5

This album, released in May 1998, contained tracks that particularly resonated in Europe, such as Fly Away and I Belong to You. Although some initial reviews were not entirely enthusiastic, 5 gained momentum, becoming a sustained commercial success throughout 1998 and 1999. It achieved a notable presence on the Billboard 200, remaining on the charts for almost three years, much of it within the Top 100. The album also marked a personal milestone for Kravitz, earning his first two Grammy Awards in the category of Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, one for Fly Away and another for American Woman, a track included in a 1999 reissue along with Without You.

The production of 5 was characterized by exploring new sonic textures, with the use of tape loops and digital technology, seeking a modern sound. The album, which includes songs like Black Velveteen and If You Can’t Say No, was dedicated to his mother, and the title itself, 5, acquired a special meaning, representing a new beginning. Despite some critics noting the presence of influences from artists like Sly Stone or Curtis Mayfield, the album was recognized for its diversity and solidity, especially in its second half, where rock, funk, and soul were fused in an accessible way.