Artist: Cibo Matto Album: Viva! La Woman

Year: 1996
Duration: 48:25

A Critical Review of Cibo Matto's Viva! La Woman

Cibo Matto is a name that's been flying under the radar for some time now, but anyone who's ever heard their music will tell you that they're one of the most innovative and genre-bending acts around. Their debut album Viva! La Woman is perhaps their best-known work, and it's not hard to see why. In this critical review, we'll be taking a deep dive into the album and exploring what makes it so special, from the history of the band itself to the standout tracks and most innovative moments.

To truly appreciate Viva! La Woman, it's important to understand the context in which it was created. Cibo Matto formed in New York City in the mid-1990s, a time when alternative music was dominating the airwaves but there was still plenty of room for experimentation. The duo, comprised of Japanese expats Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda, quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of hip hop, jazz, and electronica. Viva! La Woman, released in 1996, was their first full-length album and remains a cult classic to this day.

As for the music itself, Viva! La Woman is a masterclass in genre-bending. From the opening track Apple to the final notes of Artichoke, the album is an eclectic blend of sounds and styles that shouldn't work together but somehow do. The standout track is undoubtedly Sugar Water, which features a catchy, sing-songy chorus that's impossible to get out of your head. Other highlights include the funky Know Your Chicken and the eerie, experimental Moonchild.

What really sets Viva! La Woman apart from other albums of its time is the way in which it seamlessly blends different languages and cultures. Hatori and Honda sing in both English and Japanese, and their lyrics often touch on themes of identity, isolation, and cultural clash. This is perhaps most evident in tracks like Birthday Cake, which features a spoken-word interlude in Japanese, and White Pepper Ice Cream, which has a distinctly Eastern vibe to it.

Of course, no album is perfect, and Viva! La Woman is no exception. Some of the tracks can feel a bit disjointed and the eclectic mix of styles might not be to everyone's taste. Additionally, the album is relatively short, clocking in at just over 30 minutes, which might leave some listeners feeling unsatisfied.

Despite its flaws, Viva! La Woman is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates boundary-pushing music. Cibo Matto's blend of hip hop, jazz, and electronica is as fresh and original today as it was in 1996, and the album remains a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply curious about the band's music, Viva! La Woman is well worth a listen.