Grace Jones - Inside Story (LP) (1986) - €10,00

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Inside Story is the eighth studio album by Jamaican singer, songwriter and model Grace Jones, released in November 1986, her first with the Manhattan Records label. 

The album spawned the hit single "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect for You)". 

Chic's Nile Rodgers produced this Grace Jones album as part of a new deal she signed in the late '80s with Manhattan. 

Unfortunately, she didn't remain on the label very long, even though this was among her better LPs and included a fine single in "(I'm Not Perfect) But I'm Perfect For You." 

There were rumors that Jones and Rodgers didn't get along, and perhaps they didn't, but the album wound up being one of her most commercially viable.

"Inside Story" is not Grace Jones' well known, classic album but even without Sly & Robbie or Trevor Horn she delivers some goods with this album. 

Nile Rodgers, who had produced some critically acclaimed and popular albums for the likes of David Bowie, Diana Ross and Madonna paired with Grace Jones and both they created interesting fusion of Pop/Rock and Funk. Songs like "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)", "Hollywood Liar" and "Chan Hitchkies To Shanghai" are slickly produced, highly danceable, funky songs, that perfectly capture the essence of Grace Jones' musical image. 

"Victor Should Have Been a Jazz Musician" is delicate, late night jazz number that suits Grace's distinctive way of singing. It's probably the finest song on the album and one of the highlights of her overall career. 

"Party Girl" and "Crush" are straightforward Pop songs with state-of-the-art production, that at moments makes them sound a bit dated, but for those with open mind, they will serve as perfect synonim of 80's highly underrated musical production standards. 

"White Collar Crime" sends an important message that is still relevant in our times. It is another jewel of this album, and at times it reminds me of "Slave To The Rhythm". 

Some songs are more on cheesy side, especially "Barefoot In Beverly Hills" and "Scary But Fun" but they don't undermine the album's overall quality. 

They are just less interesting in terms of production, vocals and lyrics, still notch above most of music that was produced around the same time. 

So, concluding, it's easy to hear that with this album Grace Jones headed for more commercial sound even if it didn't quite work out. 

It's great post Island record and every fan of her talent should own it. As one of the songs puts it: "It's scary but fun..."

Side A

A1.  I’m Not Perfect (But I’m Perfect For You) - 3:57  

A2.  Hollywood Liar - 3:50  

A3.  Chan Hitchhikes To Shanghai - 4:33  

A4.  Victor Should Have Been A Jazz Musician - 4:42  

A5.  Party Girl - 3:44  

Side B

B1.  Crush - 3:27  

B2.  Barefoot In Beverly Hills - 4:07  

B3.  Scary But Fun - 3:55  

B4.  White Collar Crime - 4:59  

B5.  Inside Story - 4:31 

Personnel

• Scott Ansell – sound engineering
• Richard Bernstein – computer image
• Knut Bohn – engineering
• Greg Calbi – mastering
• Barry Diament – digital editing
• Steve Elson – baritone saxophone, flute
• James Farber – recording, mixing
• Mac Gollehon – trumpet
• Stan Harrison – alto saxophone
• Grace Jones – vocals, production
• Kevin Jones – digital interfacing, sequencing, drum programming
• Lenny Pickett – tenor saxophone
• Nile Rodgers – production, arrangements
• Budd Tunick – production managing
• Bruce Woolley – arrangements

Notes

Release:  1986

Format:  LP, Vinyl

Genre:  Soul, Funk

Label:  Manhattan Records

Catalog#  1A 062-240643

Vinyl:  Goed (VG)

Cover:  Goed (VG)

Prijs: €10,00