About the song
“American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz
“American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz, released in 1999, is a high-energy rock track that served as a reinterpretation of the original 1970 hit by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who. Kravitz’s cover was included on the soundtrack of the film “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”, and it later appeared as a bonus track on some international editions of Kravitz’s album “5”. Known for its raw energy, edgy guitar riffs, and sultry vocal delivery, Lenny Kravitz’s version introduced the song to a new generation of listeners while putting his own unique stamp on the classic.
Background and Origin
The original version of “American Woman” was written and performed by The Guess Who in 1970. Their song was seen as both a celebration and a critique of American culture, especially during the height of the Vietnam War era. With its famous guitar riff and anti-war lyrics, the original became a rock anthem and political statement.
When Lenny Kravitz was approached to record a cover for the “Austin Powers” movie soundtrack in the late 1990s, he decided to reinvent the song with a fresh, contemporary feel while retaining its rebellious spirit.
Musical Style and Production
Lenny Kravitz is known for his ability to blend classic rock, funk, soul, and psychedelic influences, and he brought all these elements to his version of “American Woman”.
The track features:
Distorted, grinding guitar riffs
A driving bassline
Heavy drum beats
Fuzzy production effects
Kravitz’s production gives the song a more sensual and groove-oriented feel compared to the raw, bluesy original. The guitar work is dirty and aggressive, while the bass and drums keep the rhythm grounded and danceable.
Lenny played most of the instruments himself on the recording—a signature trait of his music production style—demonstrating his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and producer.
Vocal Delivery and Interpretation
One of the most distinctive aspects of Kravitz’s version is his vocal interpretation. Unlike the more shouted, confrontational vocals of the original Guess Who version, Kravitz sings the lyrics with a sultry, almost teasing tone. His delivery is sensual, laid-back, and confident, adding a layer of sex appeal and swagger that fits the late-90s aesthetic and complements the playful nature of the Austin Powers film.
Lyrically, Kravitz stays mostly true to the original, keeping the song’s iconic lines:
“American woman, stay away from me
American woman, mama let me be”
However, Kravitz’s vocal dynamics and musical arrangement lend a more polished and seductive mood, making it distinct from the raw protest anthem it once was.
Music Video and Visual Presentation
The music video for “American Woman” played a huge role in the song’s popularity. Featuring supermodel Heather Graham, who starred as Felicity Shagwell in “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”, the video combined glamorous visuals, seductive dancing, and classic rock imagery.
The video was heavily rotated on MTV and other music channels at the time, showcasing Kravitz’s rock star charisma and fashion-forward image, blending vintage rock style with late 90s cool.
Commercial Success and Awards
Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” was a commercial hit, further solidifying his mainstream popularity at the turn of the millennium.
Some of the song’s notable achievements include:
Reaching Top 20 positions in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, and several European charts.
Becoming a radio favorite on both rock and pop stations.
Winning Lenny Kravitz the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2000. This was part of Kravitz’s remarkable streak of four consecutive Grammy wins in that category (from 1999 to 2002).
The success of “American Woman” contributed significantly to Kravitz’s international profile and introduced his music to audiences who might not have been familiar with his earlier work.
Critical Reception
Critics generally praised Kravitz for taking a classic rock staple and giving it a modern, funk-infused twist. Reviews highlighted:
His ability to reinterpret a classic song without losing its essence.
The sultry, groove-heavy production, which contrasted yet complemented the defiant lyrics.
The song’s radio-friendly quality, making it accessible to both rock enthusiasts and mainstream pop audiences.
Some rock purists were skeptical about covering such an iconic song, but overall, Kravitz’s version was embraced for its creativity and unique flavor.
Cultural Legacy
To this day, Lenny Kravitz’s version of “American Woman” remains one of the most recognized covers of the song. It continues to receive airplay on rock radio stations, 90s music playlists, and movie soundtrack retrospectives.
The track has been featured in various TV shows, commercials, and compilation albums, cementing its place in rock and pop culture history.
Additionally, the song played a key role in reinforcing Kravitz’s image as a genre-blending artist, comfortable straddling the worlds of rock, soul, and mainstream pop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” is more than just a cover song. It’s a reinterpretation of a rock classic, filtered through the lens of a modern rock icon. With its sizzling production, sensual vocals, and high-profile exposure via film and MTV, the track captured the imagination of a new generation while paying homage to its original creators. It remains a standout moment in Kravitz’s discography and a defining rock hit of the late 1990s.