1. It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
Lenny Kravitz in a black and white music video, singing with emotion, inspired by Motown sounds.
‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’, released in 1991, stands as a testament to Lenny Kravitz’s deep appreciation for Motown and soul music. This ballad, brimming with heartfelt emotion and lush orchestration, is heavily influenced by the iconic sounds of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. Kravitz initially envisioned the song for Smokey Robinson himself, believing it possessed an undeniable hit quality that leaned more towards classic soul than his own established rock style. However, his record label recognized its potential for Kravitz and convinced him to record it. The result was a transformative moment in his career.
The song’s smooth, soulful melody and poignant lyrics about enduring love resonated deeply with audiences, propelling Lenny Kravitz into the global spotlight. It became a massive hit, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a signature track that broadened his fanbase significantly. Interestingly, despite its immense success, Kravitz initially resisted releasing ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’ himself, fearing it might dilute his rock image. He even joked about how its popularity disrupted his daily life in New York City, making his subway commutes impossible due to constant recognition. This track not only showcases Kravitz’s vocal versatility and songwriting prowess but also his ability to tap into timeless musical traditions while maintaining his unique artistic identity.
2. Fly Away
Lenny Kravitz performing live on stage with a guitar, bathed in stage lights, capturing the energy of 'Fly Away'.
‘Fly Away’, a high-octane rock anthem released in 1998, is arguably Lenny Kravitz’s most commercially successful single and a definitive crowd-pleaser. Its instantly recognizable guitar riff, driving rhythm, and soaring chorus create an irresistible sense of freedom and escapism. Kravitz penned this track relatively quickly after completing his album 5, and it was a friend who encouraged him to include it on the record, recognizing its hit potential.
The song’s universal theme of longing for escape and a better place resonated with listeners across the globe, making it a worldwide smash. ‘Fly Away’ reached number one in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his first chart-topping hit in that country and solidifying his international stardom. It also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, further cementing its status as one of his signature songs. Despite its straightforward lyrical theme, Kravitz himself acknowledges that some of his best songwriting emerges from simple ideas. The power of ‘Fly Away’ lies in its infectious energy and relatable message, making it a staple in his live performances and a beloved track for generations of fans.
3. Are You Gonna Go My Way?
Lenny Kravitz in the 'Are You Gonna Go My Way?' music video, playing guitar with raw energy, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix.
‘Are You Gonna Go My Way?’, released in 1993, is an explosive rock track that firmly established Lenny Kravitz as a modern rock icon. The song is characterized by its monumental guitar riff, often cited as one of the greatest of the 1990s, which immediately grabs the listener’s attention and sets the tone for a high-energy, anthemic experience. This track is a clear homage to Jimi Hendrix, with Kravitz channeling the guitar legend’s raw power and psychedelic rock sensibilities like never before.
Interestingly, despite its rock and roll swagger, ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way?’ is lyrically inspired by Jesus Christ, whom Kravitz considers “the ultimate rock star.” This spiritual undercurrent adds another layer to the song’s powerful and uplifting message. While not released as a single in the US, it achieved significant airplay and became a rock radio staple, propelling his album of the same name to commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the US album charts and number one in the UK. ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way?’ is a definitive Lenny Kravitz track, showcasing his guitar virtuosity, commanding vocals, and ability to craft timeless rock anthems that resonate with a wide audience.
4. Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet in the 'Let Love Rule' music video, embracing the song's message of peace and love.
‘Let Love Rule’, Lenny Kravitz’s debut single released in 1989, served as a bold introduction to his unique musical vision. This track is a vibrant throwback to the psychedelic and peace-loving rock of the late 1960s and early 1970s, infused with a message of unity and positivity. At the time of its release, Kravitz faced criticism for what some perceived as a naive and idealistic sentiment. He recalls journalists questioning the sincerity of singing about love, highlighting a cynicism prevalent in the music scene at the time.
However, ‘Let Love Rule’ has become more than just a song; it’s Lenny Kravitz’s personal mantra and a guiding principle in his life. The music video, directed by and starring his then-wife Lisa Bonet, further emphasized the song’s message of love and togetherness. Musically, ‘Let Love Rule’ is inspired by Stevie Wonder, particularly Wonder’s 1973 album Innervisions. Kravitz aimed to capture a similar soulful and introspective vibe in his debut album, evident in the vocal delivery and musical arrangements. Despite initial criticisms, ‘Let Love Rule’ has endured as a powerful and uplifting anthem, showcasing Kravitz’s commitment to positive messaging and his ability to blend classic rock influences with his own distinct style.
5. Again
Lenny Kravitz in the music video for 'Again', looking introspective and soulful, in line with the song's neo-soul vibe.
‘Again’, released in 2000, was initially conceived as a standalone single to promote Lenny Kravitz’s Greatest Hits album, and it proved to be a masterstroke. This neo-soul infused track, with its smooth vocals and introspective lyrics, was the only new song featured on the compilation, but it became an instant fan favorite and a major commercial success. Its inclusion on the Greatest Hits album undoubtedly contributed to the compilation becoming Kravitz’s best-selling album to date, selling over three million copies.
‘Again’ showcases a different facet of Kravitz’s musicality, leaning into a more contemporary R&B and soul sound while retaining his signature rock edge. The song’s lyrical themes of lost love and longing resonated with a broad audience, propelling it to No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, his first top-five single in nine years. Furthermore, it earned him his third consecutive Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2001, solidifying his consistent critical acclaim. The success of ‘Again’ demonstrates Kravitz’s versatility and his ability to evolve his sound while maintaining his core artistic identity and commercial appeal.
6. American Woman
Lenny Kravitz performing 'American Woman' live, injecting sex appeal and rock energy into the classic song.
Lenny Kravitz’s 1998 cover of The Guess Who’s classic ‘American Woman’ injected a potent dose of rock and roll swagger and sensuality into the 1970s anthem. Recorded for the soundtrack of the spy-comedy film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Kravitz’s version revitalized the song for a new generation while staying true to its core energy. His rendition is characterized by a heavier guitar riff, a more pronounced funk influence, and Kravitz’s signature raspy vocals, giving it a distinctly modern and edgy feel.
The song’s original writer, Burton Cummings, personally congratulated Kravitz after hearing his version, praising his fresh take on the classic track. Kravitz himself approached the cover as an “interesting challenge,” aiming to reimagine ‘American Woman’ while respecting its iconic status. His success lies in striking a balance between honoring the original and infusing it with his own artistic personality. ‘American Woman’ became a significant hit for Kravitz, further broadening his mainstream appeal and demonstrating his ability to reinterpret classic songs with his unique rock and roll stamp.
7. Believe
Lenny Kravitz in the 'Believe' music video, in a visually striking, Stanley Kubrick-inspired setting.
‘Believe’, a soulful and introspective ballad from his acclaimed 1993 album Are You Gonna Go My Way, showcases Lenny Kravitz’s spiritual side and his belief in positive thinking. The song’s lyrics explore themes of faith, self-empowerment, and the power of love, reflecting a deeply personal and uplifting message. Kravitz has stated that ‘Believe’ is about “the power of God, self and positive thinking, which all equates to love,” highlighting the interconnectedness of these concepts in his worldview.
Musically, ‘Believe’ blends psychedelic rock elements with soulful vocals and a searching, introspective mood. It achieved international success, reaching the top ten in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and even topping the charts in Iceland. The music video, directed by the acclaimed Michel Gondry, known for his innovative and visually striking work, was inspired by the films of Stanley Kubrick, adding a surreal and artistic dimension to the song’s message. ‘Believe’ is a testament to Kravitz’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, blending spiritual themes with compelling melodies and visual artistry.
8. Lady
Lenny Kravitz in the 'Lady' music video, showcasing the song's rhythmic and infectious energy.
‘Lady’, a vibrant and rhythmic track released in 2004, is notable for its infectious guitar riff and upbeat energy. This song, from his seventh studio album Baptism, proved to be Lenny Kravitz’s last top thirty hit on the US Billboard charts, demonstrating his enduring ability to craft catchy and commercially successful songs even later in his career. ‘Lady’ was the final single from Baptism but became its most successful, highlighting its strong appeal and radio-friendly nature.
Fun fact: ‘Lady’ is rumored to be inspired by Kravitz’s relationship with actress Nicole Kidman, with whom he was engaged from 2002 to 2003. While Kravitz has not explicitly confirmed this, the song’s romantic and celebratory tone aligns with the timeline of their relationship. ‘Lady’ is a quintessential Lenny Kravitz track, characterized by its funky rhythm, memorable melody, and positive vibe, showcasing his consistent ability to create music that is both musically engaging and commercially viable.
9. Black Velveteen
Lenny Kravitz in the 'Black Velveteen' music video, embracing a disco-infused sound with a dystopian lyrical twist.
‘Black Velveteen’, released in 1998, marked one of Lenny Kravitz’s early forays into disco-infused sounds, proving his versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. This track blends a slinky disco groove with rock instrumentation, creating a unique and danceable sound that showcases Kravitz’s musical range. While the music is upbeat and funky, the song’s lyrical subject matter takes a slightly darker, dystopian turn.
Kravitz uses ‘Black Velveteen’ to lament the increasing influence of technology and the perceived decline of genuine human connection. In 2000, he elaborated on the song’s themes, musing about the ease of divorce and the potential for technology to replace human relationships, even suggesting a future where synthetic partners become commonplace. This juxtaposition of upbeat disco music with dystopian lyrics creates an intriguing and thought-provoking listening experience. ‘Black Velveteen’ demonstrates Kravitz’s ability to blend diverse musical styles and explore complex themes within a catchy and engaging song format.
10. Always On The Run
Lenny Kravitz and Slash in the 'Always On The Run' music video, jamming together with high energy and rock camaraderie.
‘Always On The Run’, released in 1991, is a dynamic collaboration between Lenny Kravitz and guitar legend Slash from Guns N’ Roses. This hard-rocking track is fueled by a powerful guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, showcasing the combined musical prowess of these two rock icons. Interestingly, Kravitz and Slash were actually high school classmates at Beverly Hills High School, though they were not close friends before their rise to fame.
The song’s creation was a spontaneous and vodka-fueled studio session, as Kravitz recounted to Rolling Stone magazine. Slash arrived with a gallon of vodka, and the two musicians quickly wrote and recorded the track together, with Kravitz playing drums, guitar, bass, and vocals, and Slash contributing his signature guitar work. The horn section was added later, completing the song’s full-bodied sound. ‘Always On The Run’ is a high-energy rock anthem that highlights the synergy between Kravitz and Slash and the raw creativity that can emerge from impromptu collaborations. The song’s opening line, “My mama said, that your life is a gift,” inspired the title of Kravitz’s 1991 album, Mama Said, further solidifying its importance in his discography.
In conclusion, Lenny Kravitz’s musical journey is marked by a remarkable ability to fuse diverse genres, craft memorable melodies, and consistently deliver high-quality music. These ten songs represent just a glimpse into his extensive and impressive catalog, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his enduring impact on the rock and roll landscape. From soulful ballads to high-energy rock anthems, Lenny Kravitz songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying his place as a true icon of modern music.
