Sound, Soul & Small Changes: Michael Kiwanuka’s Upcoming Album

A striking voice you may recognise from the Big Little Lies soundtrack, Michael Kiwanuka follows his Mercury prize winning, eponymous KIWANUKA (2019) with the hotly anticipated Small Changes. Released on the 15th November 2024 via Polydor Records, Small Changes is a confident reply to those awaiting Kiwanuka’s return. 

In Small Changes, Michael Kiwanuka leans into a more mellow sound, giving himself the space to ruminate on the honeyed soul we know him for, as well as newer sounds, such as the unexpected synths on track 7 Follow Your Dreams. The record begins with Floating Parade, the first single. A soft and groovy introduction paves the way for swelling strings and later in the track, Michael’s assured vocals. This opener could develop into something louder and larger but instead it tentatively entices the listener into the world of Kiwanuka’s fourth addition to his balanced discography. Working with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo, the album compliments the work of Sault, Little Simz and Cleo Sol perfectly. The coexistence of these artists signifies an exciting point in musical history for genre-bending funk and soul. Kiwanuka’s Small Changes furthers this mellow exploration of sound, soul, movement, and dance.

There is a shift in the album after the gloriously harmonised vocals and forward-leading refrain “tell me I’m moving up” in track 04 Rebel Soul. The arpeggiatic piano melds into Lowdown Part 1 which delves further into the rock undertones set up in the album so far. Despite this new rock focus, Kiwanuka is able to masterfully sustain his relaxed and gently pensive style throughout with his Funkadelic-inspired twangy guitar evocative of Maggot Brain. On this record, Michael Kiwanuka showcases his confidence in his overlaying styles and genres by being more experimental and ruminative, without verging into over-indulgence. 

At times it is difficult to make out how this record is trying to make us feel as Kiwanuka’s lyrics take us through pensivity, love, inspiration and melancholy. There is a constant warmth as he takes us through these feelings as more of a reflection – the emotions expressed are done so with the air of someone in full acceptance. 

Despite the overall atmosphere of the album being gentle, the more I listen to the record the more I hear the persisting undercurrent of movement and dance. With that said, Small Changes surprises the listener; the new synth sounds and rock notes show signs of Kiwanuka’s willingness to expand his palette, taking sonic inspiration from unexpected places and seamlessly melding it to his unique yet timeless style.

Kiwanunka’s most ambient record to date, this is one to delve into. The more I listened, the more I was able to explore the shifting layers of its soul-filled and increasingly-movement focussed, dance-worthy tracks. 

Further listening:

Inflo, who co-produced Small Changes, has also worked closely with Little Simz, Cleo Sol whilst being a member of the revolutionary Sault. Danger Mouse, who co-produced Small Changes and like Inflo, has a distinct sonic influence on the record, has a phenomenal album with Karen O entitled Lux Prima (2019). If you want a more feminine tilt on the sounds heard in Small Changes, I’d recommend giving it a listen.

Words by Francesca Lynes