Unfinished Monkey Business
Ian Brown · 1998
53 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of psychedelic rock and Britpop that captures a sense of introspection and experimental flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Star — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and shimmering production, encapsulating the album's exploration of personal themes mixed with a Britpop sensibility.
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Ice Cold Cube — With its hypnotic rhythm and abstract lyrics, this track exemplifies Brown's willingness to experiment beyond traditional song structures, offering a glimpse into his artistic evolution.
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Unfinished Monkey Business — The title track serves as a manifesto for Brown's new direction, blending introspective lyrics with an infectious groove that invites listeners into his evolving musical landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features innovative structures and introspective themes, marking a distinct shift from Brown's previous work.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend melodic hooks with layered instrumentation.
- Several songs feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and extended instrumental sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative afternoon reflections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Unfinished Monkey Business is Ian Brown's debut solo album, released after the breakup of The Stone Roses in 1996. Coming two years later, this record marked his first major step into a solo career, showcasing a shift away from the band's iconic sound toward a more personal and eclectic expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Richard Ashcroft· The Charlatans· Doves
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro Under the Paving Stones: The Beach 1:50
- 2 My Star 5:13
- 3 Can't See Me 4:54
- 4 Ice Cold Cube 6:27
- 5 Sunshine 3:58
- 6 Lions 6:52
- 7 Corpses in Their Mouths 4:09
- 8 What Happened to Ya, Part 1 3:15
- 9 What Happened to Ya, Part 2 5:38
- 10 Nah Nah 3:55
- 11 Deep Pile Dreams 3:39
- 12 Unfinished Monkey Business 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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