The Island label reissued
Grace Jones' first three albums as digital downloads in 2014, but
The Disco Years, released the following year, brought the recordings back to physical life with compact disc and vinyl editions. Collectors were obviously in mind. The set contains
Portfolio (1977),
Fame (1978), and
Muse (1979), all of which were recorded at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound with disco pioneer
Tom Moulton as producer, in their entirety. Additionally, there are cuts from the single releases, including the 1977 nonalbum A-side "La Vie en Rose." The packaging is striking and colorful, joined by in-depth liner notes. While not as distinctive as her '80s work with
Sly & Robbie and
Trevor Horn, these recordings are undeniable -- the source of a half-dozen Top Ten Billboard disco hits, all rich with drama and finesse.