Description
Lenny Kravitz – Let Love Rule -Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Lenny Kravitz’s Let Love Rule, released on September 6, 1989, is the debut album that introduced the world to Kravitz’s distinctive blend of rock, funk, soul, and psychedelia. With its raw, organic sound and heartfelt themes, the album set the stage for Kravitz’s career as a genre-defying artist and multi-instrumentalist. It showcased his ability to seamlessly merge vintage influences from the 1960s and 1970s with contemporary energy, creating music that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Let Love Rule centers on love as a unifying and transformative force. Its messages of peace, spirituality, and connection are delivered through a rich tapestry of soulful melodies, rock grooves, and introspective lyrics. The album was primarily self-produced, with Kravitz playing most of the instruments, further highlighting his artistic vision and talent.
In the late 1980s, Lenny Kravitz was a young musician struggling to find his place in the music industry. Initially working under the stage name “Romeo Blue” and experimenting with contemporary pop sounds, Kravitz became disillusioned with the commercial pressures of the industry. He decided to embrace his true artistic voice, drawing inspiration from classic rock, funk, soul, and gospel.
The album was recorded with a modest budget, giving it a raw, unpolished feel that resonated with listeners seeking authenticity in a heavily synthesized musical era. The influence of Kravitz’s parents—his mother, actress Roxie Roker, and his father, TV producer Sy Kravitz—as well as his multicultural upbringing, are reflected in the album’s themes of unity and love.
Musically, Let Love Rule is a melting pot of styles. Kravitz channels the spirit of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Led Zeppelin, while infusing the grooves of Curtis Mayfield and Sly and the Family Stone. The album is built around warm analog production, with live instrumentation and minimal reliance on synthesizers, setting it apart from the heavily electronic sound of the late 1980s.
Kravitz’s multi-instrumental talents shine throughout the album. He played guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion, creating a cohesive sound that was entirely his own. His soulful voice, capable of both raw emotion and tender intimacy, is at the heart of the record.
Track Highlights
Sittin’ on Top of the World
The album opens with a funky, upbeat track that exudes confidence and optimism. Its breezy melody and groovy rhythm set the tone for the journey ahead.
Let Love Rule
The title track and lead single is an anthem of love and unity. Built around a simple yet powerful guitar riff and gospel-inspired backing vocals, the song’s message is timeless: Love is gentle as a rose, and love can conquer any war. It became a signature track for Kravitz, encapsulating his philosophy and artistry.
Freedom Train
A high-energy rock track with raw guitar riffs and socially conscious lyrics, Freedom Train reflects Kravitz’s passion for justice and liberation.
My Precious Love
A soulful, gospel-tinged ballad that highlights Kravitz’s vocal range and emotional depth. The song’s lush harmonies and spiritual themes evoke the sounds of 1970s soul.
I Build This Garden for Us
One of the album’s most ambitious tracks, this song combines lush orchestration with a dreamy, utopian vision of love and unity. The sweeping arrangement and poetic lyrics make it a standout moment.
Fear
A haunting, introspective track with a darker tone, Fear delves into themes of vulnerability and self-doubt. Its minimalist arrangement contrasts with the album’s more exuberant moments, showcasing Kravitz’s versatility.
Does Anybody Out There Even Care
This socially conscious song questions apathy and inequality, pairing a soulful melody with poignant lyrics. Kravitz’s emotive delivery underscores the song’s urgency.
Mr. Cab Driver
A funky, satirical track addressing racism and prejudice. With biting lyrics and a groovy bassline, it balances humor with a sharp critique of societal issues, highlighting Kravitz’s ability to blend social commentary with catchy music.
Be
A tender and reflective acoustic ballad, ‘Be’ captures a sense of personal vulnerability and spiritual longing. Its stripped-down arrangement allows Kravitz’s voice to take center stage.
Rosemary
This track combines a bluesy feel with a narrative about resilience and inner strength. Its raw emotion and storytelling set it apart.
Blues for Sister Someone
A slow-burning, blues-infused track that showcases Kravitz’s guitar work and his ability to channel raw emotion through his music.
Empty Hands
A poignant ballad with a hopeful message, Empty Hands blends acoustic and orchestral elements, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Flower Child
The album closes with a playful, psychedelic tune that celebrates individuality and free-spiritedness, embodying the album’s themes of love and unity.
The overarching theme of Let Love Rule is the transformative power of love—both romantic and universal. Kravitz uses his music to explore relationships, spirituality, and social issues, presenting a message of hope and connection. Tracks like Let Love Rule and I Build This Garden for Us emphasize the importance of unity, while songs like Mr. Cab Driver confront societal injustices with wit and conviction.
Kravitz’s lyrics, though often simple, carry a heartfelt sincerity that resonates deeply. His ability to combine introspection with broader social commentary gives the album a timeless quality.
Let Love Rule received mixed reviews from critics but quickly developed a cult following. Many praised Kravitz’s throwback sound and multi-instrumental talent, while some criticized the album’s reliance on retro influences. Commercially, it performed modestly in the U.S., but it gained significant traction in Europe, helping to establish Kravitz as an international artist.
Let Love Rule has been re-evaluated as a bold and authentic debut that laid the foundation for Kravitz’s career. Its message of love and unity continues to resonate, and songs like Let Love Rule and Mr. Cab Driver remain staples of his live performances.
Let Love Rule arrived at the end of the 1980s, a time when heavily produced pop and rock dominated the charts. Kravitz’s organic, retro-inspired sound offered a refreshing alternative, bridging the gap between classic rock traditions and modern sensibilities. His genre-blending style and multicultural influences paved the way for future artists to break down stylistic barriers.
The album also marked the beginning of Kravitz’s journey as an artist committed to using his music to inspire and connect people. Its themes of love, unity, and social consciousness remain as relevant today as they were in 1989, ensuring Let Love Rule’s enduring legacy as a timeless and heartfelt work.
Issued on 180 gram black vinyl, housed in gatefold jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Sittin’ On The Top Of The World
Let Love Rule
Freedom Train
My Precious Love
I Build This Garden For Us
Fear
Does Anybody Out There Even Care
Mr. Cab Driver
Rosemary
Be
Empty Hands
Flower Chid
