Raw Like Sushi

this is the most 1989 album ever recorded. four Danger Zone bass patches out of five

It was a bit shit, and also a lot of fun. It is so of it's era that it almost comes across as satire. Also, absolutely love how excited she is for a tambourine.

Neneh Cherry should have been HUGE. Buffalo Stance was, and is, huge because Buffalo Stance is a 5. Nenah was ahead of her time because damn does album still have it all. To paraphrase a lyric from "Love Ghetto", she hit a home run. Actual rating is a 4.5. All of the songs are good, they all just pale in comparison to the magic of Buffalo Stance.

Dated on release, this album definitely didn't stand the test of time. The samples are tired, the flow is weak, and the lyrics are a disjointed mess. It's pop trying to pass itself off as "edgy" by co-opting hip-hop but can't seem to actually pull it off. It wasn't good in '89 and it's not good now.

Oh! This album was on heavy rotation when I was a teenager. I always loved the attitude and the swagger. And I realise now that this album influenced so many of my future explorations in music (soul, jazz, hip hop). I don’t think anyone else was making music like this and the album was a wrecking ball to the charts - all those ballads and Kylie, Stock, Aitken and Waterman. She sang about subjects nobody else was - feminism, safe sex, motherhood - not a bunch of lovey dove nonsense. I really think Neneh Cherry is a hugely inspirational and influential figure - sassy, London/ European / American, kick ass, feeling, mixed heritage and proud - a great singer and classy rapper. Incredibly talented and underrated. I hesitated when rating the album - if I give this album five stars, am I really saying this album is up there with the White Album or Hunky Dory? You know what? I don’t know. And I don’t care. This is five stars for me. I love this album.

The first track is great, but the rest…

Tedious garbage. It sounds like it was made my a committee of people who had never listened to hip hop or R&B.

AWESOME

My immediate reaction was to file this under the most 80s pop ass 80s pop ever, but despite its pervasive radio-friendliness, it really belongs in its own niche nestled somewhere between Salt-N-Pepa and Massive Attack. There are moments where the lyricism feels as of its time as the delightfully dated synths, but Cherry comes across emphatically on the microphone be it rapping or singing, exuding a confidence that most MCs would kill to have. My only real knock against it is the thematic redundancy that stands out listening to these songs back-to-back: there's a three-track stretch after the opening singles that all tread in the same youth/parenthood waters, and it probably would have been better off spread out a bit more. Key Tracks: Buffalo Stance, Manchild, Outré Risqué Locomotive

This one had some bops for sure. Hiddem gem.

No. 93/1001 Buffalo Stance 3/5 Manchild 3/5 Kisses On The Wind 3/5 Inna City Mama 3/5 The Next Generation 2/5 Love Ghetto 3/5 Heart 2/5 Phoney Ladies 2/5 Outré Risqué Locomotive 3/5 So Here I Come 3/5 Average: 2,7 Nothing I really liked, nothing I really hated.

An 80s pop/rap album with one hit on it. One of the songs sounded like the theme to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Why the fuck is this on the list.

Loved this album so much

I wasn't expecting this and it was a pleasant surprise. I don't think this list has dished out any other 1980s era female hip hop artists, and to be honest, I kind of forgot they existed with how heavily male this list skews. Probably not something I'd listen to again but it was decent. I was happy I recognized the sample in "Buffalo Stance" as it was from another album in this list!

Oh, I tried. I just really wanted to like this more than I actually did, because I got such a softspot for Neneh Cherry, who with 'Buffalo Stance' in 1989 and 'Woman' in 1996 wrote 2 songs that have never left my rotation playlists. But this album just isn't of the quality that I hoped for and sounds incredibly dated. And I can't help the feeling that in 1989 a lot of these songs were even then already feeling dated. Buffalo Stance is still an absolute banger though, and with

You can't say that Neneh Cherry wasn't inventive, and Raw Like Sushi is a quite fun album to listen to. Too bad that it also sounds incredibly dated.

This sounds like a missing link between 80’s pop styles and 90’s alternative pop. “So Here I Come” is a standout and a great example. Dense samples you couldn’t get away with anymore, like De La Soul’s classic lost albums. It’s smart and fun and has things to say. I remember Buffalo Stance and Kisses on the Wind, but there’s a lot more here.

Some of the song material is very specific. For example, not sure how I feel about the procreation anthem of "The Future Generation". Still, it's got great energy and Neneh shows she can hold her own lyrically. Does sound pretty dated though (I can pinpoint what year this was made, same with "Pretty Hate Machine"). Favorite tracks: "Buffalo Stance", "Inna City Mama"

Tried to fuse a bunch of sounds together in the same way that a kid would try to make a meal by adding every ingredient in a fridge. But worse. A true 1.

Great album

Really love this album. The production is great throughout, but a funny thing is I think I like the demo of "Heart" more than the final product. I'm not really sure why Lauryn Hill gets pretty much all the praise for the singing and rapping, but Neneh did it about a decade earlier but is never mentioned. She is underrated because this record is awesome

Absolute classic! An album that was part of my teens and it was a delight to revisit.

Not my usual genre of music but I liked it

I dug this one. It gave me the throw-back feels.

I had Cherry's Homebrew on CD back in the day (for the song Buddy X) but I don't think I ever listened to Raw Like Sushi. What fun! A lot of catchy grooves that captured the late 80s perfectly. Shame I waited so long.

“Buffalo Stance” is a terrific song - I really love it. So I’m ready to rate this a 5 from the get-go. I don’t recall ever hearing anything else from Neneh Cherry though. The rest of this album is a BLAST! Really great songcraft - I thought “Oooh that figures” when I read that Neneh is Swedish - and great vocals. Full of attitude but so infectiously delightful. Not to mention another song to add to my “once bitten twice shy” playlist. Really really terrific!

Swoon. I love this album and her!

Buffalo Stance might be one of my all time favourite songs. I listened to this album in full for the first time only a few months ago, and have to admit that I’m happy to have been generated it today, as it gives me an excuse to come back to it. Let’s listen! Songs I already knew: all to some degree Favourites: Buffalo Stance, Man Child I love just how empowering this album is. It’s all about rebelling about the patriarchy, and that’s something we could all do with getting behind. It also has great beats throughout, and Neneh’s rapping is so fun to listen to. I still find it funny how she and Eagle Eye Cherry are siblings. There music is so different!

This album is crazy. It’s cheesy, catchy, and none of the songs are skips or boring. It all reeks of 90s hip hop and R&B. Nostalgic. Honestly glad I found this. I was surprised when I heard the OG lyrical sample from MF doom on My Bitch. Would for sure listen through again. 4.52

Just when you think it can't get any better than "Buffalo Stance," it hits you with "Manchild." Although the rest of the album can't quite top that opening double act, it still has an aggressive hip-hop streak that took female pop out of the 80s and into the 90s.

This is a belter of an album, packed to the rafters with banger after banger. Love the vocals, the innovative rap style and just what Neneh Cherry did for Hip hop in general. I absolutely love that very vintage hip hop 80s sound but it's also so distinctive to Cherry in my opinion. Super fun and uplifting, yet very bold strong messaging throughout. Buffalo stance is obviously incredible but also Next Generation and So Here I come other highlights. Very varied throughout the album. Wonderful!

I first heard "Buffalo Stance" when it was initially released in 1988, and I didn't get it. I didn't think it was 'right' to mix genres the way this track does. I thought that if you're going to rap, rap. And if you're going to sing, sing. It was probably a full six months before the penny dropped, and I understood what she is doing here. I had been wrong and extremely short-sighted about how songs could be constructed and performed, and Neneh Cherry was visionary and right. And massively influential; artists mix rapping and singing within a track all the time now, to the point where it isn't remarkable at all. But Neneh was the first person to do it (or, at least, to do it in a way that was commercially and critically successful), and she re-wrote the pop playbook. I am ashamed ghat I didn't immediately recognise the genius of what she did here, but once I understood, I got it. I bought the album when it came out, and it is an iconic album of the 80s. It sounds of its time, but still pretty fresh to my ears. I love her confidence and energy, and the deft mixing of genres. It is no surprise that the Massive Attach crew were involved in the production of this record, and they built on this formula with their amazing Blue Lines album. The album is front-loaded with the singles, which I still enjoy. As a result, I realise that I usually only play side 1 (because that's where all the hits are), so it was a nice surprise to listen to side 2, and it also has pretty strong material, that I enjoyed hearing again for the first time in a while. She has such a great voice and a fascinating and original viewpoint. I had been thinking I was going to rate this four stars, but as I listen to it again, and think about how influential it was, and how fun it still is to listen to, I really am leaning towards five stars. Dimery's list has a real problem with under-representation of female artists. i often think he doesn't understand what female artists are trying to do, and can't see the value. And this is an explicitly and woefully female album, and it changed the way pop music sounds. And I really enjoy listening it. I enjoyed it at the time, and I enjoy it now. I think it has to be five stars.

Hip Hop elements a little basic but damn she has her own personality and keeps energy up all the way through the album. 4.8

Non stop bops. This was such an awesome trip. Dated, yes, but in the best kind of way.

I know maybe two of these tracks - and one of them is obviously Buffalo Stance. Such a great late 80s track. The rest of the album doesn't disappoint. Particular favourite was "My bitch" - the pure joy of both singers having enormous fun shines through splendidly.

I was so stoked to see Neneh on this challenge. She's incredibly talented and should've risen to stardom but just didn't make it. Her song, Buffalo Stance, is on high rotation cause it's that good - perfect, in my opinion. The video is equally captivating & is a true example of late 80s hip-hop. I took a Neneh Cherry deep dive about 5 years ago & learned she's from Sweden (score another for the Swedes...they're some of the most musically innovative artists in the world). I enjoyed this album so much, I ended up listening to it on repeat. What a talent. 4.5 stars

Revolutionary

Rad

Great album. Whatever happened to her? Shame two tracks were withheld.

English accents, string ballads, dj cuts, man children, questionable social commentary, raw sushi, talking spanish, prepubescent sexual tension, slutty locomotives, mixed metaphors, incoherent writing structure, what does getting shirty mean? The nonsensical nature of the writing kind of makes sense considering she's Swedish. Can't deny it's an interesting thing to listen to.

meh

Go go to go-go

Damn what a trailblazer. Watched her Buffalo Stance performance she did on Top of the Pops while pregnant, what a badass.

Absolutely slaps. Love this era and genre. Buffalo Stance is definitely the standout.

Started strong with a nice bop. Not a fan of the middle part of manchild. Surprised by how much I liked phoney ladies. I actually liked a lot of this album. Pleasant surprise. 4/5 I listened a second time, it gets up to a cool 5 because I felt good about it. I'm still thinking about this album the next morning. Wow

Loved this.

TOPÍSSIMO

Great album, confident and fresh and smart, making it OK to like hip hop when you are a metaller

Can't believe I've not heard this before. Love it!

positively dripping with personality! & it's not vapid either, it's earnest, focused, fun & concerned with having something to say. p good!

Old school hip hop rap vibes that groove so well and keep your head bopping. Reminds me of the style of Janet Jackson and Salt N' Pepper. Never heard of Neheh Cherry. Enjoyed this.

Third and last day on a road trip. No reviews today either. This album doesn't really fit the road trip landscape, but it's still really good. It has elements of hip-hop and R&B and her voice sounds really sexy! 4 stars today!

Nice

These music videos were something lol I like her lyrics and beats. 3.5/5

Typically this kind of sound palette would put me off but I loved this album. Totally took me by surprise. She's a great MC as well as powerful singer and spans genres between pop and early hip hop with her vocal style, which is mirrored by the production moving between synth pop and hip hop collage of beats and samples. Then the lyrics are a total surprise, particularly the track about The Next Generation, talking about the uniting trials facing parents and the importance of their work. Plus it had a real sense of humour; the end of the original album (My Bitch) left me laughing as it faded out, with its ironic acknowledgement of how weird it is for a swede and a brit to be adopting these American accents.

Love this album. Personal favourites are Kisses On The Wind, Love Ghetto and Buffalo Stance 4/5

Whip smart a proper pop lp with four great singles including one for the ages in buffalo stance. Job absolutely done.

I did not expect to like this as much as I did. It's damn hooky, and even though it's a product of its time, the raps have a pretty good flow. Buffalo Style is cool, and I like Heart too. It's fun and often funny, I liked it a bunch.

Very good.

#54 Like the vibe.

Painfully 80's with chunky beats and over emphasized rapping, but a very solid entry in the 80's rap hall of fame.

One hit wonder tho?

Damn that's 90's

This is kind of awesome. I really like the beats. And her rap/lyrics are pretty awesome. VERY 80s.

mmm

Solid 4. Gotta love the late 89s hip hop vibes

Bangin

Hip hopnew jack swing. Un poco cansina.

I know that this album was compared to Prince and Madonna, but I kinda feel it's closer to Prince. There's a wide range of music here, which is always a plus. It's hampered a bit by the dated production, but it still resonated with me. She has a goods flow, and the beats (although a bit dated) still rocked. I had always seen this album back in the day. I probably would not have enjoyed it back then, but now I definitely do. Top tracks: "Buffalo Stance," "Outré Risqué Locomotive," "Here I Come"

A uniquely fun slice out of time.

A fun enjoyable listen.

Listened to over and over on cassette when this came out (thanks Lynn!)

What a great voice. Love it.

Always loved Buffalo Stance--it's such a strange song, almost impenetrable. Most of this album is like this and the songs are richer the deeper you go. I love Phoney Ladies, Love Ghetto, Outre Risque Locomotive. Solid and I wish I had bought the album back in the day.

-He’ll yeah bubblegummy Europop/ rap… 6th grade me would’ve eaten this up -I still really like it actually, the energy is so fun and it has some surprisingly poignant social commentary lul -Favorites are Manchild, The Next Generation, and Heart

Pretty solid, kinda surprised she didn't make it bigger in the states. Great mix of 80s pop and early hip hop

1001 Albums Day 10 The summer of '89 boiled and distilled and thus is best enjoyed with a glass of Hi-C and a copy of Golden Axe. While the style of Hip hop on this release is certainly dated by modern standarts, it's earnest execution and commitment makes it still very enjoyable and just great fun. Neneh has an interesting twist on the classic 80s Rap formula, by being both a great rapper by the standarts of the time and great R&B singer by the standarts of the time, and throughout the album the combinations possible by mixing those two are explored satisfyingly and thoroughly. My biggest complaint is that, very much in line with Hip Hop of the era, several of the songs are 1-2 minutes too long, extended unnecessarily by running the chorus back, followed by the instrumental, followed by the chorus and so on. But at the end of the day, the beats are swanky, the emotion is for real and the 'tude is wicka-wicka-wicked. Favs: Kisses on the Wind, Buffalo Stance, The Next Generation 82/100

another blast from the past

Having just observed some bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, it gave some new meaning to what exactly a "buffalo stance" is. This was an enjoyable trip back to late '80s pop.

fun 80's stereotype

Tiene rollazo. Un disco super animado, con piezas muy distintivas y para ser un estilo de música que no tiendo a escuchar, me ha llamado mucho la atención. Estilo propio, las letras lo poco que he atendido me parecen interesantes y no se hace lento a pesar de ser 1 hora de disco. Un completo descubrimiento.

Good album

I dug the grooves and she kept me interested throughout. It was a while since I listened but I think my favorite was Heart

It was ok but pretty forgettable. Not sure why it’s on the list. Solid 3.5

I thought this was fun but forgettable. Reminded me of spice girls

She set the bar too high with Buffalo Stance. But that bar was so damn high that it makes this a high rated album for me.

This was a wonderful surprise! Fully had never heard of this, but was a great, high-energy way to start my morning. The songs are catchy, the lyrics full of humor and fun wordplay, the music funky and the samples fun! Not to sound reductive but kinda like if Madonna were black. Points off for some…weird politics in a couple songs! But I’ll just skip those on a relisten! Most of the time just good fun! And the sister of the “Save The Night” guy, apparently!

such a vibe until some of the lyrics are like 😳

Would have been 5/5 but i had to take a star off for the last song being so outrageously misogynistic for no reason

The most 80s of albums. But seriously pretty good fun, even if it does get a bit tiresome by the end. Buffalo Stance is a tune though.

8/10 As someone who was just discovering music around this time, this one is pandering to me. Still really good though British pop music made by people who love early hip hop 80s production is spot on, the drum programming is excellent Start of super strong with Buffalo Stance and Manchild She knows her way around a hook and chorus Some of the verses and lyrics aren’t exactly deep, but there is no pretension here Best: Buffalo Stance

This was really cool! I didn't expect this album to be as old as it is

4 stars. I dug this one more than I thought. Really like the production and energy paired with the lyrics of womanhood.

Based on the description, I was thinking that this would be another mid-tier hip hop album that hasn't aged well. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoy new jack swing and it felt short enough that it didn't fall into the traps of the eras. A nice breathe of fresh air.

There's so much on this album that's corny as hell, but it all works so well together. Read about Neneh performing Buffalo Stance while pregnant at an awards show and brushing off reporters that were trying to make a stink about it. This woman was almost 20 years ahead of her time and it shows. Great music, just wish the production wasn't as badly dated and her flow had some more nuance to it. I was surprised by how much I liked it, especially after the first minute of Buffalo Stance.

Klinkt nog steeds cool, alhoewel ook gedateerd. Prima nummers, 2e helft wat zwakker

Album Nr. 65 Bei diesem Album war ich zuerst etwas skeptisch. Wurde dann aber positiv überrascht.

De eerste nummers verdienen een betere rest van het album dan dit, en dat maakt het een gek album om te luisteren. Dat is in principe prima, maar waar 25% een 5 is en de andere 75% een 3, resulteert dat in een wrange net aan 4 sterren.

Cool sound. Reminded me of prince a little bit. Fun listen but nothing really stand out

Released in 1989, Neneh Cherry's debut album, "Raw Like Sushi," remains a landmark of artistic innovation and genre-bending brilliance. More than just a collection of catchy tunes, it's a potent blend of social commentary, personal exploration, and sonic experimentation that continues to resonate with listeners today. Lyrical Prowess: Cherry's lyrical style is both playful and profound. She seamlessly switches between singing and rapping, tackling diverse themes with wit and honesty. Songs like "Buffalo Stance" and "Manchild" are social critiques, challenging gender stereotypes and consumerism. "7 Seconds" addresses racial prejudice with a powerful simplicity, while "Kisses on the Wind" explores themes of loss and longing with poignant vulnerability. Cherry's lyrics are never afraid to be bold and unconventional, often laced with personal anecdotes and cultural references that create a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Musical Tapestry: The music of "Raw Like Sushi" is a vibrant tapestry of influences. It draws from hip-hop, pop, funk, and even elements of world music, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. The album is characterized by its use of samples, synthesizers, and layered percussion, creating a dynamic and textured soundscape. Tracks like "Stop the Rock" showcase driving beats and infectious melodies, while "For Life" takes a more introspective approach with its use of piano and strings. Cherry's vocals are a key element, delivering lyrics with both confidence and vulnerability, adding an emotional depth to the music. Production Prowess: The production on "Raw Like Sushi" is masterfully crafted by Cherry and her collaborator, Cameron McVey. They utilize innovative techniques like sampling and layering, creating a cohesive sound that is both playful and sophisticated. The use of electronic elements alongside traditional instruments gives the album a timeless quality, avoiding the limitations of a specific genre or era. McVey's production choices are never gratuitous, always serving the purpose of enhancing the mood, message, and overall impact of the song. Thematic Exploration: "Raw Like Sushi" explores a range of social and personal themes, making it a deeply thought-provoking listen. The album challenges societal norms, particularly regarding gender and race. It tackles issues like consumerism, sexism, and prejudice with an unflinching honesty that was both refreshing and necessary in the late 1980s. Furthermore, the album delves into personal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, revealing a vulnerability that connects with listeners on an emotional level. Lasting Influence: "Raw Like Sushi" left a significant mark on the music world. It paved the way for female artists to be more experimental and outspoken, influencing artists like Bjork, Missy Elliot, and countless others. The album's innovative blend of genres also anticipated the rise of alternative rock and trip-hop in the 1990s. "Raw Like Sushi" continues to be celebrated for its creative spirit, social consciousness, and lasting influence. Pros: Genre-bending innovation: The album's eclectic sound and use of diverse influences create a unique and engaging listening experience. Strong lyrical content: Cherry's lyrics are well-written, thought-provoking, and address relevant social and personal themes. Stellar production: McVey's production is innovative, cohesive, and expertly complements the music and vocals. Enduring influence: The album's impact can be seen in the work of numerous artists across different genres. Cons: Accessibility: The album's experimental nature and diverse soundscapes might not appeal to listeners who prefer more conventional pop music. Dense lyrics: Some listeners might find the layered references and wordplay in the lyrics challenging to decipher. Conclusion: "Raw Like Sushi" is not just an album; it's a cultural touchstone. It's a testament to the power of artistic integrity, social commentary, and sonic exploration. While the album might have its niche aspects, its enduring influence and undeniable artistic merit solidify its place as a modern classic. Neneh Cherry's debut serves up a sound that is as delicious as it is disorienting, and one that continues to inspire generations of listeners and artists alike.