Album Review
Lenny Kravitz – “Black and White America”
After a three year hiatus Lenny Kravitz is back with his newest release Black and White America. As a long time staple on the rock scene, for decades Kravitz has regularly churned out hit after hit (it’s hard to believe that “Let Love Rule” is more than twenty years old now). Over the years Kravitz has topped the charts with his unique blend of pop, jazz, R&B and funk that is firmly rooted in rock and roll.
After a three year hiatus Lenny Kravitz is back with his newest release Black and White America. As a long time staple on the rock scene, for decades Kravitz has regularly churned out hit after hit (it’s hard to believe that “Let Love Rule” is more than twenty years old now). Over the years Kravitz has topped the charts with his unique blend of pop, jazz, R&B and funk that is firmly rooted in rock and roll. It’s interesting then that on Black and White America rock and roll almost takes a back seat to the incredible funky vibe he’s laid down; this is a seriously funky disc! Guest appearances by Jay-Z and Drake round out the release bringing a very cool hip-hop/rap vibe to it as well.
Lyrically Kravitz still cultivates an almost idealistic faith in mankind’s ability to change the world through peace and love and most of the sixteen tracks on this record deal with this in one way or another. God and religion have also been recurring themes in his previous work and they once again play prominently into this record as well. I think the album’s overall vibe is summed up in the title of the song, “Life Ain’t Ever Been Better Than It Is Now.” Kravitz is in a good place and it shows as Black and White America is over an hour of super-enjoyable tunes.
If someone had only $.99 cents and asked me which song to download I would have a hard time picking one as they’re all really good. If pressed however, I think I’d have to say the punk-influenced tune, “Rock Star City Life.” Not much else can be said about this offering; its’ a stellar release from one of the most consistent and well-respected musicians in the business and is more than worth the price of admission.
Track Listing:
01. Black and White America
02. Come And Get it
03. In The Black
04. Liquid Jesus
05. Rock Star City Life
06. Boongie Drop
07. Stand
08. Superlove
09. Everything
10. I Can’t Be Without You
11. Looking Back On Love
12. Life Ain’t Ever Been Better than it Is Now
13. The Faith Of A Child
14. Sunflower
15. Dream
16. Push
Total Time 66:11
Release Date: August 29, 2011
Check out the song: “Black and White America”
Take That (w/ Olly Murs) Kick Off Four-Night Leeds Stint with Hit-Laden Spectacular [Photos]
The V13 Fix #010 w/ High on Fire, NOFX, My Dying Bride and more
Hastings Beat Punks Kid Kapichi Vent Their Frustrations at Leeds Beckett University [Photos]
-
Music5 days agoTake That (w/ Olly Murs) Kick Off Four-Night Leeds Stint with Hit-Laden Spectacular [Photos]
-
Alternative/Rock6 days agoThe V13 Fix #010 w/ High on Fire, NOFX, My Dying Bride and more
-
Hardcore/Punk2 weeks agoHastings Beat Punks Kid Kapichi Vent Their Frustrations at Leeds Beckett University [Photos]
-
Alternative/Rock2 weeks agoA Rejuvenated Dream State are ‘Still Dreaming’ as They Bounce Into Manchester YES [Photos]
-
Features5 days agoTour Diary: Gen & The Degenerates Party Their Way Across America
-
Culture1 week agoDan Carter & George Miller Chat Foodinati Live, Heavy Metal Charities and Pre-Gig Meals
-
Music1 week agoReclusive Producer Stumbleine Premieres Beat-Driven New Single “Cinderhaze”
-
Alternative/Rock1 week agoThree Lefts and a Right Premiere Their Guitar-Driven Single “Lovulator”