Small Changes

Small Changes seems to reach the listener’s ear with its patina built-in. A boundless effort that, while revelling in its musical referents – Sade, Gaye, Withers – stands tall, ceaselessly, beside them.

An intimate but confident record that reveals more of its magic with every listen.

With every message of love comes a juxtaposing string section that leans on the opposite emotion, giving the album, and Kiwanuka’s music as a whole, a newfound emotional depth. Not that Kiwanuka’s previous releases were void of emotions in the slightest, but this new packaging gives his sentiments a new shine. Small Changes force the artist’s words into the spotlight like never before, allowing the full scope of Kiwanuka’s perspective to hit harder and stick with you longer.

Whatever reductions Kinawuka and his producers may have made in regards to the music’s breadth, the songs on Small Changes more than compensate for that when it comes to depth. Nor is there anything small about the emotions they contain or the pleasures they evoke. [Review of the Year 2024, p.37]

Closing on a magnificent note, it pulls together the threads on this incredible tapestry of work, a complex but warming achievement, one that feels just right to pull around your shoulders on these cold winter days.

Unlike ‘Kiwanuka’, this album doesn’t keep you guessing. Rather than punching you in the face with a barrage of beauty, it softly rolls pockets of magic into your path. Yet, the softness of its approach does nothing to lessen the impact of Kiwanuka’s long-awaited return.

It was worth the wait, of course.

Small Changes may not be as accessible or immediate as Kiwanuka’s previous albums, but it’s another wonderful record from one of our most talented singer-songwriters.

But as personal as all of these songs sound, there’s a universality to Small Changes that, as with all Kiwanuka’s records, will emotionally connect with others. Everybody hurts, it seems to say, but this might help. [Dec 2024, p.86]

It's a record built to last, from an artist both asserting his footing and opening himself wide, embracing the demands of changes big or small. [Dec 2024, p.106]

Small Changes manages the rare feat of being a beautifully crafted singer-songwriter album in the classic mould without paying audible tribute to any of its classic inspirations, or succumbing to mere tasteful politeness: an album that's informed by the past while sounding unmistakably now.

This all adds up to an album that feels like it’s been discovered as opposed to made. It never feels labored or grinding, merely plucked from the stars. Nothing about Small Changes grabs one by the lapels, but all of it is worth paying attention to.

Small Changes is a lovely sounding album full of thoughtful songs, but those two concepts aren’t always in sync this time around.

Most suited for a contemplative Sunday morning, Small Changes soothes even in its many moments of unease. Whether the songs express loneliness and numbness, or heartache and dejection, each has a conciliatory effect, like Kiwanuka -- his voice more upfront than ever -- knows that anyone in vaguely similar circumstances can relate.

Small Changes will grow with listeners willing to give it time and deserved patience. Despite some languishing moments, Kiwanuka’s unassuming style and velvet voice shine through on another solid effort.