Let Boring Rock Rule

If Baptism is an indicator of rebirth one can only ask why Lenny Kravitz is directing more creativity toward his hairstyle than he is to his music. This is a bland disc composed by an artist who has proven himself capable of much better songs.Kravitz has not made a career out of publishing groundbreaking sounds, but he is an accomplished guitarist who was writing strong “retro-rock” tunes long before the re-explosion of garage bands’ popularity. This proven talent is missing from Baptism.

On the album’s second track, “I Don’t Want To Be A Star,” Kravitz claims he needs a new life. “I’ve had the world I’ve done it upside down/I played the part and I’ve been the clown/Now it’s my time, it’s a brand new day/To be myself in a different way/I don’t want to be a star.” Except no one seeking anonymity releases an eighth album.

Unfortunately even more annoying than the lyrics is the over-production of about every third song. It comes off as though these muddled vocal tricks are put in to compensate for the trite lyrics, but without success. Kravitz’s voice is at its strongest in a pure form; one not electronically distorted.

The first single on this album, “Where Are We Runnin’?” has an upbeat tempo perfect for actually runnin’ somewhere. This track is enjoyable for pure toe tapping fun, but no more. This album plays like one created for everyone in the middle of the rock spectrum. Look to previous albums to get a glimpse of the funky rock Kravitz is capable of producing. And pray that First Communion will be a less awkward change for Lenny.