Grace Jones

Inside Story

Should have been called, "Scary But Fun"

Review Score:

(6/10)
What an odd musical path Grace Jones has taken since shrilling to the discofied stomp of "Tomorrow." About the only thing that you can say about Grace's entire catalog is that it's consistantly danceable. From faux-decadent disco queen to haut monde reggae star, Grace's knowingly outrageous public persona helped to push her music, regardless of musical merit. That's not to say she didn't contribute terrific performances...just that they tended to be spread out thin over her first five albums.

This mid-80's release is no exception to that rule. I wouldn't exactly call going from Reggae to mainstream Club music "progress," but it does represent part of her career evolution. (The Trevor Horn produced "Slave To The Rhythm" was a one-off, much like any album that recycles the same music over and over.) "Inside Story, " like the later "Bulletproof Heart," is awash in period sonics, though Nile Rodgers' production is less dependent on gimmicks. Grace was only one of several performers to get the Rodgers treatment (along with Sheena Easton, Kim Carnes, Chaka Khan, Debbie Harry, Madonna), and his crack rhythm genius helps to keep some of Grace's flightier moments grounded.

Yes, Grace herself contributes the lyrics in this outing, and comes off as a cross between Lene Lovich and Stevie Nicks. "Weird" would be an overstatement, but some of the lyrical content is just this side of inscrutable. Her offbeat lyrics work well in idiosyncratic arrangements: "I'm Not Perfect," "Chan Hitch-hikes to Shang Hai". In other tracks ("Hollywood Liar" and "White Color Crime") Grace's lyrics are banal or just plain cliche.

Most of the tunes in this collection are low to medium BPM, and I should add that there were at least three 12" club mixes culled from "Inside Story." These mixes are well worth searching out on vinyl disc or import/collector CDs, as they improve upon the album cuts. "Crush" (approx 103 BPM) is a difficult song to mix, but it's inventive percussion makes it memorable. Ditto for "Party Girl," (approx 107 BPM) which comes off as a low-key tribal workout. The best by far is "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You)" (approx 112 BPM), which marries Grace's cleverest lyric to a propulsive (albeit typical) Rodgers production.

"Victor..." is worth a mention, as a jazz-flavored oddment that breaks up the dance beats. "Scary But Fun" isn't a standout track, but would have provided this album with a more appropriate title. "Inside Story" (the song) may be the real deal for Grace, but all the gospel tinting in the world can't alter her self-painted portrait as the Diva of Kink. It's easy to forgive Grace her lapses into self-reverance.....these days acolytes aren't as plentiful. Besides, this isn't the first time Grace has used music as a means to seek redemption..."real" or imagined.

Grace completists probably bought this album in the original EMI-Manhattan CD release; those who didn't might find a reasonably priced copy on eBay. Otherwise, this Import disc is a decent alternative. For those who are just dabbling in Miss Jones' catalog, I'd recommend "Living My Life," and "Nightclubbing" over "Inside Story." Of the compilations, "Island Life" is adequate, and "Private Life (The Compass Point Sessions)" is recommended.

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