Review by Lisa Nash

This is the 9^th studio album by Lenny Kravitz, and in essence is a funk rock musical exploration, it’s a real cocktail and Lenny seems to need a genre all of his own. It has a very retro feel, making it familiar at first hearing, it is top class with regards to quality of musicianship (whoever they may be) and overall is very uplifting and positive.

The title track opens the show, Black and White America has a 1970’s feel about it, rich sounding horns give this its groove and it reminds me of something else. Its message is personal to Lenny Kravitz and it rejoices in the changes in America since they elected their first black president. Come on Get it makes you want to dance, In the Black makes me think of Kim Wilde’s Kids in America and Liquid Jesus is possibly my favourite track, it is sublime with an infectious groove and instantly catchy. Rock Star City Life is rockier, grittier, different in style with strong hooks and up-tempo feel good factor. But the most likely dance floor filler comes from Boongie Drop featuring Jay Z, catchy, summery, fun and more contemporary, a real stand out track. Stand is positive to the point of gleeful, anthemic with rock beat underlying the funk. Super Love could have been written by Quincy Jones, its pure 70’s disco, Everything bounces along, a lively song and Looking Back on Love is smooth and its synths and horns give it a hot sweaty New York vibe. Life Ain’t Ever been Better is a optimistic party, Rio Carnival meets James Brown followed by the gospel hopefulness of The Faith of a Child with its huge chorus and African rhythms. Sunflower featuring Drake takes us back to the carnival, fun, young and fresh, unfortunately I have no idea who Drake is. Dream is epic, a choir of angels led by a piano, lovely and incredibly uplifting and finally Rush is energetic and joyous and a fitting end to the album.

16 tracks makes this very good value, plus there are bonus tracks on deluxe editions. I felt this album had messed with my mind, it was hard to work out, a conundrum. Each track felt different and yet they hung together with a thread running through them all, tying them together, they felt old, like stuff from my childhood yet remained original. Basically it made you think and listen to the music rather than allowing it to wash over you, and while it is nothing like the music I normally listen to, it will definitely be getting played again. I was not really a Kravitz fan before, but after listening to this I am converted.