Album: Baptism

Introduction
"Baptism" is the seventh studio album by American rock artist Lenny Kravitz, launched on May 18, 2004, by Virgin Records. The album marked a departure from Kravitz's previous albums, including a more stripped-down and raw sound. The artist has actually described "Baptism" as a rebirth, showing his creative growth and individual change. The album features a mix of numerous musical styles, consisting of rock, pop, funk, and soul, showcasing Kravitz's varied influences and flexibility as a musician.

Production and Background
Lenny Kravitz took a more hands-on method to the production of "Baptism", acting as the primary producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist on the record. The album was tape-recorded at his own Roxie Studios in Miami, in addition to at The Town House in London and Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. Kravitz's intent was to create a more intimate and individual listening experience for his fans by being directly involved in every aspect of the album's production. He then got Terry Manning as an extra manufacturer and engineer, and longtime partner Henry Hirsch as a co-producer and engineer.

Kravitz has mentioned that his main impacts for this album include timeless rock artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix, in addition to soul and funk legends like Marvin Gaye and Sly Stone. The album's noise is a mix of these inspirations, often featuring hard-driving guitar riffs with an undercurrent of rich, melodic consistencies and Kravitz's signature effective vocals.

Tracklist and Singles
"Baptism" includes 13 tracks with a total runtime of around 56 minutes. The album's lead single, "Where Are We Runnin'?", was launched on April 5, 2004, and features driving guitars mixed with an appealing pop tune. The song handles styles of looking for identity and finding function in life. It reached No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the US rock charts.

The 2nd single, "California", follows a more mellow, acoustic-driven noise and speaks about the appeal and shallow appeal of California and its homeowners. Another noteworthy track, "Lady", became one of the standout hits from the album. The tune combines aspects of funk and rock, showcasing Kravitz's varied musical skill.

Crucial Reception
"Baptism" got combined evaluations from critics however managed to attain commercial success. Some critics hailed the album as a recover for Kravitz, applauding the raw, stripped-down sound and the artist's emotional honesty. Others found the album rather uncreative, with some tracks feeling recurring and formulaic.

Regardless of the blended critical reception, "Baptism" debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to be licensed Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States.

Conclusion
"Baptism" represents a considerable moment in Lenny Kravitz's career, as it showcases the artist's willingness to explore new areas, both musically and thematically. The album's stripped-down noise and introspective lyrics mark a departure from Kravitz's earlier work while still maintaining the essence of his distinct rock and soul-infused design. Nearly twenty years later on, "Baptism" stays a crucial part of Kravitz's discography, serving as a testimony to his development as an artist and his unwavering dedication to innovative expression.