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Kiwanuka
by
Kiwanuka Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 95 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the indie singer-songwriter was produced by by Danger Mouse and Inflo.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 22, 2019
    100
    Ultimately, this is an album in which a troubled spirit seeks the relief of music to mesmerising and charged effect. And that is timeless.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 25, 2019
    100
    This is an exceptionally compelling, absorbing, rich, and genuinely human piece of work.
  3. The Guardian
    Nov 1, 2019
    100
    It sounds timeless and contemporary; the instrumental interludes and the stylistic and tempo shifts all hang together because of his warm, sincere vocals and fantastic songwriting.
  4. Chicago Tribune
    Nov 4, 2019
    88
    Songs melt into one another without losing their identities. Kiwanuka’s narrators drift through a world torn by violence and racism and find purpose. His voice remains plaintive, understated, deeply textured, but there’s a resolve that wasn’t as evident on his earlier work.
  5. PopMatters
    Nov 14, 2019
    80
    Kiwanuka could very well be one of the best albums of 2019. But Kiwanuka is also a beautiful, deep place that feels like it will be worth visiting, not just in the last month of this year, but throughout a listener's lifetime.
  6. AllMusic
    Nov 4, 2019
    80
    Kiwanuka stands head and shoulders above it as a complex, communicative, poetic, and sometimes even profound collection that wears its heart on its sleeve and its sophistication in its grooves.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 4, 2019
    60
    The only downside is that Kiwanuka could have been even braver.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. elliottw
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    Quite possibly one of the greatest albums of the 21st century. A sublime, soulful experience.
  2. ratingmusicinas
    Dec 2, 2019
    10
    A perfect 10. I don't know what more you can ask for from an album. One of the top albums of the decade for me and perhaps THE album of theA perfect 10. I don't know what more you can ask for from an album. One of the top albums of the decade for me and perhaps THE album of the decade. It's a fully realized, cohesive work. Absolutely no skips. 10/10… Expand
  4. davidwill4real
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    "Kiwanuka" manages to do what seemed impossible: to surpass his predecessor and to further explore the sound and artistic capacity of his"Kiwanuka" manages to do what seemed impossible: to surpass his predecessor and to further explore the sound and artistic capacity of his namesake artist. A really impressive passage through the mind and heart of a shy artist who is already one of the best artists of his generation.… Expand
  5. sshpv
    Nov 1, 2019
    9
    Michael's greatest record to date. Touching, soulful and honest. Beautiful, heartbreaking record. Also one of the best releases this year.
  6. notor12
    Nov 2, 2019
    9
    It's a beautiful album, and highly appropriate to the needs of these times in all respects.

    I'm giving it a 9 because it feels a bit    It's a beautiful album, and highly appropriate to the needs of these times in all respects.

    I'm giving it a 9 because it feels a bit preachy instead of personal/emotional, but it gets the core of the emotional journey to peace of mind right. This is certainly Michael Kiwanuka's best album.

    Album of the year is between this and Ghosteen for me. I think this album is an easier listen but Ghosteen is more subtle in capturing the journey through grief and finding hope on the other side. Tough choice.    … Expand
  7. Ricko
    Dec 10, 2019
    8
    Tipped for big things before he ever released his debut, my own humble opinion is that Michael Kiwanuka didn't do his immense talent just onTipped for big things before he ever released his debut, my own humble opinion is that Michael Kiwanuka didn't do his immense talent just on either his debut or its follow up. Both are solid records and there is a clear progression between album's one and two but you feel they both could have been better records. Like Kiwanuka's previous works, this eponymous 3rd album sounds like a record from a different era. This progresses and fine tunes his sounds even further. The wings are spread on this one and he has delivered upon that early promise. This is his strongest and most consistent collection of songs. Loads of highlights, no lowpoints. Michael has hit this one out of the park. Well produced as well.… Expand
  8. Xxxzra
    Jan 22, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is ok . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. .… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

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