"Island Life" is a compilation album by Grace Jones released in December 1985, summing up the first nine years of her musical career. The album sits among Jones' best-selling works. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Album Description:Grace Jones' "Island Life" is not just a collection of songs; it is a vibrant time capsule that captures the essence of the 1980s pop music scene. Released in December 1985, this 12" vinyl LP album serves as a retrospective of the first nine years of Jones' musical career, showcasing her unique style and undeniable talent. With its diverse tracklisting and infectious energy, "Island Life" solidified Jones' status as a boundary-pushing artist and remains a landmark in her discography. The album opens with "La Vie En Rose," a sultry and seductive rendition of Édith Piaf's classic French song. Jones' deep, commanding vocals take center stage, drawing listeners into her mesmerizing world. From there, the journey continues with "I Need A Man," an empowering disco anthem that exemplifies Jones' fearless approach to love and relationships. The pulsating rhythms and infectious hooks of this track set the tone for the rest of the album. As "Island Life" progresses, it delves into darker and more introspective territory. "Do Or Die" explores themes of perseverance and determination, accompanied by atmospheric synths and Jones' haunting delivery. The haunting yet powerful "Private Life" follows, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability through her music. "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)" marks a shift in tone, infusing elements of Latin music into Jones' signature sound. This track is a fusion of tango and pop, capturing the essence of the 1980s and demonstrating Jones' versatility as an artist. The pulsating rhythms and mysterious atmosphere make it an unforgettable addition to the album. The second side of the album kicks off with "Love is The Drug," a cover of Roxy Music's hit song. Jones adds her unique flair to the track, infusing it with her seductive charm and delivering a captivating performance. "Pull Up To The Bumper" follows suit, with its infectious bassline and Jones' provocative lyrics creating an irresistible blend of pop and funk. "Walking in The Rain" slows down the tempo, inviting listeners into a dreamlike state with its atmospheric production and ethereal vocals. The introspective and introspective "My Jamaican Guy" pays homage to Jones' Jamaican roots, incorporating reggae elements and highlighting her cultural influences. The album reaches its crescendo with "Slave to the Rhythm," an epic and powerful anthem that showcases Jones' artistic vision and boundary-pushing nature. The driving beat, combined with her commanding vocals, creates an immersive experience that resonates with listeners long after the song ends. |
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Music Genre: Pop, Dance |
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Collector's info: Liner Notes by Glenn O'Brien |
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Album Packaging / Information: Gatefold (FOC) cover design |
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Record Label Information: Island Records 204 472 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany |
Track Listing of: Grace Jones - Island Life |
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Grace Jones a Jamaican-American icon known for her unique voice, striking looks, and fearless attitude. She has been a trailblazer in the entertainment industry for over four decades, inspiring generations of artists and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a performer.
Early Life and Career:
Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on May 19, 1948, Grace Beverly Jones was raised in a strict Pentecostal family. She moved to New York City in her late teens to pursue a modeling career and quickly became a muse for some of the world's top fashion designers. However, it was her passion for music that ultimately led her to the stage.
Jones' music career began in the late 1970s, during the height of the disco era. Her debut album, "Portfolio," was released in 1977 and became a commercial success, with its lead single "La Vie en Rose" reaching number one on the US Dance Club Songs chart. Her next album, "Fame," released in 1978, included the hit single "Do or Die" and solidified her status as a rising star.
Artistry and Style:
Grace Jones' music is a fusion of different genres, including disco, reggae, and new wave. Her powerful, androgynous voice and unapologetic lyrics challenged societal norms and encouraged listeners to be themselves. Her unique style, a mix of high fashion and avant-garde art, made her stand out in an industry dominated by conventionally attractive female performers.
Jones' live shows were equally memorable, with her daring costumes, acrobatic stunts, and bold choreography. Her performances often had a theatrical quality, blurring the lines between music and performance art.
Later Career and Legacy:
Jones continued to release music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with albums like "Nightclubbing," "Slave to the Rhythm," and "Bulletproof Heart" showcasing her versatility as an artist. She also appeared in several films, including the James Bond movie "A View to a Kill" and the Eddie Murphy comedy "Boomerang."
In recent years, Grace Jones has been celebrated for her contributions to music and fashion. She has been honored with numerous awards, including a Q Icon Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dance Music Hall of Fame. She has also been the subject of several documentaries, including "Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami," which was released in 2017.
Grace Jones' impact on popular culture is undeniable. She has inspired countless artists, from Lady Gaga to Rihanna, with her fearlessness and originality. Her music, fashion, and attitude have challenged stereotypes and encouraged self-expression, making her an enduring symbol of individuality and creativity.
Personal Life:
Grace Jones was in a long-term relationship with Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren during the 1980s. The couple met in 1983 while filming the James Bond movie "A View to a Kill," in which Jones played the villain May Day and Lundgren was a henchman.
Jones and Lundgren's relationship was highly publicized at the time, and the couple appeared together in several movies, including "Rocky IV." However, the relationship was reportedly tumultuous and ended in the late 1980s.
Jones has been married once, to her music producer Atila Altaunbay in 1996, but the couple later divorced. She has one son, Paulo Goude, from her previous relationship with French graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude.
Atila Altaunbay is a Turkish-Belgian bodyguard who was married to singer Grace Jones from 1996 to 2004. They met in Belgium in 1995, when he was working as a bodyguard for her then-boyfriend, Dolph Lundgren. Jones was 48 years old at the time, and Altaunbay was 20. They married in Rio de Janeiro in 1996, but separated in 2004. They are still legally married, but have not lived together for many years.
Altaunbay was born in Turkey in 1976. He moved to Belgium with his family when he was young. He received training in CPR and singing, as well as bodyguarding. He first met Grace Jones in Belgium in 1995, when he was working as a bodyguard for her then-boyfriend, Dolph Lundgren. Jones was 48 years old at the time, and Altaunbay was 20. They married in Rio de Janeiro in 1996, but separated in 2004. They are still legally married, but have not lived together for many years.
Altaunbay has not had a high-profile career outside of his marriage to Jones. He has worked as a bodyguard for other celebrities, including Madonna and Naomi Campbell. He is also a trained singer and CPR instructor.
In addition to his work as a bodyguard, Altaunbay is also a talented singer. He has released several albums, and has toured with Jones and other artists. He is also a certified CPR instructor, and has taught classes to celebrities and civilians alike.
Altaunbay is a private person who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. However, he has spoken about his relationship with Jones in a few interviews. He has said that they were very different people, but that they had a strong connection. He has also said that he respects Jones's privacy, and that he is grateful for the time they spent together.
Despite their separation, Altaunbay and Jones remain friends. They have been seen together on several occasions, and they have even collaborated on music projects. Altaunbay is a devoted father to his two children, and he is currently working on a new album. He is also a successful businessman, and he owns several companies.
Atila Altaunbay is a complex and fascinating individual. He is a talented singer, a skilled bodyguard, and a loving father. He is also a private person who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. However, he is not afraid to share his story, and he is grateful for the opportunities that life has given him.
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