Inside Story - Grace Jones (1986)

Ideated from: some 80s records

It’s not fair to talk about Grace Jones by talking about Bruce Springsteen, but hear me out. People love Springsteen because he tells these down to earth stories about “real people.” And I’m sure he’s well connected to his roots or whatever. But let’s be honest: Springsteen hasn’t been a normal guy since maybe 1974. He is a global celebrity who has to invent those normal guy stories to tell. Grace Jones, on the other hand, lived a fabulous jet-setting celebrity life of clubs and photo shoots and parties. And she tells down to earth stories about the reality around her, not just the imaginary, mentally-constructed normal guy narrative. So which is more authentic?

Produced by Nile Rogers (not long after doing Let’s Dance with Bowie, and you hear some of that), it’s an early stab at border-ignoring international pop. It’s got some signature quirky 80s production, but in this case it fits the songs well. Mostly, this is a great vehicle for Jones’ larger than life persona.

Tracks I Liked

I’m not Perfect (but I’m perfect for you) - the big single.

Victor Should Have Been A Jazz Musician - see above about non-Springsteen narratives

Crush - pure swagger