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Michael Kiwanuka Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Published on August 2, 2025in Best Albums

Exploring the discography of an artist like Michael Kiwanuka is a deeply rewarding experience. His music feels both timeless and perfectly of the moment.

This creates a fascinating challenge when trying to decide on the best Michael Kiwanuka album. Each one offers a unique window into his artistic soul.

We are taking on that challenge by looking at the Michael Kiwanuka albums ranked according to the fans. Community sentiment provides a powerful guide to his body of work. We'll also see how streaming data tells a different part of the story.

Ranking Michael Kiwanuka's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Home Again (2012)

Image from article: Michael Kiwanuka Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

This is the debut studio album that introduced the world to Michael Kiwanuka's incredible talent back in 2012.

It was produced by Paul Butler of The Bees in a basement studio, giving it a warm and intimate feel.

The album received very positive reviews from critics and quickly found commercial success, peaking at number 4 in the UK.

Key tracks:

  • Home Again
  • Rest

It's no surprise that fans place Home Again at the very top. A debut album often holds a special, foundational place in an artist's story.

The record's raw, vintage soul sound felt authentic and instantly classic, establishing the core of what listeners love about his music.


2. Love & Hate (2016)

Image from article: Michael Kiwanuka Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Kiwanuka's second studio album, Love & Hate, arrived in 2016 to widespread critical acclaim.

Produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, the album saw him expand his sound into more cinematic and psychedelic territory.

The track "Cold Little Heart" gained massive exposure as the opening theme for the HBO series Big Little Lies, bringing his music to a new global audience.

Key tracks:

  • Love & Hate
  • One More Night

For many, Love & Hate is a modern masterpiece. Its ambitious scope and flawless execution are a huge part of its appeal.

The album's blend of personal reflection and grand, sweeping arrangements resonated deeply, securing its spot as a close favorite in his discography.


3. KIWANUKA (2019)

Image from article: Michael Kiwanuka Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Released in 2019, Kiwanuka's third album is a powerful, self-titled statement piece.

The project was a major critical success, earning the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 2020.

Kiwanuka has said the album's title reflects his growing confidence in his own identity as an artist, a theme felt throughout the record.

Key tracks:

  • Solid Ground
  • You Ain't The Problem

Holding this position among fans, KIWANUKA is celebrated as the work of a musician in his prime.

It's seen as a culmination of the sounds he explored on his previous albums, delivered with an unshakable sense of self. It is a bold, definitive work.


4. Small Changes (2024)

Image from article: Michael Kiwanuka Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

The fourth studio album from Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes, was released in late 2024.

It marks his third consecutive collaboration with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo, a partnership that has clearly been very fruitful.

The album was praised by critics upon release, continuing his streak of well-regarded projects.

Key tracks:

  • Floating Parade
  • The Rest Of Me

As the newest entry in his catalog, Small Changes is still finding its long-term place among fans.

Its position here likely reflects its newness more than anything else. Listeners are still living with these songs and forming the deep connections that define an artist's most cherished work.


Picked your top Michael Kiwanuka classic? Check out Michael Kiwanuka's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.


Michael Kiwanuka albums: A look at popularity data

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While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Michael Kiwanuka's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity RankAlbum TitleRelease Year
1Love & Hate2016
2Home Again2012
3KIWANUKA2019
4Small Changes2024

Quick FAQs about Michael Kiwanuka's albums

Q: Who produced Michael Kiwanuka's debut album, Home Again?

A: The album was produced by Paul Butler of the band The Bees. It was recorded in his basement studio, which contributed to its intimate and authentic sound.

Q: Which artists was Michael Kiwanuka compared to on his debut?

A: Early in his career, critics often compared his soulful vocals and songwriting to legendary artists like Bill Withers, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye.


So, that's our deep dive into Michael Kiwanuka's albums ranked by the fans.

Whether you favor the raw soul of his debut or the cinematic scope of his later work, it's clear his catalog is remarkably consistent.

Ultimately, the best Michael Kiwanuka album is the one that speaks to you the most. What does your personal ranking look like?