ncer. As was the case with his previous albums, the substance of his personal life spilled into his songs profoundly. By the time the new album, titled Circus, was completed in the summer of 1995, it was clear it would sport little of the peace-and-love motif that had characterized much of Kravitz’s previous work. On Dec. 2, 1995 the day after Zoe Kravitz’s birthday, Roxie Roker died.With the events in his personal life taking a heavy toll, Kravitz retreated to the Bahamas in the summer of 1996. After much reflection and rest, he began working again. This time around after toying with samples and loops he opted to use digital technology. As a result, that album titled 5, was his most eclectic work to date, though the trademark Kravitz retro sound remains intact. His current album, Greatest Hits, just released this month is a collection of his finest tracks from prior albums. Two of my favorite selections from Kravitz appear on the album 5. The first selection is titled I Belong To You. He does the lead and background vocals over sweet sounds of guitar, drums, bass, paper blocks, and toy piano. The music and lyrics are by him. Hard to categorize as he is, I Belong To You, would fall into the influence rhythm and blues. The song is a personal favorite in regards to the fact it was shared on a very personal and intimate level with my ex-girlfriend Eemia. The second selection I enjoy immensely is from 5 as well. It’s titled Without You. Kravitz does the lead vocals over inspiring electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers, and a drum program. It drifts along the lines of rhythm and blues and retro rock. Again I choose it on account of the intense relationship I was fortunate to share with a close ex-girlfriend. Both songs are dear to me as she is. In sum, as a musician and producer Lenny Kravitz is unquestionably gifted. He can recreate the sound and feeling of countless groups from the past; his musi...
