Artist: Lenny Kravitz
Album: Black and White America
Label: Virgin Records
Release Date: Aug. 30
Grade: C+
For decades, many veteran musicians have tried to defy the generational gap and continue to produce music past their prime; Lenny Kravitz is no exception.
From the cover art to the title of the CD, Kravitz's ninth studio album, Black and White America, seems as if it will provide an inspiring concept, but the album is underdeveloped and the notion is not promoted throughout the record.
The opening song, appropriately titled "Black and White America," promotes unity with a Motown-funk introduction and intertwines his personal story about his parents' interracial marriage.
"The future looks as though it has come around/ And maybe we have finally found our common ground/ We're the children of one father/ If you're looking back don't bother/ We're black and white America," sings Kravitz.
After the sentimental opener, "Rock Star City Life" is the catchiest song on the album. Although it starts with the typical Kravitz guitar riff, it transforms into a generic pop-rock identity crisis.
There are subtle moments on the album that reveal Kravitz's characteristic jazzy,guitar-funk, which could woo any American woman, but the cliché musical attributes overcome the melodic contribution.
This rugged rocker is a forefather in the music industry, but the lack of prevalent instrumentals and lyrics make him lose his individualistic edge. This album doesn't have the spark that will have listeners remembering these songs for generations to come, as his other works do.
Despite creating strategic collaborations with rap heavy weights Jay-Z and Drake to attract more popularity to his music, Kravitz takes a step backwards by failing to put more of his own identity into the it.
This album will make listeners want to reminisce with classic Kravitz as his attempt to minimize the dividing line between pop and rock is a squander in his latest musical endeavor. Kravitz tries to fly away to new heights with this album, but falls short in furthering his musical career.
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