Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes (Album Review)

Photo: Marco Grey

The title of Michael Kiwanuka’s latest record doesn’t necessarily represent an accurate depiction of the way his life has played out since he won the 2019 Mercury Prize with ‘Kiwanuka’. That prize in itself hardly fits the category of ‘Small Changes’, but it’s dwarfed by the birth of two children and a move out of his native London.

Testament to the 37-year-old songwriter’s powers of creativity, his fourth studio album feels like it’s been with us for years – even upon first listen. There’s something reassuring about Kiwanuka’s music, allowing the listener to immediately feel at ease with it. Despite the relative tumult of life events surrounding its creation, it reflects familiarity like a favourite blanket.

‘Love & Hate’, the title track from Kiwanuka’s breakthrough 2016 album, offered a sense of grandiosity that isn’t as much of a priority here. Rather than epics that elevate the whole, the focus is instead on consistency. 

Kiwanuka isn’t working alone here, with previous collaborators Danger Mouse and Inflo both contributing to a solid working group. Opener Floating Parade bears echoes of past tracks without invading their territory, with its strings creating a soulful, laid back groove, while Rebel Soul delivers in much the same fashion. Its piano-led jazzy core is satisfying and relaxing, with one particular chord change interestingly pointing to Radiohead.

The excellent One And Only boasts some brilliant guitar playing, at times recalls Bernard Butler’s stint in Suede, and the title track utilises Kiwanuka’s unmistakable guitar tone throughout a gorgeously sleepy cut.

Lowdown (Part 1) is subtly majestic, its buzzing guitars refusing to retreat, with the accompanying second part sending us off into stunning, proggy realms that recall Pink Floyd. Bluesy closing number Four Long Years then asks “Where did our love go?”, admirably recalling the Supremes song of the same name. There are a number of these nonchalant nods to others. On The Rest Of Me, for example, Seal’s Crazy comes to mind in Kiwanuka’s vocal delivery.

Zooming out on the past five years, it’s Kiwanuka’s lyrics that seem to have noticeably been honed. On Stay By My Side he sends a message of love to his wife, leaving no doubt: “There’s nothing I would leave you for.” It’s a line that nails the album, in a way. You won’t get bowled over by any individual track but it’s a difficult thing to let go of. 

Its comforting nature is immediate and consistent – all you feel like doing is snuggling up close to a log fire and sticking it on repeat. This effect isn’t totally new, of course, but with more focus on tone and less on barn-burning highlights, this feels like watching someone riding a bike without stabilisers. It’s probably too late for album of the year plaudits, but ‘Small Changes’ is certainly worthy of a place in that discussion.

Michael Kiwanuka Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Mon December 02 2024 - SOUTHAMPTON 1865
Sun March 09 2025 - WOLVERHAMPTON University of Wolverhampton at The Civic Hall
Mon March 10 2025 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Wed March 12 2025 - EDINBURGH Usher Hall
Thu March 13 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo

Compare & Buy Michael Kiwanuka Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

More Reviews from Graeme Marsh

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The The - Ensoulment

DIIV - Frog in Boiling Water

James - Yummy

The KVB - Tremors

The Black Keys - Ohio Players

Ride - Interplay

Elbow - Audio Vertigo

The Jesus And Mary Chain - Glasgow Eyes

The Dandy Warhols - Rockmaker

Liam Gallagher and John Squire - Liam Gallagher John Squire

Nadine Shah - Filthy Underneath

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