Blank Project cover

Blank Project

Neneh Cherry · 2014

76 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

A daring blend of eclectic beats and haunting melodies, underscored by Neneh Cherry's distinctive vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blank Project — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic exploration of reinvention and self-discovery through its minimalist production and introspective lyrics.
  • →
    Naked — This track features layers of intricate rhythms paired with vulnerable lyrics, highlighting Cherry's ability to blend vulnerability with a powerful musical backdrop.
  • →
    Cynical — Cynical stands out for its sharp lyricism and pulsating beat, effectively reflecting societal critiques while remaining deeply personal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental sound and unconventional structures create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with abrupt changes in tempo and mood that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.
  • The album features a recurring theme of introspection, with lyrics that explore personal and societal issues, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied intensity
  • wave-like pacing that unfolds
  • exploration of identity themes
  • deep emotional resonance throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2014, Blank Project marked Neneh Cherry's first studio album in 16 years, following her acclaimed 1996 release, Man. At this point in her career, she was embracing a more experimental sound, collaborating with producer Four Tet and showcasing a fresh artistic direction that re-established her presence in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Erykah Badu· Tricky· Lauryn Hill

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Across the Water 3:28
  • 2 Blank Project 4:04
  • 3 Naked 3:57
  • 4 Spit Three Times 4:18
  • 5 Weightless 5:46
  • 6 Cynical 4:10
  • 7 422 5:20
  • 8 Out of the Black 5:15
  • 9 Dossier 5:11
  • 10 Everything 7:20

Disc 2

  • 1 Out of the Black (Joe Goddard's the Black Friday remix radio edit) 3:41
  • 2 Everything (Villalobos & Loderbauer: Vilod High Blood Pressure mix) 10:20
  • 3 Out of the Black (Bouvet radio edit) 3:22
  • 4 Everything (Villalobos & Loderbauer: Vilod Low Blood Pressure mix) 10:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata