Lenny Kravitz - Black & White America - CD Album Review
He’s a class above most artists that are around these days and it’s a relief to know that he’s still plying his trade and is still as creative and influential as ever.
Lenny Kravitz seems to be one of these artists that never grow old. Hes been making a splash in the music world since 1989, with his debut album Let Love Rule, but his music and his appearance are always fresh, creative and modern. It takes something special to last in the music industry for as long as he has and Kravitz, indeed, is a special, talented artist. He often plays all the instruments while recording - this is unbelievable in itself, but when you think that Kravitz has such a distinctive style that incorporates such diverse elements of music such as soul, reggae, psychedelia and hard rock, it makes this feat much more impressive and is just one example of many of his creativity and talent that oozes out of every release. He won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance from 1999 to 2002, breaking the record in the process for most wins in that category. Hes also been nominated, and won, many other awards namely the BRIT Awards and MTV Music Video Awards. But things havent always been so rosy for the man formerly known as Romeo Blue. Like every musician/artist/band out there, hes faced adversity and hardship but instead of giving up and wallowing in the recesses with the thousands of others who nearly made it but failed and are forgotten, he pulled through it and came out a stronger, more resolute person. This shows a firmer, stony character rather than the one who comes across in his songs, who interacts with the listener and makes them feel good about themselves. Its almost a juxtaposition to the fun, happy, friendly music he comes up with but its intriguing as well. It adds an unknown depth to his character and makes you like the guy even more. You know hes had to work hard, harder than most, to get where he is today. 
He was 15 when he first left home, determined to make it as a musician, and it was at this time that he slept on friends floors, sofas, cars and knew what it was like to go hungry and he become almost like a homeless person, sometimes having to sleep in his own car. This was until he met Teena Marie, the sadly deceased Ivory Queen of Soul a famous, influential R & B singer who took him in, took care of him and nurtured his obvious talent for music. He says that she changed my life, not only as an artist but as a person who truly loved me for who I was. He completely immersed himself in his music when his parents divorced in 1985 and it was at this point that things began to turn for him. He was beginning to get noticed, was starting to settle into a musical style and niche, and began to have faith in his own ability. With the help of an already established artist behind him, Kravitz was on the up and hasnt looked back since. Nine albums and millions of fans later, Kravitz is still going as strong as ever. But what does Black And White America have that will further distinguish him from the pack? A hell of a lot. Its a strong a release as any of his work and its inspiring to see a guy still obviously loving what he does and influencing so many other budding artists. It can stand alone, and be acclaimed as a resolute, creative release that is sure to sell as well as anything hes ever released. Black And White America, the opening track, is a danceable, enjoyable song full of trademark Kravitz: crooning, rugged vocals; bouncy bass; a bit of brass section popping up every so often to add to the nonconforming, slightly sexual feel of the song. Its sure to get dance-floors moving and is right up there with the class of opening tracks he always chooses. It moves effortlessly into the rest of the album and its this factor that makes this song such a strong choice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNSKwuo3PPw Boongie Drop, featuring Jay-Z and DJ Military, is a funky track that youd expect. The beat is tight, the vocals work well (even though they might be a little too chic with long-time Kravitz fans, itll appeal to younger fans) and its hard not to nod along to the song as it progresses. Jay-Zs vocals collide with the synth and it makes for a song with Jay-Zs authority stamped all over it. Kravitz takes a back seat here, but not so much as hes completely overshadowed: you know is influence is still lingering, as it should be on his own album. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGVyvofhKvY I Cant Be Without You, is a romantic song. Kravitz voice sways throughout the track and the beat is one that epitomises the side to his music that the amorous among us love. Its going to be a favourite with couples and is a track that many women will be asked to dance to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAI6Lh2gsUc Push, the final track, is a splendid, slow-paced, jazz-infused track. Kravitz vocals seem really at home here and along with the well-structured nature of the song, it makes for a really distinctive end. An end that you should really expect from a Kravitz album. The solo in this track is the best on offer, too. It brings back memories of his earlier days, when his material was more rock-based, but the overall feel of the song still remains modern and trendy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWtkKoghc2E With this release, Kravitz has shown that he can still make an impact. Hes a class above most artists that are around these days and its a relief to know that hes still plying his trade and is still as creative and influential as ever. Dont be surprised if another award comes his way soon, on the basis of this album. Lenny Kravitz - Black & White America is released in the UK on Monday, August 22nd.