Kiwanuka
by Michael Kiwanuka
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 95
  3. Negative: 3 out of 95
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  1. u77654
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Absolutely flawless, the first album in years that I can listen to in its entirety
  2. lovezero
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of this year. it grows on you with each listening. I guess his best album so far. the album has not only melancholic and happy but also extravert and introvert moments. great production beyond question.
  3. Raphael2017
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    Michael se superou, eu fui com expectativas e fui muito surpreendido, álbum completo que vai ser tornar atemporal.
  4. 1mavin
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    From the first track "You Aint The Problem"
    You will know that this is an album worth your lifetime. Even though LOVE & HATE was a masterpiece, KIWANUKA is greater then its predecessor album.
    Definitely Top 3 album of the year
  5. Tenaciousheiner
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    I just finished my second listen to the album. It is elating me currently. I find I am in a state of bliss as I'm driving along, the mix of soulfulness with the perfect production from Danger Mouse makes this an album I'll be playing until I have intimately mapped its nuances. Definitely worth picking up!
  6. Pinejap
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    A stunningly sublime listen, best done in a single, uninterrupted sitting - or in my case, with headphones, in a dark, quiet place. The interwoven tracks tell a modern tale, with such an interesting mix of styles and a 60-70s vibe throughout. Wah-wah guitars, clever background chatter, harps, violins, gospel choirs and psychedelic themes. All pulled together with Michael’s soft, soulfulA stunningly sublime listen, best done in a single, uninterrupted sitting - or in my case, with headphones, in a dark, quiet place. The interwoven tracks tell a modern tale, with such an interesting mix of styles and a 60-70s vibe throughout. Wah-wah guitars, clever background chatter, harps, violins, gospel choirs and psychedelic themes. All pulled together with Michael’s soft, soulful voice. I am seriously excited about this album. Not heard the likes for literally decades. For me, truly faultless.… Expand
  7. 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 the decade. It's a fully realized, cohesive work. Absolutely no skips. 10/10
  8. Jacken27
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Phenomenal album. Very emotional insight into a man who once felt isolated and alienated who has found himself and his identity.
  9. 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 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.
  10. elliottw
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    Quite possibly one of the greatest albums of the 21st century. A sublime, soulful experience.
  11. 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.
  12. sklltr
    Aug 3, 2020
    9
    The album is very well produced, a true blend of modern and classic techniques that does justice to both. Despite a couple instances of clunky lyrics, the album as whole is cohesive and dynamic, with meaningful themes behind most of the songs. A very enjoyable listening experience.
  13. 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 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    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
  14. 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 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 recordTipped 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
  15. Wuwazz
    Mar 5, 2021
    8
    Great album, an instant classic: every track is good and it’s a very pleasant listening from the very beginning to the end. Definitely one of the best lp of 2019.
  16. sammyanthony
    Nov 13, 2019
    7
    KIWANUKA starts. At the first 3 songs, U2 imposture creeps in and then leaves with no impressions. The remaining begins to take over with soul-infused. Intros and its corresponding songs are done nicely, except the track Hero, as it's intricate but bland. At the end, it leaves no marks but acknowledgement that KIWANUKA is just an exhibition of musical skills and just that.
  17. BrezeanuEdy
    Nov 1, 2019
    7
    I love Michael . I was so hyped for this album after i saw the reviews . But in the end this was just an okay album . There wasn't any song from this album that made me say "wow this is such a good song . But there also weren't any song which made me say "wow thid is a bad song ". In conclusion this album is just okay for me nothing else
  18. fredphoesh
    Dec 4, 2019
    6
    Highly over-rated album. Not BAD but not worth listening to IMO. Nothing special. Sonically it is scratchy and annoying, so... why would I want to listen to music that SOUNDS unpleasant.
  19. lightworker
    Dec 4, 2019
    3
    Showcasing vocal deficiencies, this sweet retro-soul suite sounds like a demo.

    I adored his sophomore album "Love & Hate", but "Kiwanuka" is rather boring. Production and instrumentational arrangements are nice, but over-compressed, and the songs are idling, lamenting and not very strong. There's no real musical hook – and above all no emotion. Mr. Kiwanukas singing style was never very    Showcasing vocal deficiencies, this sweet retro-soul suite sounds like a demo.

    I adored his sophomore album "Love & Hate", but "Kiwanuka" is rather boring. Production and instrumentational arrangements are nice, but over-compressed, and the songs are idling, lamenting and not very strong. There's no real musical hook – and above all no emotion. Mr. Kiwanukas singing style was never very forceful, but here it is especially frustrating, expressionless and bland. I'm sorry, but to me "Kiwanuka" sounds like a bad rip-off of "Love & Hate" without any inspiration.    … Expand
  20. Xxxzra
    Jan 22, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is ok . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. .… Expand

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2019
64
#64 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Quietus
    Nov 15, 2019
    90
    It’s very easy for a reviewer to play armchair warrior and forward claims for all sorts of nonsense for music they like. But this is a glorious, heart-stopping, essential album. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by it.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Paste Magazine
    Nov 12, 2019
    85
    An album that could have been a grueling downer from start to finish. Instead, it’s a testament to perseverance, determination and a vivid creative imagination from an artist who seems to have finally found himself, and that’s profound enough.
    Read full review
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