Hey, Man, Smell My Finger cover

Hey, Man, Smell My Finger

George Clinton · 1993

70 min · 14 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk and socially charged lyrics, infused with George Clinton's signature eclecticism and playful humor.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paint the White House Black — This track stands out for its audacious critique of American politics, using clever wordplay and an infectious groove that exemplifies Clinton's knack for blending humor and social commentary.
  • →
    Martial Law Start here — The opening track sets a confrontational tone with its aggressive beat and politically charged lyrics, encapsulating the album's theme of societal unrest.
  • →
    Rhythm and Rhyme — This track captures the essence of funk through its rhythmic complexity and showcases Clinton’s lyrical dexterity, intertwining personal narrative with universal themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic funk with sharp social commentary, showcasing Clinton's unique style and humor.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that invites listener participation.
  • The lyrics often blend humor with serious social commentary, using playful language to address political themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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

  • playful grooves for dancing
  • dynamic journey with surprises
  • infectious rhythms for celebrations
  • wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Features bold social commentary and a playful sound, diverging from earlier works.
Career context
By the time 'Hey, Man, Smell My Finger' was released in 1993, George Clinton had already established himself as a pioneering figure in funk music. This album came after his influential work with Parliament-Funkadelic, marking a period where he sought to explore new sounds while maintaining his unique style, following the critical acclaim of his previous solo efforts.

Tracklist

  • 1 Martial Law Start here 7:13
  • 2 Paint the White House Black 7:49
  • 3 Way Up 5:07
  • 4 Dis Beat Disrupts 3:29
  • 5 Get Satisfied 3:55
  • 6 Hollywood 5:21
  • 7 Rhythm and Rhyme 5:39
  • 8 The Big Pump 3:34
  • 9 If True Love 3:57
  • 10 High in My Hello 5:16
  • 11 Maximumisness 5:02
  • 12 Kickback 3:41
  • 13 The Flag Was Still There 5:58
  • 14 Martial Law (Hey Man... Smell My Finger) 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata