What makes Nipple to the Bottle by Grace Jones notable?

The title track became a dance floor staple, showcasing Jones' unique style that melded pop sensibilities with avant-garde influences. The album's critical reception highlighted its boldness, contributing to Jones' influence on later artists in the pop and electronic genres. Released in October 1982, Nipple to the Bottle followed Grace Jones' critically acclaimed album Nightclubbing, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the new wave and disco scenes. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into a more experimental phase, exploring deeper themes of identity and sexuality through her music and image.

How many songs are on Nipple to the Bottle?

Nipple to the Bottle has 2 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Released 44 years ago this October

Nipple to the Bottle

Grace Jones · 1982

14 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of disco and funk, underscored by Grace Jones' commanding vocals and bold lyrical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nipple to the Bottle — This title track encapsulates Jones' powerful vocal delivery and confrontational lyrics that challenge societal norms around gender and sexuality, making it a defining statement of her artistry.
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Ja Guys — The dub version of My Jamaican Guy showcases Jones' roots while exploring rhythmic textures, highlighting her ability to blend Caribbean influences with contemporary soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and a unique vocal style but lacks depth in its brief runtime.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat with prominent bass lines and layered synths, creating a danceable groove.
Grace Jones' vocal delivery is assertive and dynamic, shifting between spoken word and melodic phrases throughout the song.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 — Solidified Grace Jones' status in the new wave and disco scenes.
Themes: sexual empowerment· Caribbean rhythms· disco nightlife
Career context: Released in October 1982, Nipple to the Bottle followed Grace Jones' critically acclaimed album Nightclubbing, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the new wave and disco scenes. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into a more experimental phase, exploring deeper themes of identity and sexuality through her music and image.
Stylistic neighbors: Chic· Annie Lennox· David Bowie