Lenny Kravitz: Lovers Rock
On his new album, Lenny Kravitz retraces his soul-and-romance roots

Lenny Kravitz
Credit: David Hindley

Lenny Kravitz first caught our attention way back in 1989, with his bad-boy locks, skin-tight pants and the insistently optimistic rock anthem "Let Love Rule." He's been hammering home the message ever since. From the plaintive "It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over" to the haunting "I Belong to You," Kravitz's genius has always lain in his unexpected union of rock star swagger and die-hard romanticism. This month he's back with his eighth album, It Is Time for a Love Revolution (Capitol Records). ESSENCE dialed up the 43-year-old single dad of 19-year-old Zoe to talk about love, marriage and getting in touch with his feminine side.

ESSENCE: You sing so much about love, and yet you don't seem like the settling-down type.

Lenny Kravitz:
That's the image I have, but actually I can't wait to settle down. In fact, I'm pretty obsessed with the idea. I just got back from spending four months on a farm in Brazil. It was probably the happiest I've ever been. The one thing missing was a partner. That's what I'm waiting for. The player days are over.

ESSENCE: Good to know. You've been linked with a lot of high-profile women (for those who don't know: ex-wife Lisa Bonet, Nicole Kidman and supermodel Adriana Lima). Do you ever date regular women?

L.K.:
Definitely, but those relationships never make the papers. I actually prefer regular girls. Although I don't like describing them as "regular."

ESSENCE: What's the inspiration behind "I'll Be Waiting," the first single from Love Revolution?

L.K.:
It's about a person who knows someone is for them but isn't ready and saying, "I know you are the one for me. I'm going to have the patience and discipline to wait until you wake up."

ESSENCE: The idea that "I know we are supposed to be together even if you don't" strikes me as a very feminine sentiment. Why are you so in tune with what women think?

L.K.:
[Laughs] Well, I guess I'm just that kind of guy.

Listen to the first single "I'll Be Waiting" from Kravitz's new album It Is Time for a Love Revolution. Lenny Kravitz - It Is Time for a Love Revolution

Have a favorite Lenny Kravitz song? Share your thoughts below.


RELATED LINKS:

BLACK HOLLYWOOD: Our Salute to Excellence »

PHOTOS: Grammy Night Highlights »





Flashback Fridays
E. Lynn Harris: Exploring New Territory
Alfonso Ribeiro: Flashback Friday
Tye Tribbett: Standing Out From the Crowd
Marla Gibbs: Flashback Fridays

What do you think


To add your comments or to view all comments click here.

-5 latest comments

Keep it global Lenny. I adore the songs, "If you can't say no" and "Baptized".

-minerva

I love "Good Morning" from the new album. It has a positive and uplifting vibe so you can face another day. Keep it going Lenny, you have a lot of love here in D.C.

-sister axis

Lenny Kravitz is a sensual performer. I have been a dedicated fan since 1988. I love how he weaves his personal struggles with reality into his music. I love all of his songs, but my favorite song at this moment is Circus. Love you Lenny.

-tiffany

I am truly a Lenny Kravitz's fan. The man is so sultry with such a great presence. I am so amazed that he is still searching for love, the way he is uninhabited and real, many woman find these attractive qualities in men. At least I know I do. American Woman is just one of my favorite LK songs.

-Dee-Maryland

Lenny Kravitz has an amazing sense of spirit and awareness to what is "real" in the world and not afraid to sing about it. In his new album,I love "I'll Be Waiting"-It gives my heart hope. On his Greatest Hits album, Mr.Cab Driver keeps it real.


-Lisa--Philly