Lenny Kravitz - Black and White America (2011)

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The long awaited 9th studio album by Lenny Kravitz is almost amongst us. After the delay in finishing the album, and the push backs from the original release date, the album's release has now been settled for the end of summer. Possibly a little late for Lenny to be releasing ‘Black & White America’ since the majority of songs on here were meant to be enjoyed on a hot summers day, catching the rays with a cocktail of your choice by your side and a few friends to hang out with to spread the good times. Unfortunately, the record does come with its problems that might jeopardize the credit of the artist. As it is always the way with Lenny Kravitz, you are invited to a host of instrumentally glories that most artists just cannot muster. Credited with playing the piano, the drums, the synthesizer and the acoustic, electric and bass guitars, this one man band only had the help of the trusted Craig Ross to aid him with a more acoustic and electric guitar magic. Oh and did I mention Hip Hop icons Jay-Z and Drake along with DJ Military feature as well! The album features different numbers inspired from late 70s/early 80s funk, reinvented for the ears of the modern generation. Possibly for the connoisseur, it might have been too much to cope with as something is missing. There is a range of styles to choose from as you can either rock out with the guitar heavy ‘Come On Get It’, get under the covers with the Barry White bass vibes in ‘Looking Back On Love’ or smile in ecstasy with the fun loving bouncy ‘Everything’. However, there isn’t really a stand out classic song that will last forever to keep this record going. On previous albums, the 4 time Grammy award winner has brought that special spark to the front that has blown the world away. Unfortunately I can’t see it on this record. An easy record to listen to will suit the outdoors in the background when you are chilling with your amigos or driving down the riviera to the seaside which is hard to come by nowadays is an achievement in itself. ‘Black & White America’ is not going to turn heads and is certainly not the best Lenny Kravitz work you will come across but by just reading the song titles of the tracks and listening to the aftermath suggests that Lenny is in a good place. Particularly the track ‘Life Ain’t Ever Been Better Than It Is Now’ brings out the positive energy Lenny is famous for.

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Tracklist:
01. Black And White America (04:35)
02. Come On Get It (04:26)
03. In The Black (03:24)
04. Liquid Jesus (03:28)
05. Rock Star City Life (03:24)
06. Boongie Drop (Feat. Jay Z and Dj Military) (03:49)
07. Stand (03:20)
08. Superlove (03:29)
09. Everything (03:38)
10. I Can't Be Without You (04:48)
11. Looking Back On Love (05:36)
12. Life Ain't Ever Been Better Than It Is Now (04:17)
13. The Faith Of A Child (04:06)
14. Sunflower (Feat. Drake) (04:14)
15. Dream (05:11)
16. Push (04:23)