Lenny Kravitz is one of the best musicians in the world today and has had a following since the late 80's.   With that said he still struggles to gain recognition from many and some are just being exposed to his soulful sound of Rock and Roll.  

In the recent past he has done work with Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and Sean "P-Diddy" Combs. With those names comes a whole new audience and that should help Kravitz's new LP Baptism fly off the shelves.  

Let us get down to the business of giving this album a GeoClan.com welcome and Globe rating.

"Minister Of Rock and Roll" uses the Moog and Mellotron to set the opening tempo while Kravitz breaks down his place in Rock and Roll and also Rock's place in his and others life.   The message: don't fool around!

"I Don't Want To Be A Star" is about just that.   While I'm sure that Kravitz is very appreciative of his talents and benefits I'm also sure that with that comes responsibility and burdens that can be heavy and sometimes you want to be normal.   Kravitz uses a whiny voice and several instruments to get his message out.   He talks of friends perplexed because he does feed off being a celebrity and how he needs no fat cigar just a Chevy and an old guitar.

"Lady" is an up-tempo jam about a special lady and the way she makes him feel!   Nothing more or less, but what makes the song hot is the Saxophone work courtesy of David Baron and the Piano being played by Craig Ross.   Lenny gives you some screams and some shouts about this lady who has him on the edge of normalcy.

"Calling All Angels" is one of the slower tracks on the LP and Kravitz sings about looking for that right person to share with, to care for and think of bigger pictures with.   This song reminds me a little of "I'll Remember" performed by Madonna in terms of pitch and song tone.

"California" talks about the beauties of being on the Westside of America in California (Culifornia, if you are Governor Arnold).   This song is also a staple for the X games crowd.   Kravitz talks about how he was hooked from when he came from New York and the differences that make it unique.   A song to ride to on a nice road trip or to keep you up, this song is a jam!

"Sistamamalover" is about that girl who is like a jack-of-all-trades as she can be a friend, an advisor and a lover at the same time.   Most hope to find a significant other like this and Kravitz goes into some detail explaining that small niche that is rarely achieved.   Kravitz really rips the guitar solo and The Uncle Clappers bring home the beat with their hands.

"Where Are We Runnin'?" is for the life most live where you don't have to think.   It is a racy song with heavy drums and the Electric Guitars in full blast courtesy of Kravitz and Ross.   Short but meaningful, Kravitz tells people to enjoy their ride and slowdown sometimes.

Kravitz uses his poignant lyrics for "Baptized", a song in which Lenny talks about not losing love.   He wants to be baptized in her love and doesn't want to feel the loneliness.

Flash is another electric guitar heavy song that talks to the fans.   Kravitz acknowledges that he doesn't have long before he'll be yesterday's news so he has to take advantage of all opportunities and he must bring it for his fans.   He talks about the feeling he gets from the rush of performing and playing in joyful words.

What Did I Do With My Life is another slow song on the LP and Lenny talks about paths taken and what happen.   What could be different and what he is happy for.   Kravitz also tells people to do what they feel strong about and never let anyone tell you different.  

Storm is the one for the middle crowd and features Jay-Z on the very simple track.   Kravitz talks about the love that he made a mistake on and how he will be looking for that type of love again.   Jay talks about himself but it's expected and all good.   Not the remix you may have heard on the radio this is simpler.

The Other Side is a melancholy track where Lenny talks about why he is here and what he has compared to what he doesn't.   He shows a different sound in his voice, a deeper sound and is joined by a crazy Saxophone solo courtesy of David Sanborn.   This song has the sound of something from the 70's, a real smooth tempo and will but you in an introspective mood.

Lenny uses his higher octaves in Destiny, a song that talks about following dreams and being his own man.   Lionel Richie co-wrote this peaceful track.  

Overall, this album is not Lenny's best but he does get deep into his thoughts, fears and loves.   The lyrics aren't complex but carry weight and the music on the album is beyond great as he performs a majority of over four instruments on the most of the album. He wrote, arranged and produced the entire LP and the songs have different themes and sounds.  

I'll give the LP 4 solid globes.

  
Any questions, comments, suggestions email Clayton Ruley at clayton@geoclan.com.