Raw Like Sushi


Raw Like Sushi is the debut album by Swedish musician Neneh Cherry, released 5 June 1989 on Virgin Records. The album is best known for featuring the worldwide hit single "Buffalo Stance".

Background

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 #3 in the UK Singles Chart, #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 in the Netherlands and Sweden. The album also contains the #8 US hit "Kisses on the Wind", and the #5 UK hit "Manchild".
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

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.
When it was released, the album was favorably compared to Madonna and Prince, though it did not reach similar popularity.

Legacy

The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Track listing

Note

Certifications

!scope="row"|Worldwide