Lenny Kravitz. The name alone evokes an image: a charismatic figure with dreadlocks, clad in leather and wielding a guitar with unmatched passion. This is a man who embodies rock and roll, not just through his appearance, but through the very soul of his music.
For over three decades, Kravitz has gifted us with a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of rock, funk, soul, and blues. He’s a storyteller, a sonic chameleon who seamlessly blends genres, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and undeniably fresh.
As Kravitz approaches his sixth decade, his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His influence is undeniable, his impact on the music scene indelible. He’s garnered countless accolades, including a record-breaking four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, a testament to his raw talent and enduring appeal.
Let’s delve into the heart of his discography and rank the top 10 Lenny Kravitz songs that have cemented his place in music history.
1. “Always on the Run” – A Collaboration of Legends
“Always on the Run” isn’t just a song; it’s a testament to the power of spontaneous creativity and the magic that happens when two rock titans collide. This iconic track brought together Lenny Kravitz and Guns N’ Roses legend Slash, who shared a history as classmates at Beverly Hills High School, though their paths barely crossed before their rise to fame.
The song’s birth was as raw and energetic as the music itself. Kravitz recounted the story in an interview with Rolling Stone, describing a whirlwind session fueled by vodka and pure creative instinct.
“He had me get a gallon of vodka and a bag of ice, and we went in the studio and bang, there it was,” Kravitz shared. “The two of us wrote and cut the tune. I played drums; he played guitar; then I played my guitar, bass, and did the vocals. I brought the horn players in and it was done. Then he got on a plane the next morning and went to LA. It was a wild day.”
This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Always on the Run” – a raw, unfiltered burst of rock and roll energy. It’s a song that grabs you from the first chord and doesn’t let go, much like the wild ride that was its creation.
“Always on the Run” wasn’t just a standalone hit; it lent its title to Kravitz’s 1991 album, Mama Said, with the opening lyric, “My mama said, that your life is a gift,” setting the tone for an album that explored themes of life, love, and the search for meaning.
2. “Black Velveteen” – A Disco-Tinged Commentary on the Human Condition
With “Black Velveteen,” Kravitz proved he could move as effortlessly on the disco floor as he could on the rock stage. This track showcased his versatility, seamlessly blending his signature rock sound with a groovy, danceable beat.
Beneath the infectious rhythm, “Black Velveteen” carried a deeper message, a commentary on the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and technology. The lyrics painted a somewhat dystopian picture, lamenting the potential for technology to erode human connection.
In a 2000 interview, Kravitz reflected on this theme: “We give up quickly. Divorce is an easy option. So why not just create your own mate? And synthesize a human being. You get tired of it, you turn it off and put it in the closet, you know, like the vacuum cleaner.”
This insightful observation, woven into the fabric of a catchy disco track, showcases Kravitz’s ability to tackle complex themes while still making you want to move. “Black Velveteen” is a testament to his musical and lyrical depth, proving that he could make us think as deeply as he could make us dance.
3. “Lady” – A Rhythmic Love Letter
“Lady” marked Kravitz’s final foray into the top 30 of the US Billboard charts in 2004, a testament to its enduring appeal. This infectiously rhythmic track is pure Lenny Kravitz, showcasing his knack for crafting melodies that burrow into your soul and refuse to let go.
As the final single from his seventh studio album, Baptism, “Lady” carried an air of personal reflection. It’s widely believed that the song was inspired by Kravitz’s whirlwind romance with actress Nicole Kidman, whom he dated and was briefly engaged to between 2002 and 2003.
The song’s lyrics are infused with a sense of longing and adoration, with Kravitz’s signature raspy vocals adding an extra layer of emotion. “Lady” is a testament to the power of love and the way it can inspire some of the most heartfelt and memorable music.
4. “Believe” – An Anthem of Faith and Perseverance
“Believe” delves into the core of faith, self-belief, and the transformative power of positive thinking. It’s a song about tapping into your inner strength, holding onto hope, and believing in your ability to shape your own destiny.
This psychedelic, soul-searching ballad served as the second single from Kravitz’s critically acclaimed 1993 album, Are You Gonna Go My Way? It resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, particularly in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and surprisingly, reaching the top spot in Iceland.
Kravitz has often spoken about the personal significance of “Believe,” citing his grandfather’s influence on his upbringing and his belief in the power of the mind. In his own words, “This is a song that represents the way I was raised and what I was taught by my grandfather on my mother’s side about belief. He taught me that anything my mind could see, I could achieve.”
Adding to the song’s allure is its visually captivating music video, directed by the visionary Michel Gondry, known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Kylie Minogue, Sheryl Crow, Sinéad O’Connor, Björk, The Chemical Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and Terence Trent D’Arby. The video, inspired by the cinematic genius of Stanley Kubrick, is a visual masterpiece that perfectly complements the song’s message of hope and self-discovery.
5. “American Woman” – A Reimagined Classic
Lenny Kravitz breathed new life into The Guess Who’s iconic anthem “American Woman” with his electrifying 1998 cover. His rendition, infused with his signature rock swagger and raw sexuality, became synonymous with the spy-comedy film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Kravitz’s “American Woman” wasn’t just a rehash of the original; it was a reimagining, a reinvention. He took the core elements of the song and injected them with his unique musical DNA, creating a version that felt both familiar and refreshingly new.
Even Burton Cummings, the song’s original writer, recognized the brilliance of Kravitz’s interpretation. “I was pleased when Burton Cummings called me to tell me how much he loved it,” Kravitz shared in an interview, highlighting the respect and admiration he’d garnered for his fresh take on a classic.
6. “Again” – A Neo-Soul Triumph
“Again” holds a unique place in Lenny Kravitz’s discography as the only new track on his 2000 Greatest Hits album. Its inclusion proved to be a stroke of genius, propelling the album to become his best-selling release, with over three million copies sold worldwide.
Initially intended for an album of original material, “Again” stood out with its irresistible neo-soul groove. This distinctive sound convinced Kravitz to release it as a standalone single, a decision that paid off handsomely.
The song not only resonated with his existing fan base but also attracted a new wave of listeners drawn to its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. “Again” earned Kravitz his third consecutive Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2000, solidifying his position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
The song’s success extended beyond the awards circuit, climbing the charts to reach No. 4 on the US Billboard charts, marking his first top-five single in nearly a decade. “Again” wasn’t just a comeback; it was a powerful reminder of Kravitz’s ability to evolve, experiment, and consistently deliver music that resonated with a wide audience.
7. “Let Love Rule” – An Ode to Love and Unity
“Let Love Rule,” Lenny Kravitz’s debut single, burst onto the music scene in 1989, a vibrant throwback to the psychedelic rock of the late 60s and early 70s. While some critics initially dismissed it as naive, the song has stood the test of time, evolving into a mantra for Kravitz and a rallying cry for unity and compassion.
Reflecting on the song’s reception, Kravitz shared in a 1998 interview, “When I did ‘Let Love Rule,’ everyone said what a naive piece of sh*t it was. Journalists would ask, ‘Don’t you feel funny singing about that?’ God forbid you sing about love. It’s a lost concept.”
Despite initial criticism, “Let Love Rule” remained true to Kravitz’s core beliefs, and its message of love and understanding resonated deeply with those who connected with its message of hope and unity.
Adding a personal touch to the song’s legacy is its music video, directed by and starring Kravitz’s then-wife, Lisa Bonet. The video’s visuals perfectly captured the song’s spirit, creating a vibrant tapestry of love, peace, and togetherness.
The influence of Stevie Wonder, particularly his 1973 album Innervisions, is evident in “Let Love Rule” and Kravitz’s debut album of the same name. “You can hear the reflections of Stevie’s voice,” Kravitz admitted, acknowledging the inspiration he drew from one of music’s most legendary figures.
8. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” – An Unforgettable Guitar Anthem
“Are You Gonna Go My Way” is arguably Lenny Kravitz at his rock and roll best. This iconic track, with its instantly recognizable guitar riff, solidified his status as a true rock icon of the 90s and beyond. The song’s energy is undeniable, its message defiant yet hopeful, a call to forge your own path and stay true to yourself.
Interestingly, Kravitz has revealed that the song’s inspiration stemmed from a rather unexpected source: Jesus Christ. He viewed Christ as “the ultimate rock star,” someone who challenged conventions and stood up for his beliefs, even in the face of adversity. This unique perspective adds a layer of depth to “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” transforming it from a rock anthem into a powerful statement about conviction and staying true to one’s principles.
The song’s impact was undeniable. It climbed to No. 4 in the UK and, despite not being released as a single in the US, it catapulted the album of the same name to the top 20 of the US album charts and all the way to No. 1 in the UK. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment, a declaration of Kravitz’s arrival as a musical force to be reckoned with.
9. “Fly Away” – A Soaring Anthem of Escape and Freedom
“Fly Away” soared to new heights, becoming Lenny Kravitz’s first UK No. 1 hit and cementing its place as one of his most enduring anthems. This effortlessly cool track, with its infectious riff and lyrics that speak of escape and longing, resonated with audiences worldwide.
The song’s creation was a testament to trusting the creative process. Kravitz had already finished his 1998 album 5 when “Fly Away” emerged, but it was a friend’s encouragement that led him to include it. This last-minute addition proved to be a stroke of genius, as “Fly Away” became one of the album’s most popular tracks.
“People can identify with it, because it’s a song about escaping and going to this other world – this other place where things are different,” Kravitz shared, explaining the song’s universal appeal. He acknowledged that it didn’t have a particularly deep backstory, proving that sometimes the most powerful songs stem from simple yet relatable ideas.
“Fly Away” wasn’t just a commercial success; it earned Kravitz a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, solidifying its place as one of his signature songs. This soaring anthem continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, a testament to its timeless message of seeking freedom, embracing change, and pursuing your dreams.
10. “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” – A Soulful Ballad of Love and Hope
“It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” showcases a different side of Lenny Kravitz, a softer, more soulful side reminiscent of his musical hero, Marvin Gaye. This heartfelt ballad, with its orchestral flourishes and emotionally charged vocals, is a testament to Kravitz’s versatility and his ability to masterfully navigate diverse musical landscapes.
It’s interesting to note that Kravitz initially hesitated to release “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.” He recognized its hit potential and believed it would be better suited for someone like Smokey Robinson. However, at his label’s urging, he decided to record it himself, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I said: ‘I’m not putting that song on ‘cos it’s a hit.’ I wanted to stay underground and give it to Smokey Robinson,” Kravitz admitted, reflecting on his initial reluctance. His instincts about the song’s potential proved to be spot-on, as it transformed him into a household name upon its release in 1991.
“It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” catapulted Kravitz onto global charts, although this newfound fame came with its share of adjustments. He humorously recounted the moment he realized the song’s massive popularity while walking through the streets of New York City, hearing it blasting from car radios. The experience led him to abandon his subway commutes, as he was constantly recognized, proving that sometimes even the most positive changes can lead to unexpected lifestyle adjustments.
