[4] Some of the album's lyrics were inspired by Cherry's recent sojourn in Sierra Leone, where she arranged the funeral of her biological father, musician Ahmadu Jah, in his home village.

It’s hard to not draw from the things that are happening, but even though I feel anger, sorrow, and sadness, I’m also compelled to have some positivity.

"[5] In another interview, Cherry further described the album's theme: "I like writing from a personal perspective, and the time we live in is so much about finding your own voice.

Except for a cameo appearance by Berger on vibraphone on "Synchronised Devotion", and some snippets of city life recorded on Cherry's cellphone, all of the album's music came from Hebden's laptop, using libraries of instrument sounds, samples and synthetic ones.

[9] AllMusic described the album as "deeply meditative, often implying or directly expressing sorrow regarding planetary afflictions rooted in fear," while maintaining Cherry's well-known "defiant streak.

"[5] Rolling Stone gave the album a positive review, stating "Neneh Cherry has always bent styles to serve her own ends.

She’s also speaking her mind, per usual, addressing our global shitshow not with histrionics, but with heartfelt, clear-eyed ruminations, sorrow, playfulness and resolve.

In that beautifully snagged raw-silk voice, she sings about abortion, refugees, gun violence and the ease with which conspiracy calcifies into assumed fact these days.