Grace Jones – Slave To The Rhythm

Slave to the Rhythm, released in 1985, is one of Grace Jones’ most ambitious and iconic albums, created in collaboration with producer Trevor Horn. Rather than a conventional set of songs, the record is built as a conceptual piece: variations on the title track presented in different arrangements, tempos, and moods. This inventive structure allowed Horn’s lush, avant-garde production to meet Jones’ commanding vocal performances in a way that pushed the boundaries of pop, funk, and art music.

The album captures Jones at her most theatrical, blending spoken-word interludes, orchestral flourishes, and thunderous grooves into a hypnotic listening experience. Its fusion of style, sound, and persona turned Slave to the Rhythm into a landmark of 1980s experimental pop, further cementing Jones as one of the era’s boldest innovators. It remains a dazzling showcase of her artistry, balancing fashion, performance, and music in a way no one else could.

Reviews

“Slave to the Rhythm is a stunning collaboration, at once daring and irresistibly listenable.” – AllMusic

“Grace Jones turns repetition into revelation, each version unfolding with fresh power.” – The Guardian

“Trevor Horn’s production is towering, and Jones’ presence is magnetic throughout.” – Rolling Stone

“A bold, genre-defying statement that feels as modern today as it did in 1985.” – Pitchfork