When I Was Born For The 7th Time

When will the British realize that smothering things in borrowed Indian flavors doesn't make up for their own boring cuisine?

I walked into work this morning with a huge grin on my face after listening to this on my commute. This is what I've been waiting for. It started with an accordion! "Sleep on the Left Side" hooked me right in. "Brimful of Asha" had slipped away from my consciousness in the last 20 years, but was a joyful reunion. Bosom is the best word! The rest is lovely, interesting, fun, and begs to be listened to again and again. Allen Ginsberg!?! Wow! "Good Shit" needs to be my aspirational theme. And I loved the perfect Punjabi "Norwegian Wood." Happy happy!

I only know the Fatboy Slim remix of \"Brimful of Asha\", which is an absolute banger and one of the top singles of the 90s. I had tried listening to the album version before, and found it uninspiring compared to the more upbeat and energetic remix. So I was not expecting to enjoy this album much. And yet, I find it charming. I like the laid back funkiness of it all, the mixture of English and Punjabi singing, and the way that diverse elements are incorporated into a whole that feels consistent and integrated. I quite like the instrumentals (like Butter the Soul, It's Indian Tobacco My Friend, or State Troopers). Good to Be On the Road Back Home and We're in Your Corner are highlights for me. Could they have trimmed 10-12 minutes off this to make it a really tight 40-odd minutes? That would have suited me, but this is an album that isn't in a hurry so stretching out a little is OK. It doesn't outstay its welcome. Surprisingly enjoyable.

Nah. Liked the first two, then it just fell off for me and didn’t find anything substantial the rest of the album. 2/5

Genre defying genus. A glorious mess of fabulously groovy and so very different tunes. When Tjinder and Ben are on their game, there's literally nothing better. And they're on their game here. Now, let's address the (currently) top review: "smothering things in borrowed Indian flavors doesn't make up for their own boring cuisine?". Yeah sure, Cornershop are a product of anglo-India, of course they are. That's the point. It's a mess, a melting pot, a fusion which works because of Tjinder's heritage and outlook. It's just like modern Britain: a glorious mess of cultures and ideas. That's the fucking point of Cornershop - there's nothing "borrowed" here. It's why they burnt photos of Morrissey, campaigned against racism and Brexit, and remain relevant today. It's nothing to do with borrowing flavours; these are the flavours of Britain, whether we like it - and I do - or not. And if you don't, fuck off and watch GB News. You can dislike the music, but insulting the idea for cheap laughs, that's not on. This is a really good album. It's rich and diverse, and a bit weird at times, and challenging and glorious and full of soul and spirit. Just like anglo-Indian food. And that's what makes it fucking amazing. Love this. Hadn't listened to it for a while. Do yourself a favour, and go and listen to their 2009 album Judy sucks a lemon for breakfast, which is even better than this in my view, and at least Something Makes You Feel Like from 2012's Urban Turban album. Glorious. I must listen more often.

So bland. This is folk rock at its worst -- toneless guitar playing pentatonics, 2 chord songs, emotionless singing. Okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh, but it's not my cup of tea and I'm not really finding anything redeeming.

This one came out of nowhere and surprised me. It's a british indie rock band. The two founding members are brothers, and are indian. Their music fuses rock, electronica, and indian music to make a sort of amazing blend. I really liked this one

The Velvets-chug of Good to be on the Road caught me; the rest is not unpleasant, one of the better takes of the oafish rock-hip hop fusion whatevs that consumed the time, possibly because Cornership started weird, and kept enough weirdness to stay interesting. Much of this bumbled over me, rarely beckoning my ear. I even missed Allen Ginsberg, until he said “big hard cock”, and even then I immediately tuned back out, not realising it was him. Sorry, Allen! Candyman has stick, though. Final thought: currently the most popular review of this album makes a crack about covering British food with “borrowed Indian flavours”. Cornershop’s main dude is British Asian, from Wolverhampton, and I’m curious as to what kinds of music you’d prefer him to dabble in. Bit of Elgar, perhaps, or music hall? Maybe get some Morris dancing in the mix? You complete nimrod!

Very good album. Expected to only enjoy brimful of asha but, some very eclectic songs, great variety of sounds and rhythms mixing electronic, bass and Indian instruments to great effect.

Funky times are indeed here again, though reconditioned in that distinctly Britpop way that sounds like listening to vinyl through Craig David headphones in a bedroom covered in posters of 60's bands. But for once the nostalgia trip is reinvigorated with purpose. Or at least with personality, which is purpose enough. The playfulness between live and sampled music, and between verbal and non-verbal communication, brings the everyday oddball at the helm to life, even when he's only talking through his record collection.

I don’t know if you guys heard, but… There’s a brim full of asha on the forty-five. How did it get there? Is it supposed to be there? …also, what is a “brim full of asha”? This record leaves the listener with more questions than answers.

Thank you 1,001 albums. My faith in you has been restored. This is why I’m here! Obviously knew the mega hit single (who doesn’t?) so thought at least I’ll enjoy that. But, wow! Loved the start of this album, and then the album mix of ‘Brimful’ absolutely slapped! Not heard that version before and I prefer it. I then hoped that the album wouldn’t drop off as some of these do, but no, the energy just kept coming. Indie guitars, sitars, a bit of scratching and it just had me boogieing all through. The duet with the Doris really worked too (Good to be in the Road Back Hone Again).

5 mins in...this is awesome I live this song 20 mins in.....ok this less awesome 30 mins in...I'm done now

I didn't appreciate this album in my youth, and more fool me. It's a brilliant mix of desi pop, indie and hip hop that sounds like nothing else... And I griped that it didn't have the (admittedly near perfect) Fatboy Slim remix on my version 🙄.

Not sure where to start with this one but I absolutely loved it. In fact I think I may have fallen IN love with it. Quite likely the most unique album out of all 1013 I've listened to so far. It's easy to imagine Brimful of Asha as a typical 90s one hit wonder but that is absolutely not the case. An incredibly rich, intricate, diverse and perfectly composed record with Brimful as like some kind of lovely little cherry on top. Followed straight on by Butter for the Soul which is some straight up bottled funk. Same with Funky Days are Back Again which is a particularly good example of this album making me feel all types of weird and wonderful. Full of beauty creating dissocance and off tempo direction changes that leads you (and sometimes gently nudges you) down their garden path. Good ships is a perfect windows down track. Then followed on by Good to Be on the Road Back Home Again which (verified my foray into the Burns-ian Country music scene) is like a perfect country song. "Make way for a lady..." is big goosebump material. So much so I was convinced it must have been a cover of Acuff or Kristofferson - not the case. And then topped off with a Punjabi language Norwegian Wood. It really doesn't get much better than this and is especially reassuring to still be felling this type of thing so far into the journey,

6* - that is my rating, and how many times I listened to this record today. Holy Cats!!!! The mixture of pop, trip-hop, and Indian music was exactly what I needed.

Absolutely loved this. Brimful of Asha has been on rotation in my playlists for sometime but I never checked out the album. Great late 90s Brit scene tunes with culture. Saved to albums and would absolutely pick up a vinyl if I spot it

Shhhhhiiiiiiiitttt this was cool. When I saw it was *another* "English Indie" band I was very apprehensive, but this is so fresh and original and unique. I loved the blending of rock, pop, hip hop, and classic Indian sounds. I'm more inclined toward Side B of the record, with more chill hip hop sounds, but really this whole thing is great. I'm 963 albums into this goofy journey and there are STILL nuggets of gold to find. This is what keeps me coming back to wade through all the crappy Post Punk bs

Je me souviens très bien du jour de la sortie de cet album. J'avais à l'époque deux mois passés et profitais pleinement d'une vie qui totalement dépourvue d'eltrapeze, mon compagnon d'écoute, qui ne naîtra que plus tard.

I heard the word cock in one of the songs and that snapped me awake in the middle of this strange-ass snoozefest that was probably procedurally generated by an AI. So damn weird. It's like seven different albums mashed into eachother.

- The best album I've never heard - The fusion between rock, electronica and the blend of Indian and Brit pop is unreal - This was such a good experience, and I look forward to listening to this one again

Wow complete surprise, anything that can go from vinyl scratching to sitars has my attention. first two songs great bangers, then it's very Indian but it's cool it's so clearly loves this part of the band's heritage. more experimental in the last third, got me thinking and enjoying more than the last 100 albums so it's a 5.

Fuck me this was such an amazing album

quite good

Groovy punjab funky sounds.

Indian Trip-hop, this is pretty goddam fantastic

Absolutely no clue what I was in for. When the accordion on “Sleep On The Left Side” started I had a pretty good feeling this was going to work out fine. Might this be love at first listen? As “Brimful of Asha” opened I knew this was special. Love this song even though I’m not entirely sure what a Brimful of Asha is. Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow? Hell yeah! The songs get even stranger and more wonderful. “Bitter The Soul” and “Chocolate” are utterly delicious. What colorful, trippy world have I stumbled into? “Funky Days Are Back Again”? I'm ready for a pair of dungaree cords! Turkey gravy? “What Is Happening”?! (Little surprises around every corner but nothing dangerous…don’t be alarmed.) “Good Shit” more than lives up to its name. “Good To Be On the Road Back Home”… how did this country song slide right in so naturally with the rest of the album?! Really love it. They end with an incredible cover of “Norwegian Wood” and totally stuck the landing. From the opening notes to the end this was a transformative listening experience that I will come back to again and again. I feel so much better for having experienced this.

This was a really interesting Brit Pop album. Seems to epitomize what Brit Pop was all about, experimentation and making poppy Beatle inflected rock, it also added a hearty serving of the break beat stuff that was getting popular in the 90s in the UK. When it started I was like, “holy shit, the 45 song” but this album was much more. Loved the Indian lyrics and Indian tunes peppered in. This seems representative of the Indian diaspora in London. Where did this band go? Chill sounds, good break beat, classic Indy, multi-genre, even a song that sounded like Devo. And most of all, solid drumming throughout. Great album, multi-genre, experimental, solid, lots of variety, every song was good. Can’t ask for much more. Albums like this are why I’m listening to 1001!

This band was a recent discovery for me after I heard 'Brimful of Asha' a few years ago - I don't think they really "made it" here across the pond. But I like them. Bonus Punjabi content for the linguists! Listening to this album all together, the songs are pretty samey, rhythm-wise. But I like the samey that they are ["sleep on the left side" = "brimful of asha" = "mar mar o'sharle"] and it isn't boring for me (yet), as I've only heard their songs a few times. Good, chill vibes. Some of the tracks were a little bit filler-y, but they were pleasant filler and not annoying skits (:)) so I won't knock it for that. Highlights: 'Brimful of Asha', 'Good to Be on the Road Back Home', 'Norwegian Wood' (c.f. my earlier comments about Beginning Piano class)

*taking a big hit from a bong* Awww yeahhh that's funky

This is beautiful. Ive read some reviews accusing British musicians of appropriating indian music, but this is British Asian music and is authentic to its core. Im not a fan of colonialism, but one of the silver linings is the uk's history of accepting everyone and being better for it. I lived in Yorkshire for 20 years with a strong british asian community that i was very familiar with and this music shows the incredible value of mixing cultures to great something new and better. Cornershop have a really strong discography of quality indie, played through an indian viewpoint, their lyrics tell stories that resonate with vast swathes of the uk population from the last few generations and i think they deserve to be more widely known and held in higher esteem. This album has their big hit which puts it on this list but if you enjoyed this then go back and listen to everything. My favourite is 2011's Cornershop and and the 00 Groove.

This was a refreshing change. Much better than I remember when it originally came out.

There's suprisingly quite a few albums on this list that mix traditional music of India with western pop tunes. When I Was Born for The 7th Time is abother example, and as with other cases it's a pretty good record. More traditional pop/rock rhytms with unusual instruments or melodies, and with a quite distinct vocal. And a total tune from 90s - Brimful of Asha. Until this day I had no idea what's that about, or what the actual lyrics are, but the song is pretty good.

No private session needed for Spotify. Loved the couple of hits they had in the 90s from this album, I had listened to this album in the past, but except from the hits nothing stood out to me which is probably why I never went back to it, but it's still a great album.

Pretty solid britpop album

I liked it more than I expected. It has great vibes and contagious rhythm. 3.5/5

I actually bought this with my own money when it came out, although evidently got bored of it before the time came to transfer it to mp3. Listening again - how could I have left this behind? By the 5th track - oh, right, too much Odelay-wannabe meandering to keep the interest up [note - "Butter The Soul" is fantastic]. Yet, it picks up a bit towards the end, and overall was great to hear again. "Sleep On The Left Side" summons fond memories of Mark'n'Lard in the afternoon; "..Asha" is better here in the pre-Fatboy Slim version; "Norwegian Wood" is a diverting listen for my Yank friends (who are incredulous that a UK/Indian band would call themselves "Cornershop"; that's a prime UK/US difference right there). Might love it again until I get bored

Wonderful stuff.

What a very unique record. I love the diversity and experimentation that it carries. Funky riffs, trippy scratches, psychedelic sounds and samples compiled together to make a spaced-out beat. This record is right up my alley. Had never heard of this group but I’m definitely a fan now.

First grill sesh of the summer, bopping to this while I watch the sunset and tend to some chicken thighs that are destined for a gourmet makes yinzer salad (leftover fries are crisping up). The wine is good and there's a brimful of Asha on the 45.

refreshingly enjoyable

Chicken korma for the soul

Another one of those British groups I never heard of. The Indian influence is readily apparent on this album. There were a few good songs here, many average songs, and a few that were garbage. Overall it was better than I expected. Three stars.

The window for a record like this was so small. It's a lot of padding and the cover is lame. But there is this 90s glow here that is undeniable. It fills this record with a weird positivity. A weird feeling that everything will be fine.

3.5/5 - digging some tracks, desert party vibes

Wanted to like it more but for me it was just pretty ok 2.7

Like if a British Beck incorporated Indian sounds. A little goofy at times, but I could see how it would be enjoyable. I think I’d like this more in the Spring / Summer.

The good stuff is so good! A lot of kind of boring moments too. This is a tricky one to rate. Incredibly refreshing, however, to hear brit pop with a different perspective other than just white dudes

It takes about 10 seconds to fully appreciate the amazing novelty of pop music being fused with asian rhythms/instrumentation - then it dawns on you, that this example of the genre isn' actually very interesting musically. I didn't like Brimful of Asha in 1997 and I still don't like it now. I much prefer full-on bangra to this insipid hybrid. Occasionally comes close (We're in your corner) but never quite arrives. The problem with 'Funky days..' .is that it just isn't funky. It's just average pop with an Asian twist.

I won't come back to this album, but it was fine during the time I spent with it

It is very well-produced but extremely inconsistent. One minute it's annoying jangle pop, one minute traditional indian music, one minute it's Allen Ginsberg in an Indian parade, rambling about penises. I am fascinated but also tired and annoyed. So nah, not for me.

Not bad but became sort of grating after a while. 2.33

"Singer and guitarist Tjinder Singh described the recording process as "very intense. There was a lot of smoking going on, it was a very relaxed time, and very enjoyable all the way through. At the end, our engineer had to go for medical assistance. He got freaked out. He smoked so much and then he stopped and he went loopy. He was on medication. His body couldn't take it."

sitar on drugs

Ya I just did not care for this. Most of the album sounded like 90s beach rock /reggae trash. respect the album for trying something different with the Indian vibes but not for me. In another life, funky days are back again is an LCD soundsytem song. Also had fun with Norwegian wood cover

Two stars because Brimful of Asha is a jam. The rest can slither off into oblivion. Yawn.

trying too hard to do everything

Pretty diverse and funky world music, but i don't really love anything here. Brimful was a song i really didn't like in the late 90's and though it may be the catchiest song on this album, i'm still not a fan.

What a surprise! When I get albums like this that come out of nowhere, with no expectations, and yet they delight! This is why I continue to do this project.

Sure, this group may be only really known for a remix of one of their songs, but damn if the album doesn't hold up as well. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

Great

OK, I admit it - I like the original Brimful of Asha better than the Norman Cook remix. Sorry! I also really like the opener (sleep on the left side), which was their follow-up to their huge number one single. The album tails off a bit, then finishes with an astounding cover.

This album really surprised me as i was only aware of the norman cook remix of brimful of asha before listening.

I had definitely never heard of Cornershop or this album (although maybe I had heard Brimful of Asha somewhere). But I found this album from 1997 refreshing. It sounds like it was made yesterday. The fusion of indie rock with Indian sitar is super unique. I enjoyed this one a lot.

Sign me up! So glad I listened to the album. Brimful of Asha is a fun song but one of those overplayed ones that kind of makes you cringe when you hear it now because you know that loop is in your ahead again even if you turn the song off right away. The rest is so much better!

Cornershop - When I Was Born for the 7th Time The onlything I knew about Cornerhsop or this album was the song "A Brimful of Asha." This song is one of my favorite 90s songs. I just never took time to actually listen to the entire album. Well, I did jus that today and I have to say that it is a really good album. It mixes alternative and Indian music to meld into an amazing sound. Lots of great songs on this album and I'm really glad that I was tasked to listen to it today. 5/5

Wow! I really liked that!

I need to listen to this album more often.

😁cool

I had somehow never heard of this band but very much enjoyed the listen!

I remember being in love with Brimful Of Asha when it was released (I would have been 7 years old). However, being a child, I had no extra thought of wanting to find the album to hear more. Also, as a silly child, I thought I had the lyrics said “Everybody needs a button or a pillow.” Not sure what situation would require a button or a pillow, but it made sense to me at the time. Songs I already knew: Brimful Of Asha Favourites: Brimful Of Asha, Funky Days Are Back Again, Norwegian Wood This album is fantastic. To start, if you’re familiar with the track title of Norwegian Wood, it is indeed a cover of the Beatles song and is a delight. I’ve found through this album listening experience that I tend to really enjoy music from India, and this album has elements of that while still having the Western familiarities that I’m used to, so is a very nice blend for me. I’d be interested to know, what is your preferred Brimful Of Asha? Cornershop or Fatboy Slim?

Incredible sampling album

Je me suis prit a vraiment a8me ca, meme que j’ai reecoute, je vais mettre un 5 meme si c’est peut etre 4.85

I love this album. Saw them at Glasto 1997 in the new bands tent.

LOVE IT, Brimful of Asha closing credits theme version

Indian representation had a fleeting thing in the British music scene since the 60s yet hardly any Indians were making waves that could be considered equals to the groups that were poaching their sounds. That's were Cornership come in. Their 1997 masterstroke When I Was Born for the 7th Time sees them rise up to the now 60s fawning Britpop gauntlet and not only turn it on its head but give it new textures and shapes unmistakable in its originality. They cap it off with a faithful cover of a song that kickstarted the raga influenced craze of decades before. Hopefully people would familiarize themselves with this album when they get ahold of it, it's worth it. It'll make you feel born for the 7th time.

I've loved this album since the 90s

Brim full of Asher has a very solid solid place in my heart so I feel a loyalty to cornershop. I am very glad I got an opportunity to hear some of their other stuff properly. I did see them at the Godiva once and they were great but didn't get to properly appreciate the songs. Enjoyed a lot

I've never heard of 'em. I'm goin' in! All right! You wanna win me over quickly? Gimme accordion right from the jump! Or is it a harmonium? Either way, I am totally on board. Next song is the "everybody needs a bosom for a pillow" song! I know this one! (After looking it up, I know the Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) remix.) Yes! Love it! Love the trippy groove of We're in Yr Corner and the silliness of Funky Days are Back Again. Appreciate the reminder that, "Good shit's all around, good people." Definitely will listen to this one again and am already looking into their other albums, starting with Judy Sucks on a Lemon for Breakfast, which...is that a clarinet on the title track? Swoon!

An insanely original and timeless sound, blew me the fuck away

this was so cool and random. each song was completely different and I really enjoyed the range of instrumental songs and the indian influence. awesome !

I think this is above average Britpop. It's a 3.5, but I'll give it a 4 for creativity.

I'd never heard of Cornershop before, but this was great. It was a nice, light, poppy sound with cool-sounding lyrics and great production value. My only complaint was that it was too short, but I listened to it twice to help make up for it. Four stars.

Would I come back to this? Yes. Never really listened to them or really heard anybody talk about them but I liked it. A little too long, as everything in the CD era is though it has a groove and you can just let it play out

Revisit this

## In-Depth Review: *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* by Cornershop Cornershop’s third album, *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* (1997), stands as a landmark of late-90s alternative music, fusing genres, cultures, and eras with a confidence and ease that still feels fresh decades later. Below is an in-depth analysis of the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, followed by a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** Cornershop’s lyricism on this album is both playful and pointed, often blending social commentary with wry humor and everyday observations. Tjinder Singh, the band’s frontman and principal songwriter, uses his multicultural background to explore themes of identity, displacement, and cultural fusion. - **Cultural Commentary:** The international hit “Brimful of Asha” is a celebration of Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle and, by extension, the power of music to transcend borders and generations. The lyrics, “Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow,” are both a literal nod to comfort and a metaphor for the nurturing role of music in diaspora communities[6]. - **Subtle Politics:** The album doesn’t shy away from political undertones. Singh’s lyrics often reference the immigrant experience in Britain, touching on issues of belonging and the blending of identities without resorting to didacticism[1][4]. - **Playfulness and Irony:** Tracks like “Good Shit” use irreverent language and tongue-in-cheek delivery to critique consumer culture, while “Funky Days Are Back Again” radiates optimism with a sly wink at the cyclical nature of pop trends[6]. The lyrics are rarely overtly confessional or narrative-driven; instead, they function as snapshots of multicultural Britain, filtered through Singh’s unique perspective. --- ## **Music** Musically, *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* is a kaleidoscopic blend of styles, reflecting Cornershop’s refusal to be pigeonholed. - **Genre Fusion:** The album is a melting pot of indie rock, funk, hip-hop, psychedelia, lounge, and traditional Indian music. Sitar, tabla, and dhol rub shoulders with breakbeats, guitar riffs, and record scratches[4][6]. - **Groove-Oriented:** Many tracks are built on infectious grooves and repetitive hooks. The band’s shift from their earlier, rougher indie sound to a more groove-driven approach results in a laid-back, hypnotic vibe that dominates the album[5]. - **Instrumentals and Experimentation:** About a third of the album is instrumental, showcasing Cornershop’s skill at creating atmosphere without words. Tracks like “Butter the Soul” and “Chocolat” are filled with funky congas, psychedelic flourishes, and playful sampling[5][6]. - **Global Influences:** The album’s cover of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is sung in Punjabi, a bold reinterpretation that both honors and subverts the original’s East-meets-West spirit[6]. The result is an album that feels simultaneously cohesive and adventurous, with each track offering a new twist on the band’s multicultural palette. --- ## **Production** The production of *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* is both polished and eclectic, reflecting the album’s genre-hopping ambitions. - **Producers:** Tjinder Singh co-produced the album with Dan the Automator (noted for his work with Dr. Octagon) and Daddy Rappaport, bringing together indie sensibilities and hip-hop production techniques[2][5]. - **Layered Arrangements:** The album is rich in sonic detail, with layers of samples, live instrumentation, and subtle electronic touches. The mix is warm and inviting, never cluttered despite the dense arrangements[4][5]. - **Effortlessness:** Despite its complexity, the album never feels forced. There’s a sense of ease and spontaneity, as if the band is simply channeling the music they love without overthinking it[4]. - **Studio Anecdotes:** The recording process was reportedly intense yet relaxed, with long hours and a lot of experimentation. The engineer’s experience—so intense it required medical assistance—speaks to the immersive, boundary-pushing atmosphere in the studio[2]. --- ## **Themes** *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* is thematically rich, weaving together ideas of identity, migration, nostalgia, and cultural hybridity. - **Global Citizenship:** The album anticipates the experience of global citizens—those who move between cultures and never feel entirely at home. Its soundscape reflects the compressed, interconnected world of the late 20th century and beyond[1][4]. - **Celebration of Hybridity:** Rather than appropriating, Cornershop absorbs and reinterprets musical traditions, creating a tapestry that feels authentic and lived-in. This approach was ahead of its time, predicting the post-genre era of streaming and curated eclecticism[4]. - **Resistance to Categorization:** The album’s refusal to stick to a single genre or identity is itself a statement, challenging the Britpop orthodoxy and the narrow definitions of “Britishness” prevalent in the 1990s[4][5]. --- ## **Influence** *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* was both a critical and commercial success, and its influence has only grown with time. - **Critical Acclaim:** The album is consistently ranked among the best of the 1990s and is considered Cornershop’s definitive work[3][6]. - **Mainstream Breakthrough:** “Brimful of Asha” became an international hit, especially after the Fatboy Slim remix, bringing Cornershop’s multicultural sound to a global audience[6]. - **Legacy:** The album’s genre-blending approach paved the way for later artists who would similarly blur boundaries between rock, hip-hop, and world music. Its celebration of multiculturalism and refusal to conform to industry expectations have made it a touchstone for artists interested in exploring identity through music[4][5]. --- ## **Pros and Cons** ### **Pros** - **Inventive Genre Fusion:** The album’s seamless blending of indie rock, funk, hip-hop, and Indian music is both innovative and accessible, offering something new with each listen[4][6]. - **Strong Songwriting:** Tracks like “Brimful of Asha,” “Good to Be on the Road Back Home,” and “Funky Days Are Back Again” are memorable and catchy, with hooks that linger long after the album ends[3][6]. - **Cultural Authenticity:** Rather than feeling like a gimmick, the album’s multiculturalism is organic and deeply felt, reflecting the lived experiences of its creators[4]. - **Timeless Production:** The warm, layered production has aged well, maintaining its freshness and appeal decades later[5]. - **Influential:** The album’s impact on both mainstream and alternative music is significant, helping to open doors for more diverse voices in British pop[4]. ### **Cons** - **Inconsistency:** Some listeners and critics have noted that the album loses focus in its middle section, with a few tracks feeling like filler or lacking the inspiration of the standout songs[3]. - **Length:** At over 54 minutes and 15 tracks, the album can feel a bit sprawling, and a tighter edit might have resulted in an even stronger statement[3]. - **Vocals:** Tjinder Singh’s understated vocal delivery, while charming, may not appeal to those who prefer more dynamic or emotive singing[4]. - **Experimental Detours:** The instrumental and experimental tracks, though interesting, may not resonate with all listeners and can disrupt the album’s flow for those seeking a more conventional pop experience[3][6]. --- ## **Conclusion** *When I Was Born for the 7th Time* is a singular achievement: a vibrant, boundary-blurring album that captures the spirit of multicultural Britain at the end of the 20th century. Its inventive fusion of genres, thoughtful lyrics, and warm production make it both a product of its time and a prescient vision of pop’s future. While not without its flaws—occasional inconsistency and a few weaker tracks—the album’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It remains a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when artists embrace their hybrid identities and refuse to play by the rules.

The first two tracks were okay, but had me thinking this was going to be a bit of a generic rock album. I'm so glad I was proven wrong - everything that followed was weird, psychedelic, funky and fun. Some instrumental tracks (such as Butter the Soul) had me thinking, "this would go hard with Damon Albarn vocals and a guest rapper" - well damn if Candyman didn't deliver on that exact vibe later in the album🔥🔥 Lots of different genres at play here, but all around it was an enjoyable listen

Good old classic

Solid 90s indie rock. Sleep on the Left Side and Brimful of Asha are great and there’s a nice little Norwegian Wood cover to close it out.

This is one of my favorite surprises so far. Have never heard of the group or any of the songs but a ton of fun. I can see myself returning to this one for a good pick me up. I ended up adding a little over half the tracks and didn't hate the other tracks. Rating: 4.2

"When I Was Born for the 7th Time" is the third studio album by English indie rock band Cornershop. Indie rock, electronica, raja rock, Britpop and avant-pop are the Wiki-listed genres. Yeah, they hit a number of styles. The band members include Tjinder Singh (vocals, guitar, scratching, dholki), Ben Ayres (tambourine, guitar, keyboards), Anthony Saffery (sitar, harmonium, keyboards), Nick Simms (drums) and Peter Bengry (percussion). Commercially, the album reached #17 in the UK and was critically well-received. "Sleep on the Left Side" opens with a harmonium and constant beat. Singh is both singing and rapping. There's some sort of fluttering instrument giving this a whimsical vibe. Hey, I've heard "Brimful of Asha" lots of times before. Rap at the beginning and that catchy guitar riff and chorus. Handclaps. A pop song and strings at the end. The song was inspired by the history of film culture in India. They finally bring the sitar out in "We're in Yr Corner." A steady beat and great drumming. It's bouncy, pyschedelic with other Indian instruments, funky and sung in Punjabi. "Candyman" begins with a hip hop beat. Distorted vocals which eventually begin rapping. A great funky guitar riff. The album closes with a nice rendition of the Beatles "Norwegian Wood." The sitar and acoustic guitar are loud and clear. Another song Singh sings on Punjabi. This is a solid album. There are interesting beats and catchy melodies. They jump around styles which included pop, folksy, hip hop, raga, funky, pyschedelic and even a Ween type of experimental. There's three instrumentals songs. The album was very well produced and mixed. If you just bought or listened to the album for "Brimful of Asha" what a surprise finding out the rest album is pretty good as well.

An eclectic album that was all over the place. I liked it

I remember when this came out and thought, this is interesting. I wonder where will it go... and as far as midwest US - gone! Thinking most places just played Brim Full of Asha for the novelty too bad. Listen, really listen to the melody and you can find complexity within the simplicity.

I was really not expecting to like this album other than the first two songs, but I was impressed throughout

Quite funky and refreshing compared to my usual taste. I will give it 4/5

I disavow song 7 and 8 but everything was really good. Nice addition to the list.

This just kept getting better the further I got into it, I appreciate how this wasn’t really limited by genre. Rating: 4.0

Feels like this inhabits a similar space as Primal Scream and Fatboy Slim with a sort of vaguely Blur vibe to it. Dancey, but also pop-forward with some international (Indian) elements interspersed. Makes for a varied and kooky listen that is generally enjoyable. Coming Up and Good Shit are two standouts in the back half. The former is more electro-hip-hop and the latter plays more like a straightforward pop-rock (a la Blur). It's Indian Tobacco My Friend scratches a similar itch to Coming Up. I can get down with spacey shit like this all day, any day. Candyman plays like a cleaned up Hendrix loop (can't place the song) with some rapped/sung sections over top. Overall I'd say this was an enjoyable listen. Low 4 / 5.

"It's Indian Tobacco My Friend" ya... that's what I'm gonna tell people from now on when they ask what I'm smokin. Why do the first two songs sound like Paul Simon to me? What does Brimful of Asha mean? I tried to look it up. It has something to do with lip syncing in Indian movies and also someone named Asha which also means Hope and a 45 refers to a small vinyl record with usually one song on each side. WHAT? Now I'm just more confused but yes, "Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow" you Paul Simon love child. My only criticism is that it gets a little repetitive in parts. The songwriting isn't that great but what it lacks in songwriting it makes up for in creative instrumentation, groovy beats, creative recording, and elctro quirkiness. Fun vibes with an Indian flavor that keeps your ears on their toes.

I picked this album up in a used CD bin a few years ago and ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. It is an album that I was well aware of when it came out in ‘97 but was never compelled to seek it out. It definitely has the de rigeur slacker vibe of the time with an Indian twist. I’d say listening to it now that it’s far more of a vibe record than it is a record full of great songs, which it is lacking, and that is ok by me. The vibe is cool enough to stand up on its own. Brimful of Asha is the clear highlight.