Slave to the Rhythm

"Slave to the Rhythm" is the seventh studio album by Jamaican singer Grace Jones, released on October 28, 1985, by Island Records. The album is subtitled "a biography" in its liner notes and serves as a concept album produced by Trevor Horn, the founder of ZTT Records. It became one of Jones' most commercially successful albums and features her biggest hit, "Slave to the Rhythm." After finishing her Living My Life album sessions in late 1982, Jones took a break to focus on her acting career, appearing in films like Conan the Destroyer and A View to a Kill. Following her return to the studio in late 1984, she began work on Slave to the Rhythm, ending a nearly three-year hiatus. The album features multiple interpretations of its title track, initially intended for Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The recording process was intensive, with Horn, Stephen Lipson, and Jones creating new versions of the song every week, leading to a high budget for a single song. Musically, the album blends funk and R&B, incorporating go-go beats, and features interviews with Jones interspersed throughout. Slave to the Rhythm was commercially successful, particularly in German-speaking countries and the Netherlands, reaching the top 10 in those regions. It peaked at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and is the second highest-charting album of Jones' on the US Billboard 200, following Nightclubbing. By December 1986, the album had sold 150,000 copies in the US and over one million worldwide. Several CD reissues of the album omit portions of the original LP, including edits of "Jones the Rhythm," "The Fashion Show," and "Ladies and Gentlemen: Miss Grace Jones." The 1987 US CD and the 2015 remastered version retain the original track listing and running times. The album cover, designed by Jean-Paul Goude, features a unique montage that alters Jones' appearance, emphasizing her hair and mouth. This artistic style redefined her image as more approachable and humorous. The artwork has been recognized in publications like Jason Draper's A Brief History of Album Covers. Only two singles were released from the album. The first, "Slave to the Rhythm," became a major hit and is often confused with the album track of the same name. The second single, "Jones the Rhythm," released later, did not achieve the same success and was overshadowed by the first single and the release of the Island Life compilation. In summary, Slave to the Rhythm remains a pivotal work in Grace Jones' discography, showcasing her innovative artistry and blending of music styles.