Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate (2LP)
Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate is the acclaimed second studio album from British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka. Released in 2016, the album marked a significant expansion of his sound, combining classic soul influences with psychedelic rock, orchestral arrangements and deeply personal songwriting.
Opening with the epic "Cold Little Heart", the album also features standout tracks including "Black Man in a White World", "Love & Hate", "One More Night" and "Rule the World". Kiwanuka's warm, expressive voice sits at the centre of richly layered arrangements that draw inspiration from the soul music of the 1960s and 1970s while retaining a distinctly contemporary character.
Produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, Love & Hate explores themes of identity, self-doubt, belonging and resilience. Its ambitious production ranges from intimate acoustic passages to sweeping strings, gospel-inspired vocals and expansive psychedelic instrumentation, giving the album a cinematic quality.
Widely praised upon release, Love & Hate established Kiwanuka as one of Britain's most distinctive contemporary singer-songwriters. Powerful, thoughtful and beautifully produced, it remains a compelling modern soul album with both emotional depth and timeless appeal.