Grace Jones' debut album is a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the disco recordings sound formulaic and lack the unique quality for which she would become renowned. Saying that, it's all purely dependent on what era of Ms Jones you prefer. For me, the highlights of her music career were her trilogy of masterpieces she cut with reggae wizards Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespere. If, however, you love her disco period, then you'll probably love this album. It does at least contain two outstanding tracks ... read more

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

While this is far from one of their best albums, this does showcase some excellent group harmonies more than any other of their LP's. Recorded in 1963, it wasn't released until early 1965 by which time they had become America's top-selling group. From the sweet, warm leads of Diana Ross, to Mary Wilson's dry, misty, contralto, to Florence Ballard's earthy and soulful vocals, all three Supremes get to share the spotlight here. Saying that, I'd only recommend this only to hard-core Supremes ... read more

While it goes without saying that The Supremes didn't eclipse any of Sam Cooke's original classics on this LP, it still serves as a credible tribute - depending on your taste that is. Diana Ross' sumptuous vocals complement most of the material here and Florence Ballard gets to step into the spotlight for an excellent version of '(Ain't That) Good News'. It's a shame that at the time this was viewed as a rather crass cash-in following Cooke's tragic death, but judged on its own merit, it's an ... read more

Not brilliant, but some of the material makes for a fun, engaging listen. Other parts, such as their rushed, uninspired take on 'A Hard Day's Night' come off less favourably. As many of the Mersey beat groups like The Beatles had declared Motown as being music they aspire to, Berry Gordy decided to pay tribute to these acts via his no.1 group The Supremes. The other idea was to expand The Supremes beyond just the pop market and attract an adult-buying market; basically including something for ... read more

'Legend' is just a mere skimming of their greatest work together, released in 1984 on Tuff Gong Records, three years after Marley's death. While there is a more comprehensive 4-CD box set offering of his work, for casual fans that just want the main highlights then this serves up just that; truly the definitive collection of Bob Marley and the Wailers.

The vast majority of songs captured on this one disc were written and produced by Marley. He more than proved himself a musical genius, his ... read more

In 1998 Island Records issued this double-disc collection of Grace Jones' legendary Compass Point Sessions in Jamaica. Jones' was teamed with reggae duo Sly & Robbie and worked with an assortment of top-notch musicians, some of whom had played on Bob Marley's most revered classics. However, what they created was not just reggae music but an infusion of funk, new wave, soul and rock. This eclectic blend was truly ground-breaking and innovative for the time, also meeting with wide critical ... read more

irstly, although I don't usually like to begin a review on a negative note, I must say I was surprised to learn a minority of Danielle Dax fans considered this a "mainstream sell-out" and "too commercial"; it was as though they had something against Ms Dax signing to a major record label in the first place (how dare she). To be blunt I feel that minority are talking well and truly through their arse: This is hardly manufactured, sugary sweet, fluffy pop! Though a little ... read more

While her albums had largely been experimental affairs, by 1987 Danielle Dax began making more accessible music - not necessarily commercial, but certainly records that really SHOULD have cracked the mainstream. Following her excellent 'Inky Bloaters' album, which again scored hot reviews from the music press (yet commercial stations like Radio 1, which could really make or break a record in terms of commercial success, continued to shun her apart from the odd late-night airings by more ... read more

Many have declared this to be Danielle Dax's very best album. While 'Pop Eyes' was a minimalist affair all-round, 'Jesus Egg That Wept' boasts more full-bodied productions. But it's just as equally strange and ethereal as 'Pop Eyes' (which is certainly no criticism as this is what makes Dax's work so unique and intriguing). Cutting edge experimental music at its very best - and most arty! The only drawback is that this is really a mini-album, with only 7 tracks included and just over 25 minutes ... read more

URGH! What's with that gruesome cover you must all be thinking? Grotesque, to say the least! The answer is Danielle Dax gathered several images from a series of medical journals and used this as part of her "Meat Harvest" art collection. Yes, Dax was an artist too. A revolting mosaic of a face with rough patches of skin, distorted eyes, grimacing teeth, and a nose represented by a pair of rotting testicles! Not pleasant by any means and Dax was intending to shock. Not surprisingly, ... read more

The utter genius and legendary Marvin Gaye remains one of the most outstanding, influential and innovative artist's in Soul music; In fact popular music in general. His unparalled, undisputed talents set standards for generations to come and he continues to inspire after over thirty years of his tragic, untimely death. While most of his output during the 1970s were both cohesive and critically-acclaimed, 'What's Going On' is, arguably, his most ever-green work.

Surprisingly, the song 'What's ... read more

The Supremes before they were famous: Not all tracks are classics, but singles like 'Buttered Popcorn', 'Your Heart Belongs To Me', and 'Let Me Go The Right Way' beg the question as to why they weren't big hits. Interesting to hear the different styles they experimented with before they hit the jackpot. Notable album cuts include 'Who's Lovin' You', capturing an intense, anguish-filled lead from a young Diana Ross, and the catchy 'You Bring Back Memories'.

Whether you love her or loathe her, no one can deny Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue has the midas touch. For over twenty-five years she has continued to be adept at adapting to the times and, like Madonna, has shrewdly re-invented herself to stay relevant and vital. One of the most admirable things about Kylie is that no matter how raunchy she can be in some of her stage shows and promotional videos, it's always in such an inoffensive way, doing it all with a touch of class, immense style and ... read more

By 1990, Madonna had easily become the top female pop artist of the WORLD; she could do no wrong. Each and every release was greeted with a blaze of glory, surrounded by public and critical interest, and she always managed to pull out many surprises. This compilation traces back to the very beginning from 1983 through to 1990, effectively chronicling her rise as the world's leading female pop star. It runs in chronological order, so you get to hear the development of her musical art, as well as ... read more

The public flocked to record stores to pick up this new album, while critics eagerly sharpened their pencils. Multiply produced by the pop diva herself, Steve Bray and Patrick Leonard, the album would encapsulate a striking of mixture of styles, ranging from pop, dance, soul and, at points, gospel. Easily her most introspective and eclectic work at that point in her career, this had been recorded at the time of her dissolution of her rocky and highly publicised marriage to actor Sean Penn.
No ... read more

Smokey Robinson was easily one of Motown’s most prolific songwriters and with his group, The Miracles, notched up a string of successful hit singles and albums, some of which are among the most remarkable recordings in the history of pop and soul music. Though there are only eleven tracks here (much the case with 20th Century Masters’ compilations), it is quite well-rounded in that it features some of their landmarks from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The fact that it includes two of ... read more