwriter can ever want; because nothing is worse than feeling like you are creating something just to fit a category.
This leads to the big question for those who still have not learned about Michael Kiwanuka and that is, what kind of music does he play? Well, that answer is not very straightforward, but all that can be said is he is an old soul with an intuition for creating a mood that is as much a gift as it is a blessing. Doubling down on the idea that Michael Kiwanuka is one of music’s most special talents to emerge in a long time, Cryptic Rock gives Small Changes 5 out of 5 stars.
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