Lenny Kravitz
Raise Vibration

Good old Lenny seems to never want to age, neither physically nor artistically.

At fifty-four, it's time for him to get back in the game with this new "Raise Vibration," the eleventh studio episode of a career that has now established him as a modern classic. The return to music coincides with a fairly satisfying acting career, which, however, has not caused any cracks in the motivations of the American artist, who delivers a good album, in some episodes even excellent.

Let's clarify right away that, as widely expected, there is nothing revolutionary or experimental in these twelve new tracks; however, it is a very solid album, written, played, and produced (as is usual for Kravitz) solo, with occasional contributions from the historic guitarist Craig Ross and composer David Baron. There is a greater willingness to vary the atmospheres from track to track compared to the respectable predecessor "Strut," and fortunately, this choice does not compromise the coherence of the work.

In short, Lenny does Lenny, and he does it quite well, allowing himself (despite the aforementioned rigid classicism of Kravitz-style writing) a couple of unexpected plays, choosing a lead single of almost eight minutes like "It's Enough" (the instrumental tail at the end is very beautiful) and placing the shortest track of the album (the polished soul r'n'b of "I'll Always Be Inside Your Soul") at the end, after a series of songs that settle around five minutes in average duration.

Therefore, the album takes its own space comfortably, jumping from the rocky rock of the opening "We Can Get It All Together" to classic Kravitz flirting with the funk of "The Majesty Of Love" and the super single "Low" (with a surprising cameo by Michael Jackson), passing through an electro surprise like "Who Really Are The Monsters?," a title track that jumps from one rhythmic pattern to another allowing echoes of the old "Again" and a super ballad like "Johnny Cash" (Johnny Cash comforted Kravitz right after his mother's death, while they were both at producer Rick Rubin's house), languid and sly like only he can do. There's also a pleasant summer piece, "5 More Days 'Til Summer," which doesn't hurt and pleasantly breaks the atmosphere.

Ultimately, Lenny Kravitz always does Lenny Kravitz and is always good at it, and this new addition to his now long journey is absolutely delightful and welcomed.

Best Track: It's Enough!