Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Aug 9, 2012
    90
    Kiwanuka crafts an opus so insular that it feels like a one-on-one conversation between he and you.
  2. 83
    From the jazzy folk of "I'm Getting Ready" to the lush flutes and horns of "Tell Me a Tale," Kiwanuka smolders.
  3. 80
    By adding little touches like a gospel call and response ("Bones") and a haunting, echoing choir ("Always Waiting"), the listening becomes a more rewarding experience.
  4. Mojo
    Mar 22, 2012
    80
    It is an easy album to like. [Apr 2012, p.85]
  5. Mar 19, 2012
    80
    There's obviously more to come, but this eagerly awaited debut disc doesn't disappoint.
  6. Q Magazine
    Mar 14, 2012
    80
    [An] accomplished work of depth and distinction. [April 2012, p.88]
  7. Mar 12, 2012
    80
    He's made the kind of record that every kid rummaging through boxes of Seventies vinyl at the car boot sale hopes to find. One that lovingly reassembles a 21st-century impression of that era's warm autumnal hues and tactile textures.
  8. Mar 12, 2012
    80
    This is an absolute treat for fans of rootsy vintage soul and a remarkable statement of intent for a debut release.
  9. Mar 12, 2012
    80
    It seems a faintly ridiculous thing to say about an album that's so clearly busting a gut to sound 40 years older than it actually is, but it feels natural rather than forced or calculating.
  10. Jul 31, 2012
    76
    It's Kiwanuka's staggering voice that makes you wince at its unrestrained sincerity and tenderness.
  11. Aug 1, 2012
    75
    On Home Again, the young Kiwanuka proves that youth and wisdom are not mutually exclusive and his insights and talents, albeit still a bit raw, suggest great things to come.
  12. Mar 15, 2012
    70
    Those expecting a more swaggering form of vintage soul will find themselves awfully disenchanted. But for the most part, it still holds together as a serene meditation that vacillates with a refined grace and beauty.
  13. Uncut
    Mar 14, 2012
    70
    There will doubtless be more varied shades on future records, but for now, this pensive debut gives notice of a fine new talent. [Apr 2012, p.80]
  14. Mar 12, 2012
    70
    Kiwanuka's approach may be old fashioned but his is a sound full of warmth and subtlety.
  15. Mar 12, 2012
    70
    It might not heave with originality, but it's run through with a faith and sincerity that just about overpowers reservations.
  16. Mar 12, 2012
    70
    A record that has clearly been crafted with great care and a terrific talent behind both the songwriting and the production.
  17. 70
    Home Again provides a sumptuously soft place for tired ears to rest.
  18. Jul 25, 2012
    60
    While Kiwanuka is extremely talented, his songwriting needs work; some tunes are weighed down by clunky melodic or clumsy lyric turns.
  19. May 23, 2012
    60
    A record that radiates like a yule log.
  20. 60
    A pleasant-enough handful of easy-going songs, in which the focus on warmth has left them lacking bite... but the warmth of that voice is undeniably beguiling.
  21. Home Again is sweet, inoffensive, well-intentioned and gently, grainily melancholic, and it operates most fluently at the slow temperature which offends some while delighting others.
  22. Mar 12, 2012
    60
    To say Michael Kiwanuka's debut is not the most modern-sounding album would be an elephant-sized understatement.
  23. Mar 12, 2012
    60
    A record that settles into a nicely crafted, twinkly retro rut without really grabbing you by anything more vital than your lapels; tweedy, bespoke, second-hand.
  24. Magnet
    Jul 20, 2012
    55
    Home Again is an album with a powerful voice, but little to say. [No.89, p.56]
  25. Oct 9, 2012
    50
    While Home Again rockets with infinite promise and closes on the moody brilliance of the Dan Auerbach-assisted "Lasan," the interim doesn't always clear that high bar.
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Apr 30, 2018
    6
    Special CD for people who love this genre. Not for someone who loves mainstream music. The CD is blues-like, but reasonably weak.
  2. Jan 12, 2013
    10
    Really great album.. Cool old retro sound and filled with a bunch of really nice tracks. Low key, but in the best way. Can't wait for the next one!
  3. Mar 23, 2012
    8
    Very strong debut from London soul artist. It might be the style of music but the record sounds more mature than his years. Most of the songsVery strong debut from London soul artist. It might be the style of music but the record sounds more mature than his years. Most of the songs are very well written and at 10 tracks (38 minutes) it's the ideal length for this type of music. Musically it reminds me of Van Morrison's early stuff a lot the time while the vocals definitely sounds like they're from a different era. He's been compared to Otis Redding - not sure if he has as good a voice as him, but there are similarities. He reminds me of Ray Lamontagne's voice. The final track "Worry Walks Beside Me" is one of the best closers I've heard in a long time. Tipped for big things by the BBC Sound of 2012 poll, that nod alone has guaranteed him some commercial success. Hopefully he can build on it over the years to come. There is no doubting he is very talented. Full Review »