10 Best UK Albums Of 2019
8. Michael Kiwanuka - KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka has been an accomplished and assured musician for almost a decade now. Starting out by working with rappers like Bashy and Chip (formerly known as Chipmunk), he really got his break in 2011 when he supported Adele on tour and ended up winning BBC’s sound of 2012, beating the likes of A$AP Rocky and Frank Ocean.
His two albums that followed showcased his immense musical talent and ear for combining the sounds of indie rock, soul and rnb. But his latest effort is in a league of its own.
Working with Inflo and Danger Mouse once again, he ended up crafting a record that wouldn’t feel out of place serving as the soundtrack for a gritty 1970’s crime movie. Thick fuzzy guitars, a smoky singing voice and his most mature songwriting yet culminated in one of the most uniform and consistent albums of the entire year. Songs like Piano Joint also have him bringing in orchestral elements to his music and given the right mood, it will make you tear up. No doubt.
The phrase “they don’t make albums like this anymore” is one of the most cliche sayings in music. But it is the most accurate way to describe KIWANUKA. They don’t make albums like this anymore.