Albums by this artist

Circus (1995)

Mama Said (1991)

Lenny Kravitz

Circus

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» TROY CARPENTER | CO-DIRECTOR

Lenny Kravitz Circus Virgin, 1995 RiYL: Terence Trent D'Arby, John Lennon, Seal, Jimi Hendrix, Ben Harper

Lenny Kravitz is a musician. He plays most of the instruments on his records and produces finely crafted tunes. In that sense, he is very good at what he does. But unfortunately, Lenny Kravitz is also an image. And his fourth album Circus rehashes the weary image of his flower-power, anti-corporate lifestyle.

Circus has musical gems that recall some of Kravitz's finest hours. "Magdalene"and "Tunnel Vision" have enough clout to further endear Kravitz to his existing fans, but the album as a whole is not a step in the right direction for the musician.

After a couple of mildly successful and critically acclaimed albums, Kravitz released what is generally regarded as his commercial breakthrough, Are You Gonna Go My Way, in 1993. His first three albums showed a continuous maturation and developing of musical talent that he does not accomplish on Circus.

The new record has a decided lack of emotion below the surface of the catchy guitar hook or drumbeat. On songs such as "God Is Love," Kravitz cliches himself with layered vocals whispering, "God is love ... God is love."

A sentiment similar to this would be right at home on any of his three previous albums, but here it seems to serve only as filler or a limp retrospective of his past work.

Kravitz as an artist has not really lost any credibility. He truly is in touch with his spiritual side, and he thrives within the world that he has created. But the music has been neglected through it all. He seems to be concentrating more on realizing his place in the cosmos than perfecting his songwriting abilities.

So fans of Lenny Kravitz should pick up Circus. There will be a few songs that catch their collective ear. But don't expect the great, innovative album that people want from such a talented artist. Kravitz is more content to rest within the realm of what he knows. And what he knows, he knows well. Perhaps just a bit too well.

TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.