Michael Kiwanuka’s latest album, Small Changes, opens like a dream you’ve half-forgotten: a haze of strings, a hum of vintage guitar, and that deep, unmistakable voice, soothing yet carrying the weight of all the things left unsaid. Kiwanuka isn’t here to shock you out of your seat or throw curveballs, but that doesn’t mean he’s coasting, either. Instead, he’s created a record that feels like a smooth expansion of his past work—a piece of musical continuity rather than a radical departure. That sense of consistency, of picking up where his previous self-titled album left off, is both the record’s charm and its occasional limitation.
The album begins with “Floating Parade,” a track that rolls out in layers, like the gentle unfurling of a lazy Sunday morning. There’s a warmth and ease here that makes you feel you’re listening to something found in an old crate at the back of a record shop rather than a new release. Kiwanuka’s familiar blend of soul, folk, and a pinch of psychedelia runs through it like a rich tapestry. But while this track—and indeed the whole album—feels soaked in nostalgia, there’s enough nuance in the production, courtesy of collaborators Danger Mouse and Inflo, to avoid sounding like a mere pastiche of the past.
“Lowdown (Part I)” and “Lowdown (Part II)” form the emotional heart of Small Changes. Together, they’re a journey into 70s Afro-rock vibes with the swagger of someone who’s not just imitating but deeply understanding the genre. The bass-heavy intro and airy vocals in “Part I” carry a mellow grit, while “Part II” swings into a shimmering, guitar-laden groove that feels like a lost gem from a Nigerian garage band. These two parts almost make you wonder if Kiwanuka has a time machine stashed somewhere—or at least some highly persuasive vinyl collection. Here, Kiwanuka draws on influences like Amanaz and Ofege, blending them with his own London edge, and it works beautifully.
But if Small Changes shines brightest when it leans into the past, it stumbles slightly when it strains for simplicity. Tracks like “One and Only” and “Live For Your Love” are tender enough, evoking familial love and self-reflection. However, there’s a fine line between simplicity and predictability, and Kiwanuka sometimes veers close to the latter. In these moments, the music feels like it’s looking for something profound to say but doesn’t quite land, relying on softer, gospel-like refrains that come across as repetitive.
There’s a saving grace, though, in Kiwanuka’s lyrics, which have evolved subtly since his last release. On “Stay By My Side,” he delves into water metaphors, singing about “rolling tides in the storm” and the steadfastness of staying anchored in love. It’s both romantic and grounded—a refreshing antidote to the modern tendency to over-sentimentalize. The whole track feels like a heartfelt, private note set to music, a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a man who’s made a living out of conveying universal truths.
Then there’s “Follow Your Dreams,” a track that feels like a pep talk set to a pulsating, synth-infused beat. But unlike most motivational anthems, this one is tinged with introspection. Rather than proclaiming victory over doubt, it acknowledges the work-in-progress nature of following one’s dreams—an artist taking his own advice without sounding smug about it. “Over and over again I left you cold,” he sings, a line that lands with a quiet thud. It’s an honest self-reflection on a career that often requires sacrificing the personal for the sake of the creative.
And that’s perhaps the essence of Small Changes—a record that doesn’t pretend to be revolutionary but instead feels like a conversation between old friends. The production, lush and layered without ever feeling overbearing, wraps around Kiwanuka’s vocals like a familiar coat, making you feel right at home. There’s a noticeable confidence in the simplicity of his sound, a belief that he doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make an impact.
Yet, for all its beauty, Small Changes does have moments where it feels like it could push a bit further. While fans will likely appreciate the continuity of Kiwanuka’s sound, those looking for a bold departure or a “Cold Little Heart” 2.0 might find themselves left wanting. There’s no song here with the sheer, magnetic pull of his past hits. Instead, this album is all about texture and tone, less a collection of potential chart-toppers and more an intimate body of work meant to be appreciated in its entirety.
The album’s title, Small Changes, is fitting. These are incremental shifts—a bit more introspection here, a touch of nostalgia there—rather than seismic movements. And while some might long for a bigger leap, it’s hard to fault Kiwanuka for sticking to what he knows and, indeed, what he excels at. He’s like a craftsman who’s found his groove, content to work and rework his creations rather than start fresh each time.
Ultimately, Small Changes feels like an album you settle into rather than dissect. It doesn’t demand to be deconstructed or placed under a microscope; it’s more like the perfect soundtrack for a long drive, a quiet evening, or an introspective morning. Kiwanuka’s voice, warm and slightly weathered, drifts over you like a half-remembered lullaby, and as the final notes fade, you’re left with a sense of contentment, as if you’ve spent an hour with an old friend who happens to know his way around a recording studio.
Small Changes Tracklisting:
- Floating Parade
- Small Changes
- One And Only
- Rebel Soul
- Lowdown (part i)
- Lowdown (part ii)
- Follow your Dreams
- Live For Your Love
- Stay By My Side
- The Rest Of Me
- Four Long Years
Small Changes is out November 22 via Geffen Records
Further reading: Michael Kiwanuka + La Force @ MTelus▪
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