"Unfinished Monkey Business" is the debut solo album by Ian Brown, who is widely known as the lead vocalist of the English band, The Stone Roses. The album was released on February 2, 1998, following the break-up of the band. The title seemingly refers to the fallout and unfinished business from his time with The Stone Roses.
Recorded mainly in Liverpool, Brown wrote and produced the album by himself and some of the tracks were co-written with ex-band members Mani and John Squire. Through the tracks, one can observe a mix of styles from folk to drum-n-bass, giving an in-depth view of Brown's diverse musical influences. Some notable songs from the album include "My Star", "Corpses", and "Can’t See Me".
The album met with favorable reviews from the music critics and was a commercial success as well. Despite the mixed reviews regarding Brown's vulnerable and nearly spoken singing style, it was appreciated for its poignant lyricism and unique sound. The album reached number 4 in the UK Albums Chart, consolidating Ian Brown's position as a solo artist.
In terms of background, the album marks a significant departure from the band environment Ian Brown was associated with for much of his professional career. It represents his freedom as a solo artist and showcases his diverse musical prowess. This freedom allowed him to experiment and establish his own sound and identity outside The Stone Roses.
