{"product_id":"love-hate-by-michael-kiwanuka-soulful-ambitious-album","title":"Love \u0026 Hate by Michael Kiwanuka - Soulful, Ambitious Album","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of Love \u0026amp; Hate finds it most compelling for listeners who value deep, emotionally charged soul music and meticulous production. Recorded in LA and London and produced by Dangermouse and Inflo, this second album is a clear step forward from Michael Kiwanuka's debut and offers a resonant, cohesive listening experience. The takeaway: buy this if you want an album where voice and atmosphere are foregrounded and songs reveal more on repeated plays; its blend of soul, blues and subtle psychedelic touches makes it a rewarding record to return to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produced by Dangermouse and Inflo, the album benefits from layered arrangements that balance vintage soul textures with modern studio clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecording locations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recorded in LA and London, the dual settings add both polished studio sheen and intimate, organic warmth to the tracks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVocal performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiwanuka's voice is central and expressive, delivering melancholy and strength that elevate each song's emotional weight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSongwriting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Honest and ambitious lyrics give the record a coherent thematic throughline that rewards focused listening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplay value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Customers note the album grows on repeat plays, revealing subtleties in arrangement and vocal phrasing over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove \u0026amp; Hate is ideal for fans of contemporary soul, singer-songwriters, and listeners who appreciate albums crafted for full, focused listens rather than single-track playlists. Those seeking a record with strong vocal identity, careful production and a blend of blues, jazz and funk influences will find much to admire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf we are candid, listeners who prefer upbeat pop or electronic dance music with immediate hooks may want to look elsewhere; this album rewards patience and attention rather than chasing instant, repetitive choruses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich, soulful vocal performances that suit Michael Kiwanuka perfectly and convey real emotion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality production from Dangermouse and Inflo that creates a timeless yet contemporary sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong songwriting with a cohesive mood and notable replay value as layers emerge over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe deliberate pace and introspective tone may feel slow to listeners expecting immediate, upbeat hooks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArtist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMichael Kiwanuka\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLove \u0026amp; Hate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLabel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterscope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProducers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDangermouse; Inflo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecording locations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLos Angeles and London\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlbum type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecond studio album\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove \u0026amp; Hate is a confident, emotionally resonant record that cements Michael Kiwanuka's status as a distinctive soul artist; its careful production and expressive voice make it a worthwhile purchase for serious music listeners who value depth and lasting replay value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho produced Love \u0026amp; Hate?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album was produced by Dangermouse and Inflo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere was the album recorded?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecording took place in Los Angeles and London, contributing to its polished yet warm sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this album similar to his debut?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt follows the debut's emotional core but is more assured and ambitious in production and songwriting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Interscope","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48629011120347,"sku":"B01DKMSNOE","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71MlGAW5UfL._SL1400.jpg?v=1778473996","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/love-hate-by-michael-kiwanuka-soulful-ambitious-album","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}