LENNY KRAVITZ
Baptism (Virgin)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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There was a time Lenny Kravitz was interesting: when he was snuggling Lisa Bonet and singing about cab drivers. Then he decided to resurrect Jimi Hendrix, and though the wardrobe was mighty fetching, he couldn't really play guitar well enough to pull that off. Problem is the legions bought the records in droves, and he started winning them Grannie awards, and he really started to think he WAS Hendrix. So here he is, snuggling with his flying V axe, bathing in blood on the cover (hopefully with shorts on), and delivering the same old same old. Passable AOR drivel mixed with a couple of sparks (the gospelly title track for one) shows he can actually concoct listenable moments when not posing. But posing he does, with his guitar, behind the piano, at the drumkit, caressing a bass; Lenny's playing with himself again, how cute - like we need reminders of his virtuosity. Lenny needs some slapping to get him back on track. I have my paddle at the ready, the apprenticeship of Lenny Kravitz may commence immediately.

© 2004 - John Sekerka