"Neither Fish nor Flesh" is the second studio album by American singer Terence Trent D'Arby, released in 1989. The album was a huge departure from his debut, introducing a much more experimental direction. The album's eclectic stylistic shift was a decision that was seen as a commercial suicide due to the mainstream appeal of the debut album. However, the complexity of the music and vocal performances on "Neither Fish nor Flesh" have since earned a strong cult following.
The album incorporated a variety of music genres, such as dream pop, psychedelic soul, funk, rock and pop, and its lyrics explored complex themes of spirituality, identity, and love. D'Arby was heavily involved in the writing, producing, and arranging, demonstrating his considerable artistry and autonomy. Despite the mixed initial reviews and its failure to achieve commercial success, the album remains a unique and ambitious work in D'Arby's discography.
However, due to its commercial performance, D'Arby was left in strained relations with his record label. This experience led him to change his name to Sananda Maitreya in later years, under which he continues to record and perform. The album is now recognized as a daring and unconventional work that was perhaps ahead of its time.
