If you are looking for the "better" listening experience in terms of audio quality and preservation of the original 1980s production magic, seek out the original 1987 Island US CD . If you want a collector’s piece with beautiful packaging and a loud sound for casual listening, the 2015 remaster is a solid choice.
9/10 (10/10 for bass response; 8/10 for preserving the original’s claustrophobic soul)
Unpacking this sonic showdown requires an analysis of dynamic range, digital brickwalling, and how Trevor Horn’s legendary production holds up across different eras of digital mastering. 📊 Quick Comparison: 1985 Original vs. 2015 Remaster Sonic Attribute 1985 Original Masters (FLAC Rip) 2015 Remastered Editions (FLAC) High (Average DR12–DR14) Compressed (Average DR7–DR9) Volume Level Quieter, requires amp headroom Loud, punchy, normalized for streaming Bass Response Natural, percussive, spacey Boosted sub-bass, heavy transient thud High Frequencies Smooth, zero digital glare Sharper cymbals, prominent Synclavier crispness Best For Purist audiophiles, high-end stereo setups Car stereos, casual headphones, modern subwoofers 🔊 The Sonic Architecture of Trevor Horn's 1985 Vision grace jones slave to the rhythm 1985 2015 flac better
Purists often lean toward the original 1985 masters for specific technical reasons: Dynamic Range
: While these older pressings may have a higher dynamic range (less "loudness"), they are often described as having a thinner, quieter sound that lacks the impact of the Trevor Horn production. Key Technical Differences 1985 Standard CD 2015 Remaster (FLAC/CD) Abridged/Edited Full "Biographical" Vinyl Version Interviews Mostly Omitted Fully Restored Lower/Quieter Considerably Louder/Punchier High Detail & Separation If you are looking for the "better" listening
The 2015 remaster is known for its incredible clarity, bringing out the warmth of the synthesizers and the sharpness of the drums. It bridges the gap between the analog warmth of the era and the pristine, crisp sound expected by modern listeners.
Most early UK and European CDs (except for the rare 1987 US CD) were edited down. They removed critical interview segments between Grace Jones and Paul Morley and shortened tracks like "Jones the Rhythm" and "The Fashion Show". Sound Profile: 📊 Quick Comparison: 1985 Original vs
You can hear the physical space around the voice recordings. The bassline sits low and commands the track without muddying the vocals.
: Some audiophiles on Steve Hoffman Music Forums prefer the original 1985 mastering for its natural dynamics, even if it requires turning up the volume.
The album’s opening track begins with a spoken intro by Ian McShane before exploding into an industrial funk groove.