Albums to watch

Small Changes

Michael Kiwanuka

Small Changes

Fourth album of modern soul from the London-based singer-songwriter produced by Danger Mouse

ADM rating[?]

8.1

Label
Polydor
UK Release date
15/11/2024
US Release date
15/11/2024
  1. 10.0 |   The Skinny

    Michael Kiwanuka's fourth album, Small Changes, is a boundless effort that, while revelling in its musical referents stands tall, ceaselessly, beside them
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  2. 10.0 |   The Observer

    Five years on from his self-titled Mercury winner, the singer-songwriter scales things down to potent effect
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  3. 9.0 |   Far Out

    Flowing like a country stream unimpeded by the extraneous impact of man, Small Changes is one of those rare albums that engages you without you having to try too hard
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  4. 9.0 |   Uncut

    String arrangements gently brushed in, and downtempo, peaceful rhythms, contentment still spiked with his trademark melancholy. Print edition only

  5. 9.0 |   DIY

    An intimate but confident record that reveals more of its magic with every listen
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  6. 8.5 |   Spectrum Culture

    Michael Kiwanuka has always been most comfortable in the reflective quiet that sits beneath even his rowdiest cuts. Small Changes finally sees him lead with it
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  7. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    In the past he might have restricted himself from embracing his religion but with each album he opens up more about aspects of his life
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  8. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    The Mercury winner returns with an album of beauty, majesty and lovelorn splendour
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  9. 8.0 |   Dork

    This is him at his most assured, resulting in an album that is genuine, gracious, and absolutely first-class
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  10. 8.0 |   Mojo

    But as personal as all of these songs sound, there’s a universality to Small Changes that, as with all Kiwanuka’s records, will emotionally connect with others. Everybody hurts, it seems to say, but this might help. Print edition only

  11. 8.0 |   Record Collector

    It's a record built to last, from an artist both asserting his footing and opening himself wide, embracing the demands of changes big or small. Print edition only

  12. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Manages the rare feat of being a beautifully crafted singer-songwriter album in the classic mould without paying audible tribute to any of its classic inspirations, or succumbing to mere tasteful politeness
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  13. 8.0 |   The Independent

    We find him in a more meditative space, illuminated by the experience of his last five years
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  14. 8.0 |   NME

    The British singer's fourth album smothers you in a warm blanket of heartfelt soul music
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  15. 8.0 |   Clash

    A complex but warming achievement, one that feels just right to pull around your shoulders on these cold winter days
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  16. 8.0 |   The FT

    The Mercury Prize-winning singer-songwriter burrows into the sound he has made for himself in his latest album
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  17. 8.0 |   Albumism

    Listening to this album feels like falling into the comfort of your bed after a long night of good food, carefree dancing and indulgence in a few too many vices. It envelops you in its velvety arms and comforts you with its charms
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  18. 7.8 |   Northern Transmissions

    Where Kiwanuka is known for his contagious and bombastic arrangements in the past, this album pushes gently in a new direction, that is, yet, lacking none of the heart of previous albums
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  19. 7.5 |   Under The Radar

    It never feels labored or grinding, merely plucked from the stars. Nothing about Small Changes grabs one by the lapels, but all of it is worth paying attention to
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  20. 7.4 |   Paste Magazine

    The English-Ugandan musician yearns for enduring love on his fourth LP
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  21. 7.0 |   PopMatters

    Michael Kiwanuka’s most striking quality remains his voice, which has the power to evoke deep feelings, as his idols did for another generation
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  22. 7.0 |   The Irish Times

    The London-born musician tweaks his sound and thematic concerns, burrowing deeper into the niche he has forged
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  23. 7.0 |   Pitchfork

    The UK singer-songwriter’s first album in five years is mellower and more assured than his Mercury-winning 2019 LP; he sounds like a man floating above the world rather than struggling through it
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