Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry · 1989
67 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, pop, and jazz that defies genre boundaries with a confident, playful energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Buffalo Stance — This iconic track blends hip-hop beats with catchy pop hooks, showcasing Cherry's unique vocal style and confident delivery that captivated audiences.
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Manchild — With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, 'Manchild' highlights Cherry's ability to fuse genres while addressing themes of empowerment and self-identity.
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Kisses on the Wind — This track features a smooth jazz influence combined with Cherry's ethereal voice, creating a dreamy atmosphere that contrasts with the album's more energetic songs.
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Inna City Mamma — 'Inna City Mamma' showcases Cherry's storytelling ability through vivid imagery and rhythmic delivery, cementing her role as an innovative lyricist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a unique blend of genres with strong production but has some pacing issues.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside sung verses, creating a dynamic interplay between different vocal styles.
- The album's pacing varies significantly; it shifts from upbeat tracks like 'Buffalo Stance' to more introspective pieces like 'Heart,' affecting the overall flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like pacing transitions
- playful yet poignant moments
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Raw Like Sushi was Neneh Cherry's debut album, following her work with the group Rip Rig + Panic. This record marked Cherry's emergence as a solo artist and showcased her innovative blend of genres, establishing her unique voice in the music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Tricky· Lauryn Hill
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Buffalo Stance 5:42
- 2 Manchild 3:52
- 3 Kisses on the Wind 3:57
- 4 Inna City Mamma 4:51
- 5 The Next Generation 5:05
- 6 Love Ghetto 4:29
- 7 Heart 5:09
- 8 Phoney Ladies 3:54
- 9 Outré Risqué Locomotive 5:05
- 10 So Here I Come 4:03
- 11 My Bitch 5:27
- 12 Heart (It’s a Demo!) 4:52
- 13 Buffalo Stance (Sukka mix) 5:21
- 14 Manchild (The Old School mix) 5:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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