Jason’s Jukebox: Lenny Kravitz

(Blogger’s note: I have written full reviews of all these albums on Rock Amino.)

When Lenny Kravitz released his album Raise Vibration last year, he said “Thirty years ago, I released Let Love Rule. My message is still the same. But has he really stayed that consistent? Let’s take a look at his discography and rank it from worst to best.

Let Love Rule (1989) *****

This is an excellent debuts, one of the best I ever heard. It shows us exactly what to expect, with a great mix of rock and funk. This is the only album which had contributions from his former wife Lisa Bonet.

Best tracks: “Let Love Rule”, “Freedom Train”, “Fear”, “Mr. Cab Driver.

Mama Said (1991) ***

This album was recorded with help from Slash and Sean Lennon. By this time, Lisa Bonet had given birth to their daughter Zoe. The album has a more light-rock feel, but it’s not bad. It feels like he’s trying to branch out.

Best Tracks: “Fields of Joy”, “Always on the Run”, “The Difference is Why”, “Stop Dragging Around”, “Flowers For Zoe”

Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993) *****

This is a consistent rocker, and one of his best-sellers. It’s a real classic from the 90’s and I love it.

Best Tracks: “Are You Gonna Go My Way”, “Believe”, “Heaven Help”, “Black Girl”, “Sister”

Circus (1995) ****

This album was plagued by personal issues, but it doesn’t show. Kravitz and Bonet had divorced, and his mother was sick. Despite this, it’s pretty good.

Best Tracks: “Rock n Roll is Dead”, “Can’t Get you Off Mind”, “God Is Love”, “The Resurrection”

5 (1998) ***1/2

Lenny Kravitz’s final 90’s album wasn’t well-received by critics, but I actually think it’s pretty good Some great singles, including his iconic cover of  The Guess Who’s “American Woman”.

Best Tracks: “Super Soul Fighter”, “I Belong To You”, “Black Velveteen”, “Fly Away”, “American Woman”

Lenny (2001) ***

After a slight hiatus, Lenny Kravitz kind of took a dip in quality. This album is all right, but I’ve heard better.

Best Tracks: “Battlefield of Love”, “Yesterday is Gone”, “A Million Miles Away”, “Bank Robber Man”

Baptism (2004) **

At this time, Lenny Kravitz had wanted to write a straight 70’s funk-inspired album, but bouts of depression took this album in a different direction. In my opinion, this is his worst album.

Best Tracks: “Calling All Angels”, “Where Are We Running”, “Baptized”

Amino Tips and Tricks

I’ve been a contributor to the Amino app communities for quite some time. (I had to set up a new account now that I have a Kindle, but that’s not what this about.) My username is Radical Edward (My old username, Rock Lobster, is still there, but I no longer use it). This post is designed to give tips on how to use the app.

• Don’t use it on a phone or iPod touch. It takes up too much memory and will crash. Plus, tablets have a bigger keyboard anyway. The desktop version doesn’t allow you to edit or make posts, but you can leave comments.
• Level up as much as you can when you first sign in. Many communities are blocked at the earliest levels. You can add reputation points by signing in, leaving comments, posting articles, basically contributing in any way. But if you just lurk, nothing happens.
• Get to know the curators and leaders. They are admins for your community, and deserve your respect and support.
• You don’t need to access Amino+ to enjoy the app. Amino+ is just extra stuff that you have to pay for. I never use it.
• Always obey the community standards. Again, the admins deserve respect.
• Once a week is the ideal contribution schedule. That’s what I do.
• The wiki is always available for you to contribute to, but if your topic is already filled in, it’s best to pick a different topic. The wiki is basically a Wikipedia for the community, and you can contribute to it.
• Use hashtags at the end of your article or in the article yourself. This allows the search engine to find the articles. It also increases your chance of getting featured on the main page!
• And finally, have fun contributing. Again, look for me as Radical Edward!

 

 

Bill Maher, YOU are the child, not us!

Before I start, a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Bill Maher. His smug attitude always reminds me of all those atheists I have met on the Internet who attack Christians for their beliefs in the “Flying Spaghetti Monster”. So when he attacked Stan Lee, I rolled my eyes and thought that was the end of it. I did address him in my tribute, but that was all I did. But lately, he has not refused to give it up. He believes that we are a nation of children–that “only a nation of children would vote for Donald Trump and think comic books are important.” He calls out millennials for their “adulting” and celebrating these superheroes.