Home Again

Home Again is the 2012 debut studio album by Michael Kiwanuka, a release that immediately established him as a premier voice in the UK soul revival. Produced by Paul Butler of The Bees, the album was recorded in a basement studio using vintage equipment to achieve a specific 1970s analog warmth. Unlike his later, more expansive and psychedelic works like KIWANUKA, this debut is characterized by its intimacy and folk-leaning arrangements. Critics from The Guardian and BBC Music praised the album for its authenticity, often comparing Kiwanuka's vocal delivery and songwriting to legends like Bill Withers and Otis Redding. The record successfully bridged the gap between indie-folk and classic soul, earning a Mercury Prize nomination and winning the BBC Sound of 2012 poll. It remains a definitive example of modern 'rootsy' soul, prized for its organic textures and understated emotional power.