About this item

“Small Changes” is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Michael’s eponymous third LP, the Mercury Prize winning, and Grammy Award nominated “KIWANUKA”.

“Small Changes” was produced alongside Danger Mouse and Inflo, the team behind the globally acclaimed “KIWANUKA” and its equally acclaimed predecessor, “Love & Hate”. The new record was recorded between London and Los Angeles. The core trio made up of Kiwanuka and his trusty co-producers expanded into a wish-list ensemble that featured legendary bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo, John Mayer, Beyoncé) and Jimmy Jam of the iconic Jam and Lewis songwriting and production duo (Janet Jackson, Prince, SOS Band).

A welcome return for one of Britain’s most talented of songwriters, most recognisable of vocalists, and most virtuosic of guitarists.

STAFF COMMENTS

Paul says: He’s back! After a five year hiatus, Michael Kiwanuka has returned with his fourth studio album, ‘Small Changes’ - another collaboration with super producers Inflo and Danger Mouse that brings that familiar and wonderful sound we’ve come to love from the now 37-year-old North Londoner.

Lead single and album opener ‘Floating Parade’ has a feel of Air circa-Moon Safari, with a consistent, rolling bass perfectly played by legendary musician Pino Palladino. ‘Lowdown (part i)’ sees Kiwanuka reflecting on being down and out but offering a musical sense of optimism, and sister track ‘Lowdown (part ii)’ is a pure instrumental full of rousing string arrangements and guitar sounds that take influence from Pink Floyd.

The intro to penultimate album track ‘The Rest Of Me’ takes us straight back to his debut album ‘Home Again’, but then the drum machine kicks in and kicks off a minute-long musical lead in before the words arrive, and it’s reassuring confirmation that he has no intention of resting on his laurels.

With great soul, this latest collection of songs achieves a direct hit on the heart by keeping it simple, melodically and lyrically - evocatively leading us through Kiwanuka’s musical heart grounds of R&B grooves, psychedelic flourishes, folk storytelling, and pop savvy. There are stories that dig into the personal and hit out at the political all at once, that explore the big and the small stuff, but always with a cadence that hits that sweet spot between sorrowful and sanguine.

We needed this album.

TRACK LISTING

Floating Parade
Small Changes
One And Only
Rebel Soul
Lowdown (part I)
Lowdown (part Ii)
Follow Your Dreams
Live For Your Love
Stay By My Side
The Rest Of Me
Four Long Years