The album is considered to be an eclectic, varied album, taking influences from numerous genres including Motown soul, rock, funk, British beat and pop. Released in 1988–89 on I.R.S. Records, "The Raw & the Cooked" was a major commercial success, selling over three million copies. Numerous singles were released from the album, including the two US number one singles "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing". The album was also critically acclaimed and Jo-Ann Greene of AllMusic called the album a masterpiece and one of the 1980s' most exciting albums. A remixed version of the album entitled "The Raw & the Remix" was released in 1990.