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Track Listings
| 1. Are You Gonna Go My Way |
| 2. Believe |
| 3. Come On And Love Me |
| 4. Heaven Help |
| 5. Just Be A Woman |
| 6. Is There Any Love In Your Heart |
| 7. Black Girl |
| 8. My Love |
| 9. Sugar |
| 10. Sister |
| 11. Eleutheria |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The irony of Are You Gonna Go My Way is that, by the release of his third album, Lenny Kravitz had finally started internalizing the influences of his musical heroes--Curtis Mayfield, Prince, John Lennon, and Sly Stone--who had been so nakedly copped on Let Love Rule and Mama Said. So what becomes the album's big hit? The title track, a Jimi Hendrix rip-off if there ever was one. Kravitz backslides elsewhere, too: "Is There Any Love in Your Heart" is plainly drawn from Led Zeppelin and "Eleutheria" from Bob Marley, while "Believe" takes a more inventive approach--its chorus is in the style of the Beatles, while the verses and guitar solo again recall Led Zep. What's especially damning about the album though, is that the more Kravitz strikes out on his own, the more lackluster his songs become, evidenced by the dippy come-on "Black Girl" and the weak psychedelia of "My Love." --Daniel Durchholz
Product Description
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
Lenny Kravitz follows up wildly successful multi platinum "Mama Said" with this chart scorcher that is sure to please anyone from the hard core metal junkie to the light reggae listener. It has sweet ballads crooned with Kravitz's soul searching tenor (Black Girl) as well as ear pounding guitar riffs (Are You Gonna Go My Way). He covers the emotional gambit along with a mind boggling array of instruments and recording techniques. He produces and writes almost all 11 tracks with help from members of his band Craig Ross and musical associate Henry Hirsh. He garnered many award nominations for this album and is virtually guaranteed future musical success with the unbelievable amount of vocal, musical and lyrical talent that he possesses.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
After reading an editorial review on Lenny's album Are You Gonna Go My Way, me being a die-hard Lenny Kravitz fan, I had to comment against the cruel words.
First of all, how many artists out there can say that they have not had any other musical influences while writing their own music? If you listen closely to most popular music of today, it pretty much all sounds alike...that is probably why it is called "Popular Music". Although this album does have songs that have similarities to other artists, the majority of the songs were written, arranged and even produced by Lenny Kravitz! Like an editor said in his review "Believe takes a more inventive approach--its chorus is in the style of the Beatles..." yes, some of the songs do emulate the artists that inspire him but the key words here are "in the STYLE of the Beatles". But don't take away Lenny's credibility and ability to write his own songs by writing such harsh opinions. But now I would like to express my views on not only this album but also on Lenny as an artist.
Can you find me an artist that does not have music that reflects their influences? It is highly unlikely. Music is a source of inspiration, and influence. Musicians always have an influence and it will always be seen and heard through their craft. If anything, the fact that after hearing Lenny's album, you were reminded of artists such as the Beatles or Led Zepplin and Bob Marley, is a positive thing. To be in the same caliber of those artists is truly a compliment. Lenny can sound like other artists...but no one can sound like Lenny.
Although I have been a Lenny fan since long before the Are you Gonna Go My Way album, I must admit, that this album was probably the one that really made me open my eyes and ears to Lenny as an artist. His songs may sound familiar, but are definitely done in LENNY'S own way. He takes a sound, and makes it better. He perfects it. He takes a familiarity and gives it his own Lenny flare. He gives critics something to talk about.
First of all, how many artists out there can say that they have not had any other musical influences while writing their own music? If you listen closely to most popular music of today, it pretty much all sounds alike...that is probably why it is called "Popular Music". Although this album does have songs that have similarities to other artists, the majority of the songs were written, arranged and even produced by Lenny Kravitz! Like an editor said in his review "Believe takes a more inventive approach--its chorus is in the style of the Beatles..." yes, some of the songs do emulate the artists that inspire him but the key words here are "in the STYLE of the Beatles". But don't take away Lenny's credibility and ability to write his own songs by writing such harsh opinions. But now I would like to express my views on not only this album but also on Lenny as an artist.
Can you find me an artist that does not have music that reflects their influences? It is highly unlikely. Music is a source of inspiration, and influence. Musicians always have an influence and it will always be seen and heard through their craft. If anything, the fact that after hearing Lenny's album, you were reminded of artists such as the Beatles or Led Zepplin and Bob Marley, is a positive thing. To be in the same caliber of those artists is truly a compliment. Lenny can sound like other artists...but no one can sound like Lenny.
Although I have been a Lenny fan since long before the Are you Gonna Go My Way album, I must admit, that this album was probably the one that really made me open my eyes and ears to Lenny as an artist. His songs may sound familiar, but are definitely done in LENNY'S own way. He takes a sound, and makes it better. He perfects it. He takes a familiarity and gives it his own Lenny flare. He gives critics something to talk about.
I admire Lenny for being compared to other artists, but at the same time making his own music, writing his own lyrics, and playing many instruments unlike many of the artists today, which of course so many critics completely fail to mention. I will always love Lenny's music, his albums and will always "go his way"!
The Are You Gonna Go My Way album rocks.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By L.A. Scene
Format:Audio CD
In the mid 1990s, I heard a concert promotion radio ad that was basically introducing the performer to be "The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Star". When they announced that star to be Lenny Kravitz, I must admit, I nearly drove off the road when I heard that. I had realized Kravitz had some commercial success and had a nice following, but "World's Greatest Rock and Roll Star"? - come on! However, now about a decade later, as I have begun to get a deeper appreciation for what Rock music has to offer, I now realize that perhaps there is some real merit to that radio ad. I'm still not ready to put Kravitz up there with the upper echelon of Rock with the Paul McCartneys, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteens, or even Billy Joels - however, it is safe to say that Kravitz could easily be one of the great revelations of the 1990s. Kravitz established his potential on his debut album, "Let Love Rule". On that album Kravitz utilized the "Minneapolis Sound" (similar to the style made famous by Prince) by incorporating a mix of Funk and Rock. By 1993, Kravitz was soon expanding his sound and his third album "Are You Gonna Go My Way" would help to take things to the next level. Kravitz also integrates his personal life experiences into this album.
Many have said that this album provides an "edge" - much of this probably resulting from his failed marriage to Lisa Bonet. While I can see this, ultimately I feel that this album actually shows more of Kravitz's development as an artist as opposed to anger.
Here is a song by song synopsis of the collection:
"Are You Gonna Go My Way": This song is all about Kravitz's guitar work as it is going to set a high level of intensity. However the percussion blends perfectly here as well. One underrated fact of this song is how Kravitz uses the spoken word "What I really want to know is..." right before the title of the song is sung "Are You Gonna Go My Way".
"Believe": On this track, Kravitz extends his sound by introducing some an Indian sounding melody to open the track. However, I find the whole way Kravitz incorporates an orchestral sound with strings and horns an even stronger sign how he has grown as an artist.
"Come on and Love Me": The percussion and bass really set the pace for this tone. Kravitz perfectly layers his guitar work on this track. Some can argue this has a retro feel, but I think this is a case where retro can be considered modern.
"Heaven Help": Piano work is going to be the story here as it provides a retro styled R&B melody to it. Another great point is how Kravitz demonstrates terrific vocal ranges here. Kravitz's words "I'm ready for love" are indicative of some of his post-divorce feelings following his failed marriage.
"Just Be a Woman": On this track, Kravitz now effectively utilizes the acoustic guitar combined with some terrific string arrangements. This song is probably reflective on Kravitz's failed marriage as he says "You ask me...how can I make it right?"
"Is There Any Love in Your Heart": Kravitz turns up the intensity with another hard-rocking sound here. While the title track has always gotten the attention, this track often gets overlooked. More reflections on his failed marriage surface here - not just in the song title, but in the lyrics such as "Your whole life is a fantasy and I'm playing the clown". There is a terrific guitar bridge about 2/3 of the way into the song.
"Black Girl": This song has another R&B feel to it. On the verses, the guitars are electric, but they take more of a complementary role to Kravitz's vocals. On this song I suddenly realized something about Lenny Kravitz, he has his own version of a falsetto. It isn't a Barry Gibb falsetto, but nonetheless it is a falsetto that can be effectively used. I also like how Kravitz "switches" gears about 2/5 into the song in terms of the rhythm of the song. There is another great guitar bridge on this song.
"My Love": This song goes all back to the guitar. In fact, this song almost has a stripped-down guitar feel to it. Possibly this goes back to more of Kravitz's feelings about his failed marriage as he uses this song to describe "his love".
"Sugar": This song also has a retro-styled 1970s R&B feel to it. I like how Kravitz mixes up his vocal ranges on this track. On this track I feel the String and horn arrangements also help build to the appeal of this song.
"Sister": This is the most underrated track on the collection and demonstrates how Kravitz has completed himself as an artist. The song opens with some terrific acoustic guitars. This is followed up by some electric guitars that "fold" into the melody beautifully. Finally some outstanding string arrangements are also layered on top of things. One of the great guitar solos in Kravitz's work is demonstrated on the middle of this track. While the guitar work is great, it ultimately is Kravtiz's passionate vocals that really hit home - particularly on the line "If they knock on your door..."
"Eleutheria": Very simply, this is a reggae-like track by Kravitz. While this wasn't my favorite track on the collection, it still demonstrates that Kravitz is not a one dimensional artist. It still is a track worth checking out.
The liner notes to this collection contain all of the lyrics as well as the musician credits. Overall, I think this is the album that really solidified Kravitz's status as an artist. This is truly the kind of "third album" I would expect from an artist on the rise. This is not only a collection Kravitz fans will enjoy, but great material for new fans to check out.
Many have said that this album provides an "edge" - much of this probably resulting from his failed marriage to Lisa Bonet. While I can see this, ultimately I feel that this album actually shows more of Kravitz's development as an artist as opposed to anger.
Here is a song by song synopsis of the collection:
"Are You Gonna Go My Way": This song is all about Kravitz's guitar work as it is going to set a high level of intensity. However the percussion blends perfectly here as well. One underrated fact of this song is how Kravitz uses the spoken word "What I really want to know is..." right before the title of the song is sung "Are You Gonna Go My Way".
"Believe": On this track, Kravitz extends his sound by introducing some an Indian sounding melody to open the track. However, I find the whole way Kravitz incorporates an orchestral sound with strings and horns an even stronger sign how he has grown as an artist.
"Come on and Love Me": The percussion and bass really set the pace for this tone. Kravitz perfectly layers his guitar work on this track. Some can argue this has a retro feel, but I think this is a case where retro can be considered modern.
"Heaven Help": Piano work is going to be the story here as it provides a retro styled R&B melody to it. Another great point is how Kravitz demonstrates terrific vocal ranges here. Kravitz's words "I'm ready for love" are indicative of some of his post-divorce feelings following his failed marriage.
"Just Be a Woman": On this track, Kravitz now effectively utilizes the acoustic guitar combined with some terrific string arrangements. This song is probably reflective on Kravitz's failed marriage as he says "You ask me...how can I make it right?"
"Is There Any Love in Your Heart": Kravitz turns up the intensity with another hard-rocking sound here. While the title track has always gotten the attention, this track often gets overlooked. More reflections on his failed marriage surface here - not just in the song title, but in the lyrics such as "Your whole life is a fantasy and I'm playing the clown". There is a terrific guitar bridge about 2/3 of the way into the song.
"Black Girl": This song has another R&B feel to it. On the verses, the guitars are electric, but they take more of a complementary role to Kravitz's vocals. On this song I suddenly realized something about Lenny Kravitz, he has his own version of a falsetto. It isn't a Barry Gibb falsetto, but nonetheless it is a falsetto that can be effectively used. I also like how Kravitz "switches" gears about 2/5 into the song in terms of the rhythm of the song. There is another great guitar bridge on this song.
"My Love": This song goes all back to the guitar. In fact, this song almost has a stripped-down guitar feel to it. Possibly this goes back to more of Kravitz's feelings about his failed marriage as he uses this song to describe "his love".
"Sugar": This song also has a retro-styled 1970s R&B feel to it. I like how Kravitz mixes up his vocal ranges on this track. On this track I feel the String and horn arrangements also help build to the appeal of this song.
"Sister": This is the most underrated track on the collection and demonstrates how Kravitz has completed himself as an artist. The song opens with some terrific acoustic guitars. This is followed up by some electric guitars that "fold" into the melody beautifully. Finally some outstanding string arrangements are also layered on top of things. One of the great guitar solos in Kravitz's work is demonstrated on the middle of this track. While the guitar work is great, it ultimately is Kravtiz's passionate vocals that really hit home - particularly on the line "If they knock on your door..."
"Eleutheria": Very simply, this is a reggae-like track by Kravitz. While this wasn't my favorite track on the collection, it still demonstrates that Kravitz is not a one dimensional artist. It still is a track worth checking out.
The liner notes to this collection contain all of the lyrics as well as the musician credits. Overall, I think this is the album that really solidified Kravitz's status as an artist. This is truly the kind of "third album" I would expect from an artist on the rise. This is not only a collection Kravitz fans will enjoy, but great material for new fans to check out.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas gift for my daughter
Obviously she is please with it since it was on her Santa list. It was easy to find and order.
Published 2 months ago by Alice Fonda Henson Workman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, I'm gonna go your way.
Maybe not so much now, but when this album came out Lenny was the man! If "5" isn't his most popular album, this is. The title track and video was everywhere, rightly so. Read more
Published on February 14, 2011 by H3@+h
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lenny Going His Way
Already two albums into his career by the time this came out Lenny Kravitz showed no signs of slowing down one bit on this third album album. Read more
Published on April 11, 2010 by Andre S. Grindle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for a night of passion
This is by far my favorite CD for gettin' it on. The transitions from hard and funky to soft and sensual make for the most ideal mood-setting music I've ever come across... Read more
Published on October 28, 2009 by K. Swanson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Go this way
The only other album besides his previous MS that will stand tests of time. Slightly more consistent than before (keeping material solid the whole way through seems to be a problem... Read more
Published on May 15, 2009 by IRate
5.0 out of 5 stars
It dropped my jaw
I just can't fathom what this editorial review is all about. How could the title track be a Jimi Hendrix ripoff? I'm a big fan of Jimi. Read more
Published on March 14, 2009 by tabreviewer
4.0 out of 5 stars
underrated album
Really, this easily is one of the most underrated albums of the 90s. Everyone disses this album because he sounds like Hendrix here, Zeppelin there, Beatles over there. Who cares? Read more
Published on August 13, 2007 by rc
5.0 out of 5 stars
And I'm not even a Lenny Kravitz fan.
This is one of the most well-rounded, well-done albums in history. I still listen to this album and it has not lost anything. Read more
Published on December 26, 2006 by J. Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
5-STAR ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT ALBUM FROM START TILL
FINISH I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO
SAY ALL THE SONGS ARE GREAT. Read more
FINISH I HAVE NOTHING BAD TO
SAY ALL THE SONGS ARE GREAT. Read more
Published on January 20, 2005 by IAINTNOHOLLABACKGIRL
4.0 out of 5 stars
Weird looks at Lenny
It's hard to follow lenny album to album only to see people mentioning his abundant influences in a bad way. Read more
Published on October 30, 2004 by Petar Krizmanic
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