KUKU Gives Us Some 'Love' We Can Afford



I was excited to learn that acoustic soul singer KUKU dropped his new album, Love In a Time of Hope & Recession, this week after waiting for some time for new music after his 2007 release, Absence of Cool, that still enjoys rotation on my playlist. During that time, KUKU has spent the past few years building an impressive international following since starting his music career at open mics on Washington, DC's historic U Street corridor. Love In a Time of Hope & Recession highlights his travels and multicultural leanings, featuring collaborations with an eclectic group of musicians, including Senegalese bassist Doc Samba, South African guitarist Mongezi Ntaka from Lucky Dube and Irish banjoist Sticky Mulligan.
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First, I would be remiss if I didn't share that the download of this song collection is only $2. That's right. So, off the bat, the album's title rings true. Once you listen to this sumptuous collection of music, the bare, intimate feel washes over you. Nigerian-born KUKU gives us his trademark gentle approach to love on tracks like "More Than Friends" and "Perfect" with simple accompaniment and vocals that resonate with emotion while upping the ante on the love ode "Pleasures & Treasures" that is more plush with melodic backing vocals and an intensity that KUKU delivers with endearing forthrightness.

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There some unexpected themes from this singer who typically sings of love and peace. On one standout, KUKU gives us a new empowerment anthem when he tells a lover that he hopes he doesn't come off as conceited, but, hey, "I Love Me," so act appropriately. The 9-song tracklist changes up our expectations when it comes to soul. Not since Tracy Chapman have I known of an artist that is so committed to the genre of acoustic soul and able to gracefully transcend musical boundaries by attracting listeners not so apt to flock to this genre naturally. Previously and briefly released first under the defunct band name Savory Papas--a pairing of KUKU and Mulligan--Love In a Time of Hope & Recession is the perfect introduction to KUKU's music and a welcome addition to the genre of acoustic soul.

KUKU Love In a Time of Hope & Recession [Bandcamp]
KUKU [Official][Facebook][MySpace]

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