What makes Natural Ingredients by Luscious Jackson notable?

This album marked Luscious Jackson's entry into mainstream success, highlighted by the single Deep Shag, which gained significant radio play. Natural Ingredients received positive reviews from outlets like Rolling Stone and helped establish the band as a prominent figure in the alternative rock scene of the 90s. Natural Ingredients is Luscious Jackson's second studio album, released in 1994, following their critically acclaimed debut, In Search of Manny. By this time, the band had solidified their unique sound and identity, transitioning from their earlier work to explore a more diverse range of musical influences while maintaining their playful spirit.

Who is Natural Ingredients for?

Natural Ingredients works well if you're into playful grooves for carefree moments, short tracks for quick enjoyment and eclectic sound for adventurous listeners.

How many songs are on Natural Ingredients?

Natural Ingredients has 14 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Natural Ingredients

Luscious Jackson · 1994

45 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of funky grooves and dreamy melodies that encapsulates the vibrant essence of the 90s alternative scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deep Shag — Deep Shag stands out with its infectious groove and catchy chorus, perfectly showcasing the band's blend of funk and rock elements.
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Energy Sucker — This track features a playful lyrical critique of superficial relationships, wrapped in an upbeat rhythm that embodies the album's lively spirit.
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Angel — With its ethereal soundscape and heartfelt lyrics, Angel provides a contrasting introspective moment that highlights the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied tempos and textures but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a laid-back tone before transitioning into the more upbeat 'Citysong'.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, with multiple singers contributing to the lead lines, creating a rich texture.
The pacing varies significantly; after the energetic 'Deep Shag', the album dips into slower tracks like 'Angel' and 'Here', before picking up again.
The last three tracks include an interlude and two shorter pieces, which contribute to a sense of closure without extending the album's length unnecessarily.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 carefree moments
short tracks for quick enjoyment
eclectic sound for adventurous listeners
inviting rhythms for social settings

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, immersive tracks
seek serious, introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context: Natural Ingredients is Luscious Jackson's second studio album, released in 1994, following their critically acclaimed debut, In Search of Manny. By this time, the band had solidified their unique sound and identity, transitioning from their earlier work to explore a more diverse range of musical influences while maintaining their playful spirit.
Stylistic neighbors: The Breeders· Sleater-Kinney· Shudder to Think