Lenny Kravitz greets us from his Bahamas residence one morning, just beginning to stir. Initially, our chat unfolds in his living room, but he, along with his mint tea and open-chested denim vest, prefers the ambiance of the porch. Today, the leather gym pants seem to have the day off, while his eyes remain shielded behind sunglasses. Kravitz cherishes these tranquil moments in his "sacred space" before his upcoming album, Blue Electric Light, debuts on May 24, coinciding with an international tour. He describes this phase as a fresh start, akin to hitting the restart button on "Lenny 2.0."
This version of Kravitz exudes a funkier vibe, edging toward the realms of New Wave. For those anticipating another "Are You Gonna Go My Way," he acknowledges their discerning taste but suggests that was merely an older LK update. Approaching 60, Kravitz acknowledges that his personal evolution aligns with redefining the essence of rock and roll. Anything reminiscent of the past no longer suffices; however, he graciously makes an exception for our "Superlatives" column, aiming to clarify some misconceptions.
Asked about the most therapeutic song to record, Kravitz reflects on "A Long and Sad Goodbye," a poignant tribute to his father. He delves into the complexities of their relationship, choosing to release the song posthumously out of respect. Reflecting on his creative process, he dismisses any fear in songwriting, embracing the flow of inspiration without reservation. Kravitz emphasizes his role as a conduit for the music that finds him, a journey that commenced with his debut album, Let Love Rule.
Regarding the most indulgent song, Kravitz points to "I Built This Garden for Us," a lush composition from Let Love Rule. Despite its intricate arrangement, he considers it a reflection of a utopian vision for his family. When asked about finding his voice, he harks back to "Let Love Rule," a pivotal track that marked his acceptance of his musical identity.
Reflecting on his guitar solos, Kravitz highlights the simplicity and emotional depth of "Black Girl" from Are You Gonna Go My Way, drawing inspiration from blues legends like B.B. King. As for albums that sparked his creative rejuvenation, he singles out Blue Electric Light, embodying a sense of youthful energy and newfound freedom.
Kravitz dispels myths about his career, emphasizing his multifaceted role as a songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist. He shares a sentimental memory of a netted shirt that once belonged to his father, tracing its significance to his own fashion journey.