Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes

'Small Changes' is one of those rare albums that fits almost any situation. Whether it's a bright November morning sipping coffee, a warm August night staring at the stars, or even on an otherwise stressful commute, the record's rich tones are the perfectly calming antidote to any moment.

It's also got a timeless quality, feeling as if it could have been written at any moment from the 1960s up to the present day. The sonic choices across the record are very similar, but not in a tedious or ill-thought-out way. The drawn-out, languid beats, consistently comforting bass, and moments of crystal-clear electric guitar create a pool you can't help but dive back into time and again.

Single 'The Rest of Me' sets the tone for the album, with Michael's always identifiable vocal spilling out over a luxurious smooth jazz soundscape. Syncopated rhythms on sunny opener 'Floating Parade', harmonised backing vocals on 'Rebel Soul' and the Kinks-esque vibe of 'Lowdown (part I)' deepen and broaden the influences present on the record, adding nuance to the record. Love songs 'One and Only' and 'Stay By My Side' allow Michael to show off his lyrical vulnerability, as well as his ability to write with a directness that feels authentic and real. Closer 'Four Long Years' amps up the grandeur with sweeping strings, whilst instrumental 'Lowdown (part II)' takes you down to a smoke-filled jazz club and settles your soul.

It's incredibly difficult to find fault with 'Small Changes', both technically and emotionally. Despite being an album clearly referencing personal relationships and specific circumstances, Michael Kiwanuka has balanced it perfectly so that there really is something for everyone at some point on the record. This is him at his most assured, resulting in an album that is genuine, gracious, and absolutely first-class.