Michael Kiwanuka, “Small Changes.”

His album may be called Small Changes, but it was actually some fairly significant ones that informed singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album. The Mercury-Prize-winning artist, whose song “Cold Little Heart” was made the opening theme for HBO’s “Big Little Liars,” became a parent of two and moved to the countryside outside of London to work. The resulting album is a sleek and clear-eyed collection of sweet and sultry blues-tinged soul.

Kiwanuka doesn’t rest on his laurels. Songs like opener “Floating Parade” and the title track are intricately constructed with an emphasis on quiet melody and a relaxed groove. The vocals are lush, calm and assured. With Danger Mouse and British songwriter Inflo (Dean Josiah Cover) producing, Kiwanuka benefits from immaculate arrangements and studio work to back up his smokey vocals. Even the guitar solo on “Small Changes” sits back with a relaxed understated nuance.

The artist flexes his soul muscles on the balladry of “One and Only,” with his voice carrying much of the weight. The instrumentation is subtle but fairly complex, fusing strings, harmonies and a percussive rhythmic undertone. The darker “Rebel Soul” veers closer to jazz, with the piano and drums working in lock-step to carry the rhythm. The final crescendo is divine as Kiwanuka delivers his vocal runs and the band plays on.

The epic “Low Down” is split in two parts; the first three minutes more traditional arrangements and the last three an extended jam session. This allows listeners two directions in which they can take their experience. The instrumental portion hits with a soft touch and the tonality of the guitar solo is stellar. There’s some crowd applause at the beginning, though it’s difficult to tell whether the recording is taken from a live show or not, which could be considered a reflection of Kiwanuka’s talents.

The uplifting “Follow Your Dreams” takes on a different sound. While the mood fits the relaxed styling, the addition of keyboard work adds an oomph. One of the strongest tracks on the album, “Live For Your Love” has a smooth and cinematic feeling that brings it to life. From the bass line to the subtle guitar licks, string flourishes and tight backbeat, everything falls into place nicely.

The pace jumps a bit for “Stay By My Side,” which ups th ante on the percussion elements. It’s not upbeat in the technical sense, but it makes your heart thump quicker; it hits emotionally. The album then closes out with two polar opposites:

The soulful “The Rest of Me” is locked deep in the groove, while “Four Long Years” is pained bluesy cut. On the latter, Kiwanuka’s smokey voice falls right in line with the bend in the guitar strings. What might be most refreshing about Kiwanuka’s sound is that while it’s familiar and has reference points to the past, his particular fusion of styles adds new perspective.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.