What makes Brand New Second Hand by Roots Manuva notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release, with publications like The Guardian praising its innovative sound. It has since influenced a generation of artists within the UK hip-hop and electronic music scenes, establishing Roots Manuva as a seminal artist. Brand New Second Hand is Roots Manuva's debut album, arriving after he gained attention in the UK underground scene. Released in 1999, it positioned him as a key figure in the alternative hip-hop movement, showcasing his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop influences.

Who is Brand New Second Hand for?

Brand New Second Hand works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and flow.

How many songs are on Brand New Second Hand?

Brand New Second Hand has 17 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Brand New Second Hand

Roots Manuva · 1999

65 min · 17 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A rich fusion of dub-infused beats and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of late '90s British hip-hop.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Dem Phonies — This track critiques superficiality in the music industry with sharp wit and catchy hooks, exemplifying Roots Manuva's lyrical prowess and distinctive sound.
→
Big Tings Gwidarn — With its infectious rhythm and blending of dub elements, this track highlights Roots Manuva's ability to create a party atmosphere while maintaining thoughtful commentary.
→
Soul Decay — In this reflective piece, Roots Manuva explores themes of struggle and resilience against a backdrop of haunting soundscapes, showcasing his depth as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative sound and structure reflect Roots Manuva's unique approach to hip-hop, making it stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend rhythmic complexity with layered production.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and flow
contemplative introspective moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Brand New Second Hand is Roots Manuva's debut album, arriving after he gained attention in the UK underground scene. Released in 1999, it positioned him as a key figure in the alternative hip-hop movement, showcasing his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Tricky· DJ Shadow· Massive Attack