This is so sad, and at the same time beautiful. Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka is my choice for this week for Saturday Classics. The haunting melody, combined with the deep emotional lyrics, creates an atmosphere that truly captivates. I am not going to explain this any further; it just resonates with me on a profound level. The way his voice intertwines with the rich guitar sound adds layers of depth, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia that I find incredibly moving. It’s a song that invites reflection and solace.
A talented singer-songwriter with a rich voice, Michael Kiwanuka gained fame in 2012. Raised in Muswell Hill, London, by Ugandan parents, he started as a session guitarist before signing with Communion Records after performing at acoustic gigs. His debut album, Home Again (2012), showcased his talent with a mix of soul, folk, and neo-soul, reaching number four in the UK charts. In 2016, he released Love & Hate, which topped the UK Albums Chart, featuring the popular track “Cold Little Heart” used in the HBO series Big Little Lies. He released his third album, Kiwanuka, in November 2019, followed by his fourth album, Small Changes, in 2024.
Artwork by me, not in any way related to the song, other than inspired by “Cold Heart,” but done in warm tones.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 