Three years after the marginally successful, critically panned Baptism, Lenny Kravitz returns to reclaim his throne as this era’s larger than life, quintessential rock star. It Is Time For A Love Revolution is Lenny’s 8th studio album and the long awaited reincarnation of his signature sound. Lenny’s strength has always been in his ability to pattern himself after the legendary phenoms of rock ( e.g., Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix) while adding a spin unique enough to save him from the pit of pure impersonation. His sound is not revolutionary, but who can blame him? His commitment to retro psychedelic flower child funk makes him something of a purist, an acoustic chemist with a tried and true formula for success. And, thankfully, It Is Time For A Love Revolution does not disappoint. Classic guitar riffs, heavy drums and infectious melodies secure this album as a classic among Lenny’s illustrious projects and endear it in the hearts of his millions of fans.

Love is not a new theme… and Lenny’s lyrics fail to revolutionize the concept. Ironically, the project is no less captivating. The title track, “Love Revolution”, appropriately sets the stage for the foray into Lenny’s mind. Notably on the journey, Lenny serenades the listener with an unusually funky proposal - “Will You Marry Me” - proving that crooning is not the only persuasive love medium. Similar to “Sister”on the 1993 Are You Gonna Go My Way, “I’ll Be Waiting” is a comforting ode to an unnamed female who mistakenly falls in love with the wrong man. However, the love revolution to which Lenny dedicates his talent is not reserved for romantic love. “I Love The Rain” is one of Lenny’s trademark ballads, featuring effortlessly beautiful vocals and witty lyrics that aptly describe his meteorological affection. “A Long Sad Goodbye” is a raw dedication to Kravitz’s father, expressing an angst and disappointment that manifests in an amazing guitar solo which solidifies his status as an enviable musician. Overtly, Lenny is spiritually expressive on this project, mentioning Jesus several times throughout the album . Yet, he ingeniously avoids alienating his audience and misses earning the stamp of an evangelical prosthelytizer. “Uncharted Terrain” boasts a reggae- influenced sound reminiscent of “Eleutheria” (Are You Gonna Go My Way 1993); “ I’m Confused” is a great fusion of the best of blues and rock ; “Back in Vietnam” is an angry political criticism of the war further illustrating Lenny’s understanding of the traditional expectations of a true rock revolutionary.

It Is Time For A Love Revolution may not be sufficiently innovative to spark a revolution, but often there is value in the familiar. It reassures us that everything will be alright. Creative consistency is a worthy aspiration and in an industry filled with complacent disappointment, artistry is revolutionary.