IPhillips79

Released in early 1998, 'Ray of Light' was greeted with universal critical acclaim, many hailing it as her most adventurous, artistic and accomplished album, which I'd most certainly agree with. Drastically different to anything she'd recorded previously, many would also argue this is the greatest album of her career, something else I'd definitely agree with.

The project opens with the hypnotic sounds of 'Drowned World/Substitute For Love'. The arrangement is mellow and dreamy, shifting tempo ... read more

What would become the eagerly awaited premier single from the diana project was subject to much debate. Bernard Edwards was keen on either ‘Tenderness’ or ‘Give Up’, though it was ‘Have Fun (Again)’ that was initially earmarked. Owing to its strong commercial potential, ‘Upside Down’ was eventually selected. Bubbling with undertones of driving funk, the song encapsulates the feel of a nursery rhyme set to shimmering, state-of-the-art dance music ... read more

In 1986 Diana Ross hit the top of the British Singles Chart with ‘Chain Reaction’, an affectionate recreation of her days as lead singer of The Supremes. Possibly a reason why in 1987 she returned to more familiar territory with Red Hot Rhythm & Blues. It was her very best for the RCA/Capitol label but also wound up being her swansong for the label. The original concept was to include the diva’s soaring renditions of many old R&B classics. Diana then changed the format ... read more

Now, the cynic in me was a little wary when I heard Grace Jones had released a new album back in 2008. I am mainly a fan of her work with Jamaican reggae masters Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespere, but following one of her greatest hits, 'Slave To The Rhythm', in 1985, she attempted to make more accessible music. The results were mixed. Her collaboration with Nile Rodgers on 1986's 'Inside Story' sounded promising, although there wasn't even a mere hint of a reggae sound to be found. Then came ... read more