ARTIST: Lenny Kravitz
ALBUM: Strut
LABEL: Roxie Records
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2014
Still Got It
Written by Jeremy Weeden
Yes I know, it’s hard to believe Lenny Kravitz is 50 years old. Over 20 years since he came onto the scene via the glory days of MTV, Lenny is still around and busy as ever. Fresh off a role in the blockbuster Hunger Games films he looks younger than ever and on Strut, his tenth studio album, he verifies once again that he is still one of the most consistent artists out there.
Strut opens with the hard rocking “Sex.” This song get the album started off on an up-tempo note with its hard hitting drums and crisp guitar riffs. The fun continues with Strut’s first single “The Chamber” a catchy tune with a funky bass line and grooving guitars that make you get up and dance.
“Dirty White Boots” inspires images of strip clubs and wild nights with fun girls. This song has a classic rock feel to it and with its chanting chorus is one of the album’s highlights. “New York City” is an eighties inspired track complete with saxophone solo. This song is a tribute to what appears to be Lenny’s favorite city and her resilience.
Things get slower with “The Pleasure and The Pain.” This is one of Lenny’s Motown-influenced songs and finds him singing about the ups and downs of a relationship. This song is a potential single and could be a hit in the future. “She’s a Beast” is another of the album’s slow jams. This song is reminiscent of ‘90s-era Aerosmith with its symphonic instrumentation and Lenny’s singing style.
The party picks back up with the title track, “Strut.” This jolt of energy has a funky edge to it that is guaranteed to have everyone strutting around. “Frankenstein” is a bluesy affair replete with harmonicas and a choir. Lenny sings about needing love over the soulful track.
“I’m a Believer” has a bouncing beat and is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping good time. This is the kind of irresistibly catchy song one can easily imagine hearing on car commercials and sports games.
Strut even covers important life events including “Happy Birthday” which describes a perfect birthday party down to the cake and candles.
“Ooo Baby Baby” is a Smokey Robinson & The Miracles cover. While Lenny is not quite able to take the song vocally where Smokey did, he sings it in his own style. This is a nice soft finish and brings the regular version of the album to a good end.
The deluxe version features 2 additional songs including the exceptional “Sweet Glitchey Rose.” This song is Jimi Hendrix influenced and is definitely worth buying the deluxe version for. Lenny even gives the song a signature Hendrix solo. The other song, “Can’t Stop Thinking Bout You” is an R&B-flavored song with single potential. The song has a nice rhythmic guitar riff and a catchy chorus.
Lenny Kravitz is the record holder for most consecutive wins at the Grammys by a male in the same category for a reason, the man knows how to make good music. That talent continues to shine on Strut. Always a fan of classic rock and finding new ways of bringing it to the current generation, Lenny attempts to do that again with Strut. There are several great songs on the album and a good mix of dance songs, slow songs and classic rock. Strut confirms Lenny Kravitz is still flying like an eagle and may be around for another 20 years.