Neneh Cherry

In a couple of years, this album may well be heralded as a stylistic breakthrough. In the
meantime, Homebrew, Neneh Cherry's second record, holds a stash of subtly addictive
pleasures. Anyone who appreciates both alternative rock's indomitable spirit and hip-hop's
life-affirming rhythms is bound to get hooked on Homebrew's unique sweet-and-sour taste.
On her first album, Raw Like Sushi (1989), Cherry staked out some abundantly ric... More >

She's marked out a meaningful piece of turf: sophisticated secondhand homegirl, personally decent and artistically accessible, a friend to rely on. But where the lithe beats and uncorny sonics flesh out the concept and jolt every track, the lyrics settle for honest. "The choice is mine/With my ordinary joy and pain inside" is up toward the high end, with "Money talks love is for real" and "How long can we be this way" too typical. Personal to Yo Yo: consider a career in rhyme medicine. (Grade: B+)