The Grace Jones Story: a career-spanning compilation of recordings

Contents and notable omissions

The compilation brings together material drawn from several phases of Jones's career, from her late-1970s disco period through the more experimental and genre-blending work of the early 1980s and later recordings. However, it omits any tracks from the 1985 album Slave to the Rhythm; the exclusion is due to licensing restrictions imposed by ZTT Records, which retains the rights to that album's recordings.

Characteristics and musical scope

Listeners can expect a variety of production styles and vocal approaches: dancefloor-oriented arrangements from Jones's disco era, darker and more stripped-down reggae and rock-inflected adaptations, and artful, experimental pop. The selections typically highlight her strong, androgynous stage persona and distinctive vocal delivery, which helped her cross over into fashion and film as well as music.

Historical context and development

Grace Jones first rose to prominence in the late 1970s and moved through multiple musical phases in the following decade. The compilation is useful for tracing that trajectory without requiring listeners to seek out individual original albums. It implicitly reflects changing production trends of the era and Jones's collaborations with a variety of musicians and producers.

Significance and audience

As a career overview, the collection serves both as an introduction for new listeners and as a convenient anthology for casual fans. Collectors should note that, because of the licensing omission mentioned above, the set is not exhaustive; those seeking the full range of Jones's most celebrated period will still want to consult original albums and other compilations for missing items.

Further notes

• Compilation albums often vary in track selection by region and edition; checking release notes can clarify which versions of songs are included (single edits, album versions or remixes).
• For background on the artist’s broader career and film work, see entries and biographies linked to her official and fan resources.