Music review: Lenny Kravitz – ‘Strut’

Charisma has a new name, and it’s called Lenny Kravitz. With the release of his 10th studio album, Kravitz impressively proves that he’s getting better with age.
“Strut” features the 50-year-old singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and actor delivering more of the same retro-sounding anthems containing splashes of rock, soul, R&B, funk and psychedelic found on earlier albums such as 1991’s “Mama Said” and 1993’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”
While 2011’s “Black and White America” revealed a stylistic vision of hope, love and togetherness through a strong collection of well-crafted songs reminiscent of classic Stevie Wonder, “Strut” is a sensual bombshell focused on the chemistry of love and relationships.
Produced entirely by Kravitz, “Strut” possesses plenty of swagger, grit and sex appeal through songs like “Dirty White Boots,” “The Pleasure and the Pain,””She’s a Beast” and “Frankenstein.”
“The Chamber” is the album’s lead single and standout track with its slick blending of early Blondie and INXS flavorings.
“New York City” is a funky and infectious ode to the artist’s hometown and serves as a testament to the city’s strength and perseverance. A few years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to see Kravitz perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The performance lived up to all the hype as Kravitz ripped through his diverse musical catalog, all the while whipping the capacity crowd into a controlled frenzy.
Kravitz shows a softer side on the passionate “I Never Want to Let You Down” and “I’m a Believer,” while closing the album with a soulful cover of “Ooo Baby Baby” from Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
Although it’s been 25 years since Kravitz debuted with “Let Love Rule,” he demonstrates that love still rules his heart in a fashionable manner.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.