Album Review — Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz — Raise Vibration

“Raise Vibration” is the 11th Studio album from Lenny Kravitz. This album is many things but it definitely is NOT a rock record. There are a few rock elements throughout, but this album is far more 70s Soul/Funk than anything else. But once you think you have this album pegged, it takes another turn.

The album kicks off with “We Can Get It All Together”. I wouldn’t call it a rock song, but it’s the closest thing on the record to a rock song. If you are looking for another “Are You Gonna Go My Way” on this record, you will not find it. That being said, I do like the opening track.

“Low” is very 70s Soul with almost a disco vibe. “Who Really Are The Monsters” takes a left turn and is more techno/funk. Neither song is a highlight.

The title track, “Raise Vibration” has a more bluesy feel. Kravitz sounds great, as always. The track ends with about 30 seconds of tribal drums and chants. “Johnny Cash” doesn’t go as far as a country song, but it does have an underlying acoustic guitar throughout.

“Here To Love” is probably the highlight of the record for me. It’s a piano ballad and Kravitz sounds terrific. “It’s Enough” has a African drum feel throughout the song. “5 More Days ’Til Summer” is probably the most pop song on the record. “The Majesty of Love” is back to 70s Funk/Soul.

“Gold Dust” has a 70s sounding rock guitar in the chorus but is mostly a laid back number. “Ride” has some more laid back 70s feel to it. The album closes out with “I’ll Always Be Inside Your Soul” which is another soulful slower tempo song.

If you take this album for what it is, not a rock record but more of a 70s Soul record with some twists and turns, there’s some good stuff here. But this is miles from the “American Woman” rock Kravitz from a decade ago.

Overall — 75 out of 100

Track Listing

1. We Can Get It All Together *
2. Low
3. Who Really Are The Monsters?
4. Raise Vibration
5. Johnny Cash
6. Here To Love *
7. It’s Enough
8. 5 More Days ’Til Summer *
9. The Majesty of Love
10. Gold Dust *
11. Ride
12. I’ll Always Be Inside Your Soul

*Best Songs