Raw Like Sushi

For the Mr. Big album, see Raw Like Sushi (Mr. Big album).
Raw Like Sushi
Studio album by Neneh Cherry
Released 2 May 1989
Recorded 1988-1989; Hot Nights, Blackwing, Sam Therapy et al.
Genre Pop, dance, freestyle, funk
Length 46:06
Label Virgin
Producer Tim Simenon, Mark Saunders, Cameron McVey, Jonny Dollar et al.
Neneh Cherry chronology

Raw Like Sushi
(1989)		 Homebrew
(1992)
Singles from Raw Like Sushi
  1. "Buffalo Stance"
    Released: 1988
  2. "Manchild"
    Released: 1989
  3. "Kisses on the Wind"
    Released: 1989
  4. "Heart"
    Released: 1989
  5. "Inna City Mama"
    Released: 1989
Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic link
Robert Christgau A−[1]
Rolling Stone link

Raw Like Sushi is the debut album of singer Neneh Cherry, released 2 May 1989 on Virgin Records.

An early version of "Buffalo Stance" appeared on the B-side of the Morgan McVey single "Looking Good Diving". The single was not successful; however the B-side was re-recorded with Tim Simenon of Bomb the Bass fame and "Buffalo Stance" was born, becoming a worldwide hit reaching #3 in the UK, #3 in the Billboard Hot 100 and even reached #1 for two weeks in the Netherlands. The album also contained the #8 US (and #20 UK) hit "Kisses on the Wind" and the #5 UK hit "Manchild" (did not chart in the US).

The lyrics on the album are sometimes autobiographical, talking about school years. They are also influenced by Neneh's motherhood. Others speak of women allegedly trying to steal a man from another woman. All players and programmers are credited in this album, however Cameron McVey, Cherry's husband, appears 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.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Neneh Cherry and Booga Bear, except where indicated. 

No. TitleWriter(s) Length
1. "Buffalo Stance"  Jamie J. Morgan, Booga Bear, Neneh Cherry, Phillip Ramacon 5:42
2. "Manchild"  Booga Bear, Neneh Cherry, Robert "3D" Del Naja 3:51
3. "Kisses on the Wind"    3:57
4. "Inna City Mamma"  Booga Bear, Neneh Cherry, Phil Chill 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"  Booga Bear, Neneh Cherry, Will Malone 5:04
10. "So Here I Come"  Booga Bear, Neneh Cherry, Phil Chill 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 through 10 were on the original LP. In the United Kingdom tracks 11 through 14 were on the CD release while tracks 13 and 14 were on the tape cassette album.

Personnel

Chart performance

Chart Date Peak position Certification
Canada August 22, 1989 Gold[2]
United States September 16, 1989 40 [3]  
The Netherlands June 1989 4 Gold[4]
United Kingdom June 1989 2[5]  
Germany June 1989 10 [4]
Austria September 15, 1989 7[6]  
Switzerland September 9, 1989 6[7] Gold[8]
Sweden June 1989 3[9]  

References

  1. ↑ Christgau, Robert. "Raw Like Sushi". Robert Christgau.
  2. ↑ http://www.cria.ca
  3. ↑ Neneh Cherry album chart Accessed: 19 December 2007
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 NVPI.nl Dutch certification database Accessed 4 November 2006
  5. ↑ EveryHit.co.uk UK Top 40 database Accessed: 28 October 2006
  6. ↑ AustrianCharts.at Raw Like Sushi page Accessed: 28 October 2006
  7. ↑ SwissCharts.com Raw Like Sushi page Accessed: 28 October 2006
  8. ↑ SwissCharts.com Certifications 1989 Accessed: 29 October 2006
  9. ↑ SwedishCharts.com Raw Like Sushi page Accessed: 12 August 2007

External links