The Cherry Thing
Neneh Cherry · 2012
51 min · 8 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant blend of alternative hip-hop and free jazz, infused with a playful yet introspective spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cashback — This track opens the album with an infectious groove and playful lyrics that set the tone for Cherry's eclectic style throughout the record.
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Dream Baby Dream — A cover of Suicide's classic, this version transforms the original into a hauntingly beautiful exploration of longing, showcasing Cherry's vocal range and emotional depth.
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Golden Heart — This track features poignant lyrics paired with minimalist instrumentation, revealing Cherry's ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining a strong artistic presence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's genre-blending and improvisational elements create a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic, spoken-word style on 'Cashback' that sets a conversational tone, blending hip-hop beats with jazz instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate improvisational sections, particularly in the instrumental breaks, allowing for spontaneous musical exploration.
- 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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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- reflective moments of introspection
- bold experimentation with sound
- engaging narratives throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, The Cherry Thing marks Neneh Cherry's first album in nearly 16 years after her critically acclaimed Man. Following a period of collaboration with various artists and a shift in focus towards experimental sounds, this album showcases her return to the forefront of music with a fresh perspective.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Tricky· Lauryn Hill
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cashback 5:59
- 2 Dream Baby Dream 8:25
- 3 Too Tough to Die 5:14
- 4 Sudden Moment 8:27
- 5 Accordion 6:10
- 6 Golden Heart 4:43
- 7 Dirt 6:48
- 8 What Reason Could I Give 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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