Grace Jones - Hurricane

SHE'S BACK

Disco club queen Grace Jones is back with her newest release "Hurricane". Younger audiences may not know who she is but they certainly know the artists she has influenced, Lady GaGa M.I.A., and Rihanna (for her Rated R release) to name a few. This marks her 10th album and it's as fresh as we would expect. Funky bass lines, alarming electronic beats, and groovy guitar riffs can be heard complimenting Jones' newly matured voice. With new album art and a Dub version of each and every track, Jones wants to deliver something her fans will enjoy.

Although it was released 3 years ago in European countries, it was postponed from release in the US until 2011. This is Jones' newest album of original material since 1989's "Bulletproof Heart". Producers for the album include Ivor Guest, Brian Eno, Ant Glenn, and Grace Jones herself.

Hurricane is by far Jones' most personal and sentimental album. She beautifully sings her story on "Williams Blood" atop a dancehall influenced beat. She sings about the corporate world on "Corporate Cannibal" above beats that would make Massive Attack proud. "I'm Crying" is an emotional ode to her mother. The title track "Hurricane" is a comparison between Jones and a Hurricane. Jones uses a speaking voice for "Love You to Life" where she poetically asks some of the oldest questions and she calls out to a friend to not ask her to "love him/her to death". An often overlooked highlight of the album, "Sunset Sunrise", is a exquisitely crafted track that discusses the relationship between humans and nature. Finally, Jones observes party goers on "Devil in My Life".

All in all, this is a strong album by Jones. This surely satisfies the devoted fans that have been waiting for a release for almost 2 decades. Recommended tracks are "This Is", "Williams Blood", "Corporate Cannibal", "Love You to Life", and "Sunset Sunrise". Those who are familiar with Jones will certainly enjoy every single track off this album.