Grace Jones was an established artist already in the disco era, with a few club hits and a strong fanbase. But her early repertoire hardly ever rose above mediocrity. When disco’s popularity suddenly declined, it was time to move on. Jones headed to the Bahamas where she recorded a career-changing album with the production duo Sly & Robbie. It was the first album in what is known as her Compass Point Trilogy, recorded at a studio of the same name.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Warm Leatherette her “second debut album”. Jones seems to have finally arrived at her own style, giving this material the edge and personality that her earlier LPs were somewhat lacking. A radical change in sound couldn’t be more obvious than in the heavy guitar intro to the first track. The album boasts an angular new wave sound, with dub and reggae permeating into nearly every song. With new musical direction came a striking visual makeover. Jones’ then-boyfriend Jean-Paul Goude designed her iconic androgynous look, which included the trademark flattop and gender-bending outfits.

The material almost entirely consists of covers. Yet Jones makes each of these songs her own, often surpassing the originals. To the point that the sole original track “A Rolling Stone”, as good as it is, slightly pales in comparison. A prime example is the phenomenal “Private Life”, delivered in bold speak-sing alto. Praised by Chrissie Hynde herself, the track is now more associated with the Caribbean diva than the original performer. Tom Petty was so behind Jones’ reworking of “Breakdown”, that he even wrote an additional verse for her. Another highlight is an epic take on Roxy Music’s “Love Is the Drug”, which runs with dramatism for over 7 minutes (and well over 8 on CD).

For most of the record, Jones’ voice startles as cold and deadpan. This couldn’t be more different in the closer, the tearful reggae ballad “Pars” (the only French song on the album). It showcases her more vulnerable and sensitive side, serving as a gentle finale to this otherwise fast-paced LP.

Released in the spring of 1980, Warm Leatherette barely left a mark on the charts, but established Jones as a credible musical artist. It’s indisputably one of the best works of this eccentric singer. 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕