Album: Home Again (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Kiwanuka told This Is Fake DIY that at the time of penning this soft lullaby, he "had been listening to a lot of lo-fi recorded soul music. Al Green in particular." Interested by the way Green sang, "Rest" was "definitely inspired by those quiet, soothing vocals."
  • "Rest" is part of Michael Kiwanuka's debut album, Home Again, which did very well in his native UK. Kiwanuka made fast moves in his early 20s when, after posting his music to MySpace, he got signed to Communion Records. In 2011 he released two acclaimed EPs on the label that landed him a gig opening for Adele. This all set the stage nicely for Home Again; the title track was released as the first single and provided his first hit. His next album, Love & Hate, was released in 2016 and went to #1 in the UK.

Comments: 1

  • Tom Barnes from Sagle, Idaho, UsaI love “Rest” and am especially intrigued by the musical instruments played in the song. I think I hear electric guitar, slide guitar and maybe accordion as well? Can you tell me what instruments are used? I love this song and the video that played along with it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"

Dean Friedman - "Ariel"They're Playing My Song

Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.