Heart

The song Heart by Neneh Cherry delves into a mix of styles that reflect the sonic diversity of the late eighties. Recorded between September 1988 and January 1989, this piece was gestated in various London studios, including the iconic Abbey Road and Battery, as well as others like Blackwing and Eastcote. The sound that defines Heart and her debut album, Raw Like Sushi, is a bold fusion of hip hop, new jack swing, and R&B, where Cherry's voice moves between singing and rapping, supported by pianos, synthesizers, wind instruments, guitars, and percussion. The inspiration behind the lyrics draws from Cherry's personal experiences, including her motherhood and upbringing.

The album Raw Like Sushi, released on June 5, 1989, stood out for its eclectic approach, incorporating the decade's pop trends. An early version of what would become the hit single Buffalo Stance appeared in 1986 on the B-side of Morgan-McVey's "Looking Good Diving," but it was a re-recording with Tim Simenon of Bomb the Bass that catapulted it to global fame, reaching high positions on charts like the UK's and the Billboard Hot 100. The album also included other hits such as Kisses on the Wind and Manchild. Behind the production are names like Jonny Dollar, Cameron McVey (credited as "Booga Bear"), and Tim Simenon, who contributed to shaping this distinctive sound. The cover and inner photography was handled by the renowned fashion photographer Jean-Baptiste Mondino.