Crush cover

Crush

Grace Jones · 1987

19 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

A pulsating blend of new wave and disco rhythms, anchored by Grace Jones' commanding vocals and provocative lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crush (Extended Remix) — The extended remix exemplifies the fusion of electronic elements with disco beats, making it a staple in dance clubs and a testament to Jones' innovative sound.
  • →
    Crush (Dub) — This dub version showcases the experimental side of production, emphasizing rhythm and space, which reflects the creative boundaries Jones pushed throughout her career.
  • →
    White Collar Crime — With its sharp critique of corporate greed set to infectious grooves, this track highlights Jones' ability to intertwine social commentary with catchy melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production but lacks cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The extended remix of 'Crush' features a prominent bassline and layered synths, creating a danceable groove that lasts over six minutes.
  • The track 'White Collar Crime' introduces a more traditional song structure with verses and choruses, contrasting with the other two tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked a significant transition and recognition in Grace Jones' career.
Themes
corporate greed critique· dance floor liberation· neon-lit nightlife
Career context
Released in 1987, Crush marked a significant moment in Grace Jones' career as her first album after the critical success of her previous record, Island Life. At this point, she was transitioning from her earlier reggae-infused sounds into a more mainstream pop and dance music approach, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Chic· Annie Lennox· David Bowie
New to Grace Jones? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Crush (Extended Remix) 8:09
  • 2 Crush (Dub) 6:21
  • 3 White Collar Crime 4:59

What to play next

Bulletproof Heart
Listen next

Bulletproof Heart

1989

It continues the vibrant energy and explores new sonic textures post-Crush.
Inside Story
Go back to

Inside Story

1986

It sets the stage with a similar blend of rhythms and vocal prowess.
Full Grace Jones discography Where to start with Grace Jones Artists like Grace Jones
contemporary R&B new wave soul

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Let's Dance

Let's Dance

David Bowie

Shares a vibrant mix of danceable beats and sharp critiques of society, for neon-lit nights.

True Blue

True Blue

Madonna

Features pop-infused rhythms and bold themes of empowerment, echoing the nightlife liberation found in Crush.

Sign "O" the Times

Sign "O" the Times

Prince

Combines funk and rock with socially aware lyrics, creating an electrifying atmosphere similar to Jones' work.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata