The opening track is, funnily enough, 'Woman'. This outstanding single was meant to be Cherry's response to the James Brown number 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World'. The earnestness mentioned above is quickly apparent in the first verse: "To save my child/I'd rather go hungry/I got all of Ethiopia inside of me/and my blood flows through every man/in this Godless land that delivered me/I've cried so many tears even the blind can see." Also apparent is the captivating and edgy alternative rock sound that is present on a lot of the album.
Not, though, on 'Feel It', which comes next. This is one of a number of more typical pop songs that are present. It is pleasant, but nothing special. Its insistent beat conveys well the pressure that the song's subject feels. Again the lyrics are revealing: "Voices on your shoulder/Pounding in your temple/Like a bullet in your head waiting for release.
'Hornbeam' reveals another change in direction. With its slightly menacing beat and strong guitar, there is a definite attitude to this track. Also revealed is yet another of the album's themes- Cherry's unique lyrical style. Much like Bob Dylan, when you first listen to the lyrics they just don't seem to fit. A good example: "I like a brain and I like my bimbo/I like 'em vain let 'em lick my limbo." What on earth does this mean? Somehow, though, given a few listens it all seems to make sense. There are quite a few strange lyrics like this. On their own they are nonsensical- but put together they somehow combine to form a coherent whole.
Her next song is a cover of the Marvin Gaye song 'Trouble Man'- sung, according to Cherry, from a female perspective. Some will like it, but most will probably find it dull. The same can be said of 'Golden Ring', which is basically just Cherry's voice and a strumming guitar in the background.
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