Over the past few months, a figure so dominant and iconic has returned to the forefront of our social conscious. Model, actress, performer, entertainer, singer, producer, writer, the enigma that is Ms Grace Jones has firmly been reaffirming herself as the superstar she has always been.
In preparation for her first album in nearly twenty years, the aptly named 'Hurricane', Ms Jones has been performing various festivals including the cult Secret Garden Party and Lokerse Feesten in Belgium.
Read the 'Hurricane' review
Her one-off London Show at the Royal Festival Hall on June 19th for Massive Attack's Meltdown series of concerts saw the excitement for her forthcoming album sky-rocket, as The Times called it a "sensational return to form", whilst the Telegraph observed that "all around the gawping, whistling, cheering Festival Hall was the sense that this is how a star should be". The show has been one of the most talked about of the year.
This much-awaited album sees Ms Jones working with various purveyors of pop perfection, having been produced by Ivor Guest alongside Grace herself and includes contributions from Sly and Robbie and Brian Eno.
Much noise has been made around "Corporate Cannibal", an industrial piece of work, with a ferocious and sinister undertone reflecting modern 21st century life. With a jaw dropping monochrome video by Nick Hooker, Grace morphs, distorts and bleeds into what can only be described as a living example of Dali artwork in constant flux. The video has been racking up countless plays on Youtube et al, whilst fans and musos scramble to get their fix of Ms Jones.
Watch "Corporate Cannibal" video:
The wait, however, is nearly over. More information on the track listing for 'Hurricane' has just been revealed.
First up, "This Is", a perfect pocket of toe tapping classic Grace. "Williams' Blood", a dramatic, uplifting and positive track shows Grace's pop versatility. Next up "Corporate Cannibal", a seismic bass heavy epic.
The delicate "I'm Crying (Mother's Tears)" shows a more intimate, personal side to Grace, complimented by the up-tempo, hip swaying "Well Well Well". Then comes title track "Hurricane", followed by "Love You To Life" which nods back to Grace's past whilst swaying rapidly forward.
The reggae infused "Sunset Sunrise" and the spine tingling "Devil In My Life" are all widely affirming glimpses into the psyche of Ms Jones.
In the next few months Ms Jones will also be revealing details of her forthcoming UK tour for 2009 as well as various other exciting projects. With a cultural legacy that has defined the popular culture over the last 35 years, being the muse of Andy Warhol and symbolising the peak of the infamous Studio 54 in New York, to working with controversial American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and collaborating with visual artist Keith Haring, it is a certain that Grace will be working with the equal creatives of the 21st Century. What to expect, as ever with Ms Jones, will be the unexpected.
The 'Hurricane' is approaching. The album is due November 3rd 2008 on Wall Of Sound. "Williams' Blood" single set for release 1st December 2008.
Grace Jones - Hurricane track listing:
* This Is
* Williams' Blood
* Corporate Cannibal
* I'm Crying (Mother's Tears)
* Well Well Well
* Hurricane
* Love You To Life
* Sunset Sunrise
* Devil In My Life
Grace Jones Official Website
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