Review Summary: It is refreshing to hear a young musician write original compositions that genuinely ignite flashes back to rich music of the past that has stood the test of time.
I discovered Michael Kiwanuka through a John Mayer interview; when the topic of winning/deserving a Grammy was brought up, out of the blue, Mayer begins to rant: “How does Michael Kiwanuka not get [a Grammy]? Michael Kiwanuka’s one of the greatest singers … he made one of the best records of the last five years.” This was the first time I had heard the name, and so after some research, discovering the Ugandan-British artist who had just finished up a prestigious tour opening up for Adele, what I found was Home Again, Kiwanuka’s 2012 debut LP. Full of color, honesty, and a great deal of promise for the young artist, this record lives up to Mayer’s praise. While very much a solo artist, Kiwanuka’s sound contains a large variety of instrumentation that is used carefully and sparingly in his songs. At times there are accompaniments of flute, piano, and an altogether jazz-influenced sound (“Tell Me a Tale”) – other times the music is stripped down to just an acoustic guitar and a light backing band to produce an intimate experience (“Always Waiting”). What doesn’t alter is Kiwanuka’s humility and integrity in keeping the songs true to themselves – never is there an instrument out of place or too much going on. Thanks to the help of producer Paul Butler, frontman of English funk-rock band The Bees, Kiwanuka’s sound sparks undeniable comparisons to Bill Withers, Otis Redding, and the sensational moods of 1970’s soul music. The title track and lead single, “Home Again”, is a strong example of this feel; this song captures the essence of Kiwanuka’s honest songwriting and humble musicianship, sharing the simplicity of classic tunes such as “Lean On Me” or “(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay”. Although Kiwanuka had previously studied professional Jazz guitar, he never plays more than a song needs. Thus, Kiwanuka never boasts the skill of a particular instrument, vocal skill, or lyrical mastery, but rather the full product of each song as its ultimatum. The songs are crafts of blending instruments with melodies to create an aesthetic that is simple, authentic, never flashy, but complex and rich. It is exciting and commendable how many artists in this generation are not just paying tribute to the styles of music of the past, but they are also honoring the same integrity that kind of music once had. Home Again isn't the greatest or most original album by any means, but it is refreshing to hear a young musician write original compositions that genuinely ignite flashes back to rich music of the past that has stood the test of time.
