Lenny Kravitz “Blue Electric Light”
After a 35-year Grammy-filled career, Lenny Kravitz’s vintage-themed aesthetic has become an enduring style that remains appreciated over time. With his 12th studio album, Kravitz reaffirms his status as one of rock’s most versatile and enduring artists. Track one, “It’s Just Another Fine Day (In This Universe of Love),” has the mellow groove that sets the album’s overall mood. The Star Wars-themed “TK421” is a snappy electro-funk tune that recalls Prince, this style is also heard on the danceable “Bundle of Joy.” The organic soul of “Honey” follows, and his approach is as smooth as the title suggests. “Paralyzed” is a rare rocker, but the tempo remains slow and the lyrics are more self-reflective.
The album’s big radio-ready single, “Human,” has an 80s-styled synth and rhythm as he sings, “I came here to be alive, I’m here to be human.” At the album’s midpoint, the songs are less immediate, but we get another rocker, “Love is My Religion,” and a breezy love theme, “Spirit in My Heart.” Overall, there is plenty here to make this highly recommended.
Crowded House “Gravity Stairs”
Neil Finn and the band’s original bassist, Nick Seymour, continue to lead Crowded House with the assistance of Elroy and Liam, Neil’s sons. The starter, “Magic Piano,” is a soothing, harmony-laden track about receiving a “contact high” while making music. Each song glides and lingers on sonic details; “The Howl” feels like a big single, with its desire for connection, and it’s my favorite here.
Many songs are about getting older and wiser and understanding that you can’t control many things in this life. “All That I Can Ever Own,” is about this acceptance and another highlight. And just when you drift off to “Blurry Grass,” the band wakes you up with “I Can’t Keep Up With You.” You might fall asleep if you don’t sift through the album’s treasures; it has a distinct haze of daydreaming. But those gems make it music that deserves to be heard.
