Are You Gonna Go My Way

Editors’ Notes Lenny Kravitz occupied an unusual position in pop music throughout the '90s. His interests were pure classic rock and soul, but he connected as a self-assured modern-day rocker. He managed this by using his considerable musical talents to weave an updated sound into his retro grooves. The title track here is a brilliant example of everything Kravitz does right. The hyperactive guitar riff recalls Jimi Hendrix’s “Ezy Ryder” in spirit and tone, but Kravitz cements the hook in a modern funk that never succumbs to recreating another era. Throughout his third studio album, he continues to mine a psychedelic atmosphere that’s as much Prince as The Beatles. “Believe” whispers and hums along to a circular, keyboard-rich arrangement, while “Heaven Help” is a piano ballad that would’ve fit nicely on an early-‘70s soul album. “Just Be a Woman” and “Sister” are quiet and gentle, sounding like Curtis Mayfield visiting The Beatles’ White Album. “Eleutheria” trips up in a reggae groove. The peace and love Kravitz preaches never goes out of style.