When I was born for the 7th time is considered Cornershop’s best album and a musical milestone of the 1990s. Released in 1997, this work innovatively fused alternative rock and British music with influences from Indian culture, marking a unique path in the music scene of the time. Their single “Brimful of Asha” not only became a hit, but also claimed cultural heritage in a decade characterized by musical diversity.
Today, the album remains relevant, inspiring new generations of artists looking to explore the fusion of styles and sounds. Moreover, its focus on cultural and social identity resonates in today’s context, where inclusion and diversity are more important than ever. In this article, we will explore why this album deserves a prominent place in the history of ’90s music and its contemporary legacy.
Historical and cultural context
Cornershop’s When I was born for the 7th time came at a time when the music scene of the 1990s was characterized by a fusion of genres and the appropriation of diverse global influences. This work combines alternative rock, Britpop and sounds of Indian music, reflecting the multiculturalism that was beginning to define itself in the UK. Cornershop, led by Tjinder Singh, stood out as one of the most unique and political voices of the era, using their music to explore themes of identity and race in a changing social context.
Songs, production and highlights of When I was born for the 7th time
Produced by the band itself along with sound engineer Rollover, this Cornershop album fuses influences from alternative rock and the music of the Indian subcontinent, using techniques such as the use of samplers and a variety of traditional instruments. Songs such as “Brimful of Asha“, a tribute to the Indian film industry, and “Sleep on the Left Side“, which combines catchy rhythms with reflective lyrics, stand out. These compositions demonstrate the group’s ability to innovate, creating a fresh sound that resonated with both the ’90s British scene and wider audiences.
Cultural impact and legacy
When I was born for the 7th time by Cornershop, released in 1997, became a milestone within the Britpop and alternative rock movement, notable for its fusion of rock, pop, and sounds from the Indian subcontinent. Their emblematic single, “Brimful of Asha”, gained worldwide popularity and received the prestigious Brit Award for Best Group Performance in 1998, catapulting the band to the international scene. This work resonated not only for its innovative musical style, but also for its exploration of multicultural identity and the Indian diaspora in the UK. Over the years, it has been acclaimed for its originality and relevance, influencing contemporary artists and maintaining its cult status. Critics regard it as a seminal album that challenged the conventions of its time and continues to be celebrated at festivals and music retrospectives.
Comparison with other albums by the band
This Cornershop’s album is distinguished by its innovative blend of musical genres, ranging from alternative rock to the traditional sounds of the Indian subcontinent. This unique fusion not only gives the album an unparalleled sonic richness, but also reflects the band’s multicultural identity, making it a musical journey not found in their previous discography. Themes such as social criticism and the celebration of cultural diversity are masterfully interwoven throughout the album, elevating it above the band’s other works that, while valuable, fail to capture this essence as effectively.
Moreover, it not only had a significant impact on Cornershop’s fans but also resonated with a wider audience, resulting in remarkable commercial success. The iconic song “Brimful of Asha” became an anthem that not only celebrated Indian film music but also introduced the band to a new generation of listeners. The combination of witty lyrics, infectious beats and impeccable production makes this album a masterpiece in Cornershop’s history, cementing its place as one of the band’s finest works and a benchmark in alternatively globalized music.
| Album | Year | Iconic Song | Sales | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| When I was born for the 7th time | 1997 | Brimful of Asha | 500,000 | 84 |
| Handcream for a Generation | 2002 | Spectral Mornings | 250,000 | 80 |
| Pure> (a powerful album that didn’t bring him as much recognition) | 1994 | Don’t Forget Me | 150,000 | 75 |
| Over Ogeda | 1995 | Butterfly | 100,000 | 72 |
| Days of the Bagnold Summer | 2019 | It’s Not Over | 50,000 | 77 |
How When I was born for the 7th time stands out in a competitive decade
The album was released in 1997 and stands out for its fusion of alternative rock and Indian subcontinent influences, achieving a unique sound that separates it from other releases of its time, such as the Fugees’ “The Score” (1996) and Radiohead’s “OK Computer” (1997), the former with a lesser reception in terms of metascore. While “The Score” was acclaimed and is considered a classic, its metascore didn’t reach the numbers of Cornershop, which despite being less commercial, offered an innovative and authentic vision that cemented it in the alternative scene.
On the other hand, “OK Computer”, which is now hailed as one of the best albums ever, had a somewhat higher metascore but perhaps due to its complexity and experimentation, was met with mixed reviews on its release. In contrast, “When I was born for the 7th time” benefited from Cornershop’s ability to capture the attention of multiple audiences, making their work a hallmark in a decade already saturated with creativity and competition.
| Album | Artist | Metascore |
| When I was born for the 7th time | Cornershop | 84 |
| The Score | Fugees | 79 |
| OK Computer | Radiohead | 87 |
Source of metascore: Metacritic
Personal opinion
As a 90s music enthusiast, Cornershop’s When I was born for the 7th time album had a profound impact on me. Their fusion of alternative rock, Britpop and indie sounds creates a unique musical experience that captures the essence of the decade. Each track, from the iconic “Brimful of Asha” to “Sleep on the Left Side,” reflects a cultural diversity that resonates with me. Cornershop’s ability to combine catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics about identity and representation inspired me to explore beyond the boundaries of mainstream music. This album is not only a product of its time, but a testament to the cultural richness that defined the music of the 90s.
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