We had some inkling of The Versions, the upcoming Neneh Cherry album filled with reworkings of the Swedish star's songs performed by artists with personal connections to her, when we sampled Robyn and Mapei's take on her classic "Buffalo Stance." But now the set has been officially announced and given a release date. Before we get to that business, though, we must discuss the set's latest single — a cover of her Raw Like Sushi track "Manchild" performed by Sia.
Sia goes fairly straightforward with the remake, channeling similar production and delivery to the single about a young man who can never seem to catch a break. That includes delivering a few rhymes in a style that mirrors Neneh's own.
"Neneh was my favorite artist when she hit the scene. I saved my pocket money for red Filas and dreamt one day we would meet," Sia said of Cherry's influence on her life via statement. "When I was struggling with my mental health in my early twenties, I somehow ended up in their house being taken care of as if I was one of their own children. I called her husband during a suicide attempt, who had been mentoring me as an incredible music producer, and they gave me all the love I could have dreamt of."
The Versions is set for release on June 10th. Along with Sia, Robyn and Mapei, the set will also feature interpretations of Neneh's catalog from Sudan Archives, Jamila Woods, Seinabo Sey, Greentea Peng and more. Get into the stream of "Manchild" when you press play and stay here to watch a lyric video for the track down in the style of Neneh Cherry in her iconic heyday.
