Spring Break
Jones generates storm with 'Hurricane'
by Brad Stern
Staff Writer
Arts | 11/11/08
Posted online at 1:34 AM EST on 11/11/08
Grace Jones is ferocious. She is a frightening, feisty glamazon who seems to be ignoring the banality of the process known as aging with her bold, chiseled features and statuesque natural beauty. She is a style icon and a pop culture legend, entirely approachable in interviews and staggeringly intimidating on stage. Simply speaking, I just can't get enough of her. Her latest release is the appropriately titled Hurricane, a title that partially represents the sheer and utter surge of all-out energy that Jones provides in her live performances, music and, well, her general existence.
Fans following the trajectory of the album's release have most likely already heard the first third of the album, as "This Is Life" was leaked only a few days after the song "Corporate Cannibal" premiered during her set at this year's Secret Garden Party, an outdoor concert in London. Still, "Corporate Cannibal" remains unwaveringly cool, confident, and strong-a perfect way to set the mood of the album. "William's Blood," currently set for release as the album's second single, follows. Just as upon first listen, I remain somewhat underwhelmed. It's a powerful builder, but its personal content is a little too raw. Jones seems to be spilling the family secrets, and I don't want to hear them. The song is gorgeous nonetheless, and certainly a worthy addition to the album.
"Corporate Cannibal" is my favorite track off the album and the one that started off the Hurricane blitz earlier this year. It's not particularly interesting in terms of musical composition, but the unwaveringly demonic track is right up my alley, mashing evil taunts with a minimalist backing melody
The title track, "Hurricane," has been sculpted and molded in its production over the years, originally due for release on a soundtrack during the '90s. Luckily, it found its way onto a major release. Dotted with sparks of electro and a slow surge of string work, it's as achingly indulgent as any of Grace's masterpieces, yet displays a clear evolution in the artist's work. It's an appropriate track to base the release on, as it operates as a perfect representation of the Grace effect.
Fans following the trajectory of the album's release have most likely already heard the first third of the album, as "This Is Life" was leaked only a few days after the song "Corporate Cannibal" premiered during her set at this year's Secret Garden Party, an outdoor concert in London. Still, "Corporate Cannibal" remains unwaveringly cool, confident, and strong-a perfect way to set the mood of the album. "William's Blood," currently set for release as the album's second single, follows. Just as upon first listen, I remain somewhat underwhelmed. It's a powerful builder, but its personal content is a little too raw. Jones seems to be spilling the family secrets, and I don't want to hear them. The song is gorgeous nonetheless, and certainly a worthy addition to the album.
"Corporate Cannibal" is my favorite track off the album and the one that started off the Hurricane blitz earlier this year. It's not particularly interesting in terms of musical composition, but the unwaveringly demonic track is right up my alley, mashing evil taunts with a minimalist backing melody
The title track, "Hurricane," has been sculpted and molded in its production over the years, originally due for release on a soundtrack during the '90s. Luckily, it found its way onto a major release. Dotted with sparks of electro and a slow surge of string work, it's as achingly indulgent as any of Grace's masterpieces, yet displays a clear evolution in the artist's work. It's an appropriate track to base the release on, as it operates as a perfect representation of the Grace effect.
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