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Kiwanuka's Soul Opus: Heartbreak and Self-Discovery
1 Sep
Summary
- Album explores themes of longing, self-assessment, and heartbreak.
- Features a collaboration with producer Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton.
- Ten-minute opener "Cold Little Heart" is a standout track.
Michael Kiwanuka's *Love & Hate* presents a sprawling soul opus rich with longing and self-assessment. The album's sound is permeated by a sense of melancholy, with Kiwanuka's vocals conveying a struggle between hope and hopelessness.
This creative period followed a challenging time for Kiwanuka after his debut's success. He felt lost, even during a collaboration with Kanye West for the Yeezus sessions, struggling to find his creative footing.
Collaborating with producer Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton, known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Broken Bells, Kiwanuka was encouraged to build songs from scratch. This resulted in robust, nostalgic tracks, including the album's 10-minute opener, "Cold Little Heart."
The album incorporates a full choir, adding a grand and triumphant richness. Tracks like "Black Man in a White World" blend Afrobeat influences with introspective lyrics addressing inner strife and societal issues.
While *Love & Hate* represents a creative step forward with influences from soul legends, it still leaves the listener with a sense of Kiwanuka's ongoing exploration of angst and his search for inner tranquility.
