Eddy Grant
's most popular album, 1982's
Killer on the Rampage
, was an international hit, slaying its way into the Top Ten in the U.S. The album spun off the smash hit
"Electric Avenue,"
while two further tracks --
"I Don't Wanna Dance"
and
"War Party"
-- also hit in the U.K., with the former topping the British chart. Surprising considering its success, the self-composed, performed, and produced album is not far removed from
Grant
's previous efforts; it's just a little slicker, but still as musically adventurous. The mighty
"Electric Avenue"
is an almost primal slab of
funk
punctuated by a pumping beat and percolating synthesizer.
"Funky Rock'N'Roll"
headed more toward
rock
while tossing in a solid dance beat, while the tough
melded together
and deep roots. Generous helpings of
pop
are lavished across the rest of the record, foamy concoctions of strong synth beats and bright melodies, all spiced with smatterings of
,
, and wave. For a single, shining moment,
was at one with the entire music continuum, creating a nigh on perfect hybrid twining together music's strongest strands. From the hippest
discos
to the funkiest inner-city clubs, into the
stadiums and out to the Latin quarter,
danced on a pinhead where all genres intersected. It was a magical feat never to be repeated, but brilliant while it lasted. ~ Jo-Ann Greene