2024 Standout: Small Changes
An instant classic from Michael Kiwanuka
Don’t miss our other 2024 Standout: Spiral in a Straight Line
A genre departure from most of the music we talk about, Small Changes is a brilliant record with depth and variety that’s been in constant rotation here since its November release. British artist Michael Kiwanuka's latest work is a thoughtful and richly textured collection of songs that showcase his ability to blend soulful introspection with lush, almost cinematic production. The album further cements Kiwanuka as a master of modern soul, while nodding to the classic influences of artists like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield.
Small Changes, Big Sound
Musically, Small Changes feels like an evolution of the sound Kiwanuka explored on Kiwanuka and Love & Hate. The instrumentation is warm and immersive, with sweeping strings, delicate guitar work, and Kiwanuka's understated but deeply emotive vocals. The arrangements manage to feel epic without being busy, and feel as though Kiwanuka is singing directly to the listener.
The production leans into analog warmth, spiritually similar to the sound Danger Mouse and Inflo curated on Kiwanuka.on previous projects. Here, it feels even more refined—earthy yet otherworldly. The interplay between organic instrumentation and subtle, experimental flourishes creates a soundscape that feels timeless but modern.
Instrumental jam “Lowdown (part ii)” really shows off the aesthetics of the album. The track opens with a sultry, bass-heavy groove that calls to mind classic funk and soul, but with a modern, layered production that could be compared to artists like Marvin Gaye. The instrumentation is sparse yet deliberate, creating an almost hypnotic repetition that gives the clean, intricate lead guitar riffs a David Gilmour-esque quality to them.
Lyrical Depth
Thematically, Small Changes delves into personal transformation, self-acceptance, and perseverance. Songs like "Small Changes" and "Four Long Years" offer meditations on the often difficult but necessary adjustments we make to grow and heal. Kiwanuka's lyrics are poetic without being overly abstract or pretentious, grounding the album's themes in everyday struggles and triumphs.
This emphasis on growth and resilience ties Small Changes to a broader tradition of soul music as a vessel for storytelling and empowerment. There's a sense of spiritual searching that connects the album to records like Gaye's What's Going On or Bill Withers' Still Bill. Yet Kiwanuka's approach is uniquely his own, drawing on his British and Ugandan heritage to weave a narrative that feels deeply personal but universally resonant.
A Rewarding Listen
Small Changes is a testament to Michael Kiwanuka's ability to craft music that feels timeless and deeply personal. The album captures the quiet beauty of incremental growth, weaving themes of resilience, self-reflection, and hope into its richly textured sound; the auditory equivalent of sandalwood incense or a glass of brandy. Through its subtle and powerful arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, Small Changes provides the perfect soundtrack for listeners to embrace the transformative potential of life’s subtle shifts.
🎧 Listen to Small Changes Album link