Supernatural cover

Supernatural

Stereo MCs · 1990

70 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop

Groovy beats blend with sharp lyricism, creating a vibrant sonic landscape that encapsulates the early '90s dance and hip-hop fusion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Elevate My Mind — This track is emblematic of the album's sound, featuring infectious hooks and a catchy chorus that highlights the group's unique blend of hip-hop and house elements.
  • →
    I’m a Believer — With its upbeat tempo and engaging lyrics, this track showcases the band's ability to fuse fun rhythms with deeper themes, making it a dancefloor favorite.
  • →
    Scene of the Crime — This song stands out for its narrative-driven lyricism that captures urban life, illustrating the band's storytelling ability amidst an energetic backdrop.

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 blends catchy grooves with sharp lyrics, though its cohesion suffers from varied pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
  • The production includes layered samples and beats that create a rich texture, with some tracks featuring prominent bass lines that drive the rhythm.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

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

  • dance floor igniting grooves
  • infectious beats for celebration
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • vibrant energy throughout listening
  • playful rhythms that uplift

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, introspective listening preferences
  • seeking minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1990, Supernatural was the Stereo MCs' second album, following their debut, 1989's 33. The band had gained a significant underground following and this release marked their transition to broader commercial appeal, showcasing their blend of hip-hop and electronic dance music.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Scene of the Crime

    The moment shifts from observational storytelling about urban struggles to a personal reflection that connects listeners to deeper emotions.

    This pivot from external observations to internal feelings enriches the lyrical depth, providing a contrast that amplifies the song's emotional impact.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I’m a Believer 4:34
  • 2 Scene of the Crime 4:03
  • 3 Declaration 3:07
  • 4 Elevate My Mind 3:19
  • 5 Watcha Gonna Do? 3:54
  • 6 Two Horse Town 5:10
  • 7 Ain’t Got Nobody 4:42
  • 8 Goin’ Back to the Wild 4:30
  • 9 Lost in Music 4:33
  • 10 Life on the Line 3:57
  • 11 The Other Side 4:41
  • 12 Set Me Loose 3:29
  • 13 What’s the Word 3:38
  • 14 Early One Morning 3:45
  • 15 Smokin’ With the Motherman 7:49
  • 16 Relentless 4:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata