What makes Viva! La Woman by Cibo Matto notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, solidifying Cibo Matto's presence in the late '90s indie music scene. It has since influenced a generation of artists across genres, noted for its inventive mix of styles and culinary-themed lyrics, which challenged conventional lyrical content in popular music. Released in 1996, Viva! La Woman was Cibo Matto's debut album, establishing them as key figures in the Shibuya-kei movement. The duo, consisting of Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori, combined their Japanese heritage with New York's avant-garde scene, capturing attention for their innovative sound and unique aesthetic.

How many songs are on Viva! La Woman?

Viva! La Woman has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Viva! La Woman

Cibo Matto · 1996

48 min · 11 tracks · electronic music

A playful blend of eclectic pop, hip-hop rhythms, and whimsical lyrics that defy genre boundaries.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Sugar Water — This track exemplifies the band's playful experimentation with sound and rhythm while featuring a catchy chorus that showcases their unique vocal harmonies.
→
Beef Jerky — With its quirky lyrics and infectious beat, this song solidifies the album's whimsical spirit while introducing listeners to Cibo Matto's signature fusion of cultural influences.
→
Know Your Chicken — An engaging mix of upbeat melodies and playful storytelling that highlights the band's ability to craft songs around unconventional themes, making it a standout track on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive compositions and eclectic sounds, establishing a unique identity within its genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional sound samples, such as kitchen utensils and food-related themes, creating a playful atmosphere.
The tempo shifts frequently, with some songs maintaining a steady beat while others experiment with rhythm and structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Apple 4:01
2 Beef Jerky 2:28
3 Sugar Water 4:29
4 White Pepper Ice Cream 5:10
5 Birthday Cake 3:15
6 Know Your Chicken 4:21
7 Theme 10:49
8 The Candy Man 3:11
9 Le pain perdu 3:29
10 Artichoke 6:41
11 Jive 0:18

What to play next

Listen next

Stereo * Type A

1999

Go back to

Cibo Matto

1995

Full Cibo Matto discography Artists like Cibo Matto

indie pop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata