Top 10 Best Songs by Michael Kiwanuka

The masterpiece that conquered the world (in part thanks to Big Little Lies). The full version runs ten minutes and opens with an intro that sounds like a spaghetti western soundtrack in space. The strings and choir are overwhelming.

When his voice finally enters ("Did you ever want it?"), it's a moment of pure magic. The song is grand, soulful, and painfully beautiful. In the Top 2000, this is rightfully his highest-charting song; a modern classic of epic proportions.

His breakthrough single. Just Michael and his acoustic guitar (with subtle flutes). The song is about the universal search for a place where you belong, both physically and spiritually.

The purity of this song is unmatched. His voice is warm, comforting, and full of understanding. It's a timeless song that feels like it's been around for a hundred years.

The title track of his second album is a seven-minute epic. It opens with a long, Pink Floyd-esque intro with background vocals. The atmosphere is melancholic and expansive.

The guitar solo halfway through is of rare beauty; simple, melodic, and full of emotion. "You can't take me down." It's a battle cry for the soul, full of perseverance.

A dramatic track with heavy strings and a slow, dragging beat. The production is grand and cinematic. Kiwanuka's voice echoes as if he's standing in an empty concert hall.

The song radiates majestic melancholy. It's about power and control, but sounds more like a plea. Beautifully orchestrated and deeply moving.

A song that starts as an acoustic folk tune, but ends in a psychedelic rock explosion with screaming guitars. It's about the false heroes of our time (like Martin Luther King or Malcolm X who were murdered).

The build-up is phenomenal. The guitar solo at the end is raw and full of fuzz distortion. One of his most dynamic and powerful songs.

Driven by a simple handclap beat and a bluesy guitar. The title and lyrics are a powerful statement about identity and racism, inspired by old chain-gang songs.

The song is repetitive and incantatory. Kiwanuka sings with a resignation that impresses. It's a modern protest song that swings but also makes you think.

The cheerful opener of his third album Kiwanuka. It's a celebration of self-acceptance. The "la-la-la" choirs and upbeat rhythm create a festive atmosphere.

The production is messy and fuzzy, giving it an authentic character. It sounds like a lost soul classic pulled from a dusty crate.

An atmospheric, minimalist song that drifts on a bare synthesizer and bass. It builds very slowly, creating a hypnotic tension.

His voice is fragile and intimate. It's about finding stability in a chaotic world. A beautiful example of "less is more."

A soulful stomper with more tempo. The bass line is groovy and the horns give it a Stax Records feeling. It's about loneliness and longing for company.

Despite the heavy subject, the music is uplifting. The chorus is catchy and invites you to sway along. It shows that Kiwanuka stands on his own outside of ballads.

The song with which he first caught attention. A light, jazzy track with flute and percussion that recalls Van Morrison or Bill Withers. The atmosphere is sunny and relaxed.

Kiwanuka's voice sounds young and light here. It's an ode to storytellers and romance. A lovely organic song that sounds like a Sunday morning.