Lenny Kravitz: Mama Said

Lenny Kravitz's "Mama Said": 2018 Vinyl Reissue Review

When Lenny Kravitz burst onto the music scene with his 1989 debut "Let Love Rule," he introduced a distinctive sound that brilliantly merged R&B sensibilities with rock energy. While the album reached only #61 in the U.S., it found considerably more success across European markets.

The Album
Kravitz's sophomore effort, "Mama Said," built on his debut's foundation, confidently blending traditional guitar rock with smooth soul elements reminiscent of 1970s classics. Released in 1991, the album featured notable collaborations with Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who co-wrote and performed on standout tracks "Always on the Run" and "Fields of Joy." The album's commercial success has been substantial, earning double platinum certification from the RIAA.

The 2018 Virgin Records Reissue
The 2018 Virgin Records reissue presents "Mama Said" as a double vinyl package—a thoughtful decision that provides the grooves with ample space, resulting in improved sound quality compared to a more cramped single-LP configuration.

Pressing Quality
The grey marble vinyl is not only visually striking but delivers impressive sonic performance. Any limitations in audio quality appear inherent to the original production rather than issues with the pressing itself. This becomes evident through the varying levels of spaciousness and detail across different tracks—some compositions offer remarkable clarity and dimensionality, while others feel somewhat more confined in their sonic presentation.

Packaging Shortcomings
Despite using a gatefold format, the packaging reveals missed opportunities. Rather than utilizing this expanded canvas creatively, the design simply repeats the cover and back artwork on the interior. This approach feels particularly disappointing given the existence of additional stunning black and white photographs from the original session that could have enhanced the presentation.
This conservative approach stands in stark contrast to the superior treatment given to the "Let Love Rule" reissue, which thoughtfully incorporated original inner sleeve artwork into its gatefold design.

Technical Issues
A notable flaw affects the pressing quality of Side D, specifically during the album's closing track "Butterfly." An unusual audio anomaly occurs in the left channel—not a conventional vinyl pop or click, but a second-long disturbance that unfortunately detracts from the listening experience.

The Vinyl Verdict
Despite these criticisms, the 2018 reissue largely succeeds in delivering a high-quality vinyl experience that serves this classic album well. The sonic improvements afforded by the two-disc format and the visually appealing marble vinyl make this a worthwhile acquisition for Kravitz fans, even if certain aspects of its presentation and quality control leave room for improvement.

For listeners seeking to experience Kravitz's breakthrough sophomore album in analog format, this pressing offers a generally satisfying presentation of his unique fusion of rock and soul, though perhaps not the definitive vinyl edition the material deserves. 💸

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass