Lenny Kravitz

Mama Said

Sound Over Substance

Review Score:

(10/10)
Lenny Kravitz's affection for the '60s and '70s runs much deeper than mere matters of his retro attire, or even his songwriting; deeply involved in the production of his own albums, he is, for instance, militantly in favor of analog recording methods that use tubes rather than transistors. Many newcomer's have failed at this unorthodox technique. The mistake is foolishly assumed that the method is perfected by just turning the reverb off - goes from the microphone to the amplifiers to compressors into EQ units that have tubes and back to the tape machine. Lenny has simply perfected a lost art.

Mama Said contains elements of Curtis Mayfield and Jimi Hendrix and Lenny's obsessions of Prince and John Lennon. Treading away from the psychedelic fixations of his debut, Lenny orchestrates his influences flawlessly - Mama Said sounds like it was recorded in 1972. The production is so carefully done that from start to finish the entire record captivates listeners - sweet soul and fuzzy hard rock. Mama Said demands repeat and is certainly a aural treat.

The addictive Philly-Soul sound of "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over" is simply spellbinding. Though the rhythm is based around Earth Wind & Fire's "Thats The Way Of The World," it seduces listeners with sweeping strings, seductive horns, and lush arrangements to the deep rhythms. The number is smoother - even slicker - than anything Lenny has ever recorded. Most listeners will be pressed to believe Lenny wrote it himself. He successfully duplicates Curtis Mayfield on the extremely catchy "What Goes Around Comes Around" - which is possessed by a deep, dark groove, trademarked wah-wah guitar, stinging brass, and silky falsetto.

Sly & The Family Stone collide with Jimi Hendrix on the rampaging "Always On The Run" and retro Lenny displays his Lennon obsession with perfection on the brilliant "All I Ever Wanted" - which Sean Ono Lennon co-wrote and plays piano on. "Stand by My Woman" also borrows Lennon's signature echo-delayed vocals/piano signature for its verses, but shifts into lush harmony soul for the chorus. Often billed as the "divorce album," Mama Said is the srongest set of Lenny songs to date, with little filler and a close ear to getting that perfect sound. Though some of the lyrics have been painfully outdated, it doesn't really matter. Mama Said is just that great to listen to - it's a near flawless sound.

More Reviews: