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There’s been a bit of pressure on young Michael Kiwanuka’s shoulders. Winning the BBC’s Sound of 2012 poll and regularly being compared to the likes of Bill Withers and Otis Redding would be enough to set most musicians up for a fall.
But the folk-soul singers debut album does not disappoint.
Assured lyrics, the smooth baritone crooning that we’ve come to expect from the Londoner, and plenty of jazz flute (thankfully not Ron Burgundy-esque) all combine to create a 21st century album that harks back to the early 70s, without sounding like they tried too hard.
Home Again deals with the themes of being lost, lonely and burdened, especially on tracks like Home Again, I Won’t Lie and Always Waiting , probably drawn from the experience of working as a session guitarist for Chipmunk.
The Bee’s Paul Butler handles production, and much credit is due to him for making sure the album sounds so natural.
Musically Home Again is littered with saxophone, string and bass arrangements and Kiwanuka’s own acoustic, nicely blending folk, soul, jazz and gospel into the mix.
But the success of the album boils down to the 24 year old himself. The songs are sincere and Kiwanuka has a way of making you believe every word he is singing.
The tracks may sound old but the ideas behind them certainly resonate with today.
Worry Walks Beside Me is a desolate and brooding track, but in the current economical and political climate people aren’t going to connect with pop stars singing about sex or rappers bragging about dollars and watches.
Home Again is the work of an honest artist, full of easy melodies and a warm, live feel, that sounds like you should have dug it out of your Dad’s attic vinyl collection rather than downloaded it from iTunes.