This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
There are really only two reasons to self-title your sixth album: 1 | Because you’ve reinvented, retooled and renewed your sound from the ground, and 2 | Because you’ve run out of ideas. I’d love to tell you Lenny Kravitz falls into the former category with his latest release Lenny. But I’d be lying.
As always, Kravitz plays umpteen instruments on this albums, playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and percussion on these dozen tracks, in addition to arranging, mixing and producing. Undoubtedly, this made the disc satisfying for Kravitz to record. Too bad it isn’t nearly as satisfying to hear. Too many of these tracks sound like glorified demos, with disjointed, rudimentary performances — especially the drum tracks — that could have used some spicing up from a gifted guest or two. To make matters worse, Kravitz’s hook-filled pen seems to have run momentarily dry. I doubt many of these standard-issue funk-rockers and soul-pop ballads will end up on his next Greatest Hits album.
