Raw Like Sushi
Raw Like Sushi | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 5 June 1989 | |||
Recorded | September 1988–January 1989 | |||
Studio |
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Genre | ||||
Length | 46:11 (vinyl) 67:22 (CD) | |||
Label | Virgin | |||
Producer | ||||
Neneh Cherry chronology | ||||
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Singles from Raw Like Sushi | ||||
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Raw Like Sushi is the debut studio album by Swedish musician Neneh Cherry, released 5 June 1989 by Virgin Records.[2] The album includes the commercially successful single "Buffalo Stance".
Background
[edit]An early version of "Buffalo Stance" appeared on the B-side of the 1986 Stock Aitken Waterman-produced Morgan-McVey single, "Looking Good Diving", titled "Looking Good Diving with the Wild Bunch". The single was not successful; however, the B-side was re-recorded with Tim Simenon of Bomb the Bass, and became the version of "Buffalo Stance" that was a worldwide hit, reaching No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart,[3] No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100[4] and No. 1 in the Netherlands[5] and Sweden.[6] The album also contains the No. 8 US[4] (and No. 20 UK[3]) hit "Kisses on the Wind", and the No. 5 UK hit "Manchild".[3]
All musicians and programmers are credited in the album sleeve, however Cameron McVey, Cherry's husband, is credited as "Booga Bear". Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja co-wrote "Manchild", and fellow member Andrew Vowles aka DJ Mushroom performs on "Kisses on the Wind", "The Next Generation" and "So Here I Come". "My Bitch" is a vocal duet with Gilly G.
The cover and inner photos were shot by fashion photographer Jean-Baptiste Mondino.
Music
[edit]Raw Like Sushi is distinctive for its eclectic mix of genres, incorporating influences from across the trends of 1980s pop music. Cherry sings and raps accompanied by a diverse set of sounds, including pianos, synthesizers, brass instruments, guitars, and go-go percussion. The album's lyrical themes are influenced by Cherry's experiences of motherhood, and her education and upbringing.[7]
When it was released, the album was favorably compared to Madonna and Prince, though it did not reach similar popularity.
Reception
[edit]Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Chicago Tribune | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Los Angeles Times | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mojo | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
NME | 9/10[11] |
Pitchfork | 8.0/10[7] |
Q | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rolling Stone | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Spin Alternative Record Guide | 9/10[14] |
The Village Voice | A−[15] |
NME critic David Quantick praised Raw Like Sushi as "the sort of record you can rarely buy – immediate, commercial pop that only someone with a rather individual worldview could have made", highlighting its unconventional song structures and Cherry's "wit, intelligence and even maturity."[11] Selina Webb of British music newspaper Music Week called it "eclectic, wholesome, a subtly teasing collection of provoking yet pouting songs", "a confident manifesto from refreshing new pop diva."[16] Pete Clark of Hi-Fi News & Record Review said that Cherry's music "is illuminated by a jazzy delight in non-conformity" and singled out "effortlessly memorable" "Buffalo Stance" and "Manchild".[17] As per Chris Murray of RPM "this package contains something for any contemporary dance music fan."[18]
Raw Like Sushi is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.[19]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Neneh Cherry and Cameron McVey (Booga Bear), except where indicated
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Buffalo Stance" |
| 5:42 |
2. | "Manchild" |
| 3:51 |
3. | "Kisses on the Wind" | 3:57 | |
4. | "Inna City Mamma" |
| 4:50 |
5. | "The Next Generation" | 5:04 | |
6. | "Love Ghetto" | 4:27 | |
7. | "Heart" | 5:08 | |
8. | "Phoney Ladies" | 3:52 | |
9. | "Outré Risqué Locomotive" |
| 5:04 |
10. | "So Here I Come" |
| 4:02 |
11. | "My Bitch" (bonus track) | 5:26 | |
12. | "Heart (It's a Demo)" (bonus track) | 4:52 | |
13. | "Buffalo Stance (Sukka Mix)" (bonus track) |
| 5:20 |
14. | "Manchild (The Old School Mix)" (bonus track) |
| 5:30 |
Note
- Tracks 1–10 were on the original LP. In the United Kingdom, tracks 11–14 were on the CD release while tracks 13 and 14 were on the tape cassette album.
Personnel
[edit]- Neneh Cherry – lead vocals, programming
- Sandy McLelland – backing vocals on "Inna City Mamma", "Love Ghetto" and "Phoney Ladies"
- Chandra Armstead – backing vocals on "Outré Risqué Locomotive"
- Eagle-Eye Cherry – toasting on "Heart"
- Sarah Erde – Hispanic vocals on "Kisses on the Wind"
- Cameron "Booga Bear" McVey – backing vocals, executive producer, mixing, beats on "Manchild"
- Phil Chill – programming, beats, backing vocals on "The Next Generation"
- Claudia Fontaine – backing vocals on "Kisses on the Wind"
- Nellee Hooper – vibraphone
- Jerod Minnies – guitar on "Love Ghetto"
- Alvin Moody – beats and programming on "Outré Risqué Locomotive"
- Nick Plytas – programming
- Jeff Scantlebury – congas on "Kisses on the Wind"
- John Sharp – programming on "Manchild"
- Tim Simenon – beats and turntables on "Buffalo Stance" and "Heart"
- Dynamik Duo – beats
- Mark Saunders – multi-instruments, beats on "Buffalo Stance"
- Wil Malone – conductor, programming, string arrangements on "Manchild", backing vocals
- Gordon Dukes – backing vocals on "Outré Risqué Locomotive"
- Mushroom – programming, turntables on "Kisses on the Wind", "The Next Generation" and "So Here I Come"
- Technical
- Jean-Baptiste Mondino – photography
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
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Year-end charts[edit]
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Certifications and sales
[edit]Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada)[41] | Gold | 50,000^ |
Netherlands (NVPI)[42] | Gold | 50,000^ |
Sweden (GLF)[43] | Gold | 50,000^ |
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[44] | Gold | 25,000^ |
United Kingdom (BPI)[2] | Platinum | 300,000^ |
Summaries | ||
Worldwide | — | 2,000,000[45] |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Raw Like Sushi – Neneh Cherry". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
- ^ a b c "British album certifications – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". British Phonographic Industry. 6 October 1989. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ a b c "Neneh Cherry | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Billboard > Artists / Neneh Cherry > Chart History > The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "dutchcharts.nl > Neneh Cherry – Buffalo Stance" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "swedishcharts.com > Neneh Cherry – Buffalo Stance (song)". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ a b Johnston, Maura (1 April 2018). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi". Pitchfork. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
- ^ Heim, Chris (22 June 1989). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi (Virgin)". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ Willman, Chris (11 June 1989). "Cherry Debuts in Sassy Style". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ Wood, Anna (March 2020). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi". Mojo. No. 316. London. p. 102.
- ^ a b Quantick, David (10 June 1989). "Cherry-Oh Baby". NME. London. p. 36.
- ^ Howe, Rupert (April 2020). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi". Q. No. 409. London. p. 118.
- ^ Tannenbaum, Rob (10 August 1989). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi". Rolling Stone. New York. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
- ^ Aaron, Charles (1995). "Neneh Cherry". In Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig (eds.). Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. p. 81. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.
- ^ Christgau, Robert (27 June 1989). "Consumer Guide". The Village Voice. New York. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
- ^ Webb, Selina (10 June 1989). "Review: Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (PDF). Music Week. London: Spotlight Publications Ltd. p. 20. ISSN 0265-1548. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 December 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Clark, Pete (August 1989). "Review: Neneh Cherry — Raw Like Sushi" (PDF). Hi-Fi News & Record Review (magazine). Vol. 34, no. 8. Croydon: Link House Magazines Ltd. p. 107—108. ISSN 0142-6230. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Murray, Chris (24 June 1989). "Review: Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (PDF). RPM. Vol. 50, no. 8. Toronto: RPM Music Publications Ltd. p. 8. ISSN 0315-5994. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Heller-Nicholas, Alexandra (2006). "Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Universe Publishing. p. 617. ISBN 978-0-7893-1371-3.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 6428". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 6, no. 26. 1 July 1989. p. VIII. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Charts.nz – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". Hung Medien. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Neneh Cherry Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Neneh Cherry Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1989" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "European Top 100 Albums 1989" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 6, no. 51. 23 December 1989. p. 9. OCLC 29800226 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts – 1989" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1989". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1989". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Year End Albums" (PDF). Record Mirror. 20 January 1990. p. 42. ISSN 0144-5804 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi". Music Canada.
- ^ "Dutch album certifications – Neneh Cherry – Raw Like Sushi" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Enter Raw Like Sushi in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1990 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
- ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Raw Like Sushi')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "Neneh Cherry Homebrew (Virgin) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2..." Chicago Tribune. 29 October 1992. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
Further reading
[edit]- Harris, Neil (17 June 1989). "Cherry on Top" (PDF). Cashbox. Vol. 52, no. 49. New York: The Cash Box Publishing Co. Inc. p. 8. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022 – via World Radio History.