Small Changes - Michael Kiwanuka - Mellope album review
OVERVIEW:
This is definitely a strong point in music! The alternative-indie and the wide range of instrumentals shown in unique lights is what makes me want to listen again; it starts with an amazing song and ends with still a tonne of hope for future releases! The downside is that sometimes you can't hear the lyrics, so the messages can come across blurred, but I don't think this is down to production quality; rather, it's the way the artist sings. Despite that, messages are still being spread throughout the whole album, and it equates to something meaningful. This is a good listen and a break from all the mainstream pumped-out music; the soulful side really shines through too! Give this a listen 100%!
TRACK-BY-TRACK REVIEW:
1. Floating Parade (8/10)
'Floating Parade' makes you feel a relaxed, controlled atmosphere that works as a soulful start to the album; Michael's alternative indie uses drum and bass to add to the well-composed feel. The song speaks about seeking comfort in an uncomfortable situation, and it definitely shows this well! As a keen listener of unique music with a feel, this was top-notch!
2. Small Changes (6/10)
The electric guitar with the keyboard and drums created a solid pop base to support Kiwanuka's voice, along with the song having a real substance that keeps the album's feel.
3. One And Only (7/10)
This once again highlights the genius of Michael, with the guitar and bass creating the gentle pattern across the song. This is well thought out and just skilled. Directed by Barack Obama's daughter, this shows creativity and the album.
4. Rebel Soul (6/10)
The catchy repeated chorus is the part that makes this song thrive, along with the wide range of instrumentals and backing vocals. Just like track 2, this isn't perfect, but it fits into the album tracklist well and solidifies itself as a place in the album.
5 & 6. Lowdown (Part I and Part II) (7/10)
These parts merged well together and were something that I found quite pleasant, as we live in a world mainly made up of TikTok music. It's good to see real artistic essence here, like the guitar solo and rhythm of the track feeling just right. The lowdown parts are something that has soul and character; this really reminded me of deep, passionate, and well-made music.
7. Follow Your Dreams (6.5/10)
This has a very dreamy beat that works well with Kiwunuka, and the production and mixing serve as a strong point with the instrumentals timed correctly and at the right pitch. This is the type of song to sit down and get inspired to, and it spreads the messages as said in the title. Great song!
8. Live For Your Love (7/10)
The guitar melody was so unique and catchy; it sounded like something you'd hear in a country setting! The synthesiser worked well, and Michael's voice could've had more emotion in it (just like the other tracks), but the way he sings isn't bad; it fits the meaningful, deep, stylish vibe it's supposed to be, especially with the instrumentals!
9. Stay By My Side (7/10)
The light piano and drums with the electric guitar were an interesting choice for a background base to a song like this, but Kiwanaku made it work! It has depth and spreads a message of wanting someone to stay by your side! This follows similarly to the rest of the album while bonding another unique story.
10. The Rest Of Me (6.5/10)
This really had the synthesiser put to good use! This is a steady, worthy album track that has a well-engineered sound and is very natural apart from the few synthesiser hints.
11. Four Long Years (6.5/10)
With a strong end to the album, 'Four Long Years' has a softer piano and drumbeat to create a lighter tone but with more feel. Kiwanuka talks about someone moving on from love and the fact that it's a shame, and Michael tones this incredibly well; the only negative is that it's hard to understand his words.
BEST - 'Floating Parade'
WORST - 'Rebel Soul'
ALBUM RATING - 7/10
OVERVIEW:
This is definitely a strong point in music! The alternative-indie and the wide range of instrumentals shown in unique lights is what makes me want to listen again; it starts with an amazing song and ends with still a tonne of hope for future releases! The downside is that sometimes you can't hear the lyrics, so the messages can come across blurred, but I don't think this is down to production quality; rather, it's the way the artist sings. Despite that, messages are still being spread throughout the whole album, and it equates to something meaningful. This is a good listen and a break from all the mainstream pumped-out music; the soulful side really shines through too! Give this a listen 100%!
TRACK-BY-TRACK REVIEW:
1. Floating Parade (8/10)
'Floating Parade' makes you feel a relaxed, controlled atmosphere that works as a soulful start to the album; Michael's alternative indie uses drum and bass to add to the well-composed feel. The song speaks about seeking comfort in an uncomfortable situation, and it definitely shows this well! As a keen listener of unique music with a feel, this was top-notch!
2. Small Changes (6/10)
The electric guitar with the keyboard and drums created a solid pop base to support Kiwanuka's voice, along with the song having a real substance that keeps the album's feel.
3. One And Only (7/10)
This once again highlights the genius of Michael, with the guitar and bass creating the gentle pattern across the song. This is well thought out and just skilled. Directed by Barack Obama's daughter, this shows creativity and the album.
4. Rebel Soul (6/10)
The catchy repeated chorus is the part that makes this song thrive, along with the wide range of instrumentals and backing vocals. Just like track 2, this isn't perfect, but it fits into the album tracklist well and solidifies itself as a place in the album.
5 & 6. Lowdown (Part I and Part II) (7/10)
These parts merged well together and were something that I found quite pleasant, as we live in a world mainly made up of TikTok music. It's good to see real artistic essence here, like the guitar solo and rhythm of the track feeling just right. The lowdown parts are something that has soul and character; this really reminded me of deep, passionate, and well-made music.
7. Follow Your Dreams (6.5/10)
This has a very dreamy beat that works well with Kiwunuka, and the production and mixing serve as a strong point with the instrumentals timed correctly and at the right pitch. This is the type of song to sit down and get inspired to, and it spreads the messages as said in the title. Great song!
8. Live For Your Love (7/10)
The guitar melody was so unique and catchy; it sounded like something you'd hear in a country setting! The synthesiser worked well, and Michael's voice could've had more emotion in it (just like the other tracks), but the way he sings isn't bad; it fits the meaningful, deep, stylish vibe it's supposed to be, especially with the instrumentals!
9. Stay By My Side (7/10)
The light piano and drums with the electric guitar were an interesting choice for a background base to a song like this, but Kiwanaku made it work! It has depth and spreads a message of wanting someone to stay by your side! This follows similarly to the rest of the album while bonding another unique story.
10. The Rest Of Me (6.5/10)
This really had the synthesiser put to good use! This is a steady, worthy album track that has a well-engineered sound and is very natural apart from the few synthesiser hints.
11. Four Long Years (6.5/10)
With a strong end to the album, 'Four Long Years' has a softer piano and drumbeat to create a lighter tone but with more feel. Kiwanuka talks about someone moving on from love and the fact that it's a shame, and Michael tones this incredibly well; the only negative is that it's hard to understand his words.
BEST - 'Floating Parade'
WORST - 'Rebel Soul'
ALBUM RATING - 7/10