Neneh Cherry - Broken Politics
Neneh Cherry returns with what must be one of the most reflective ‘protest' albums. Following the starkness and percussive urgency of 2014's Blank Project, written after the death of her mother, Broken Politics is an expansive yet considered affair complete with, harps, synths, kalimbas and heartfelt lyrics, an album that critically views the present with the ontology of a parent with grown-up children of her own.
Produced by Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet), Broken Politics exudes a spirit that initially floats over skittering snare in opening track Fallen Leaves. 'Just because I'm down', Cherry warns, 'don't step all over me'. The message is clear. Activism begins at home. We need to fight against the extinction of free thought and spirit, even if we feel broken, disappointed or sad. Broken Politics sets out its stall with disquietude over migration (Kong), fake news (Faster Than The Truth), and gun culture (Shot Gun Shack), but leaving time and space for mortal reflection (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and a plea for honesty (Natural Skin Deep).
As Cherry points out in Synchronised Devotion, 'It's my politics, living in the slow jam'. It may be 29 years since Raw Like Sushi propelled Neneh Cherry into our hearts, but the pulse and the beat remain very much alive.
8/10
