What makes Man by Neneh Cherry notable?

The album features the hit single '7 Seconds,' a collaboration with Youssou N'Dour that reached significant chart success across Europe and received critical acclaim for its innovative sound. 'Man' showcases Cherry's ability to merge various genres while addressing themes of gender, identity, and social issues, contributing to the conversation around feminist music in the 90s. Released in 1996, 'Man' is Neneh Cherry's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed breakout, 'Raw Like Sushi' from 1989. At this stage, Cherry was building on her diverse musical palette and solidifying her place as a genre-defying artist, blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, and pop with personal and socially conscious lyrics.

Man works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Man?

Man has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Man

Neneh Cherry · 1996

48 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A bold fusion of hip-hop, pop, and jazz that radiates confidence and complex emotional landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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7 Seconds — This track features a powerful interplay of Cherry's soulful vocals with Youssou N'Dour's rich tones, creating an anthem about unity and understanding across cultures.
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Woman — Opening the album with assertive lyrics, this track sets the tone for empowerment and challenges traditional gender roles through its dynamic blend of rhythms.
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Trouble Man — This song blends introspective lyrics with a smooth jazz influence, revealing Cherry's exploration of personal struggles within societal pressures.
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Kootchi — With its infectious groove and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies Cherry's versatility while celebrating sensuality and freedom in relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Neneh Cherry's 'Man' blends genres effectively while exploring deep themes, showcasing her unique sound and lyrical depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, 'Woman', and maintains a varied pace with tracks like '7 Seconds' featuring a slower, more contemplative feel.
Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as brass instrumentation in 'Hornbeam', which adds complexity to the hip-hop foundation.

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

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

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1996, 'Man' is Neneh Cherry's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed breakout, 'Raw Like Sushi' from 1989. At this stage, Cherry was building on her diverse musical palette and solidifying her place as a genre-defying artist, blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, and pop with personal and socially conscious lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors: Erykah Badu· Tricky· Lauryn Hill