Except for a debut album that ranks as one of Detroit techno's finest moments, all of
Inner City's prime achievements were in the singles realm. The 15-track compilation
Good Life: The Best of Inner City lays all of them out in perfect condition, beginning with the earliest -- and highest performing -- tracks, "Good Life" and "Big Fun," a pair of uplifting gems from the uncommonly moody Detroit club scene of the '80s. The union of
Kevin Saunderson's productions and Paris Grey's vocals was surely one of the most inspired of any in electronic dance music:
Saunderson's melodies were tight and simple, but harmonically tweaked and backed by pulsing, studded basslines that deftly implanted the same tag line in a different portion of the brain; Grey's vocal style blended an outboard disco diva with the girlish flirtations of electro singers like Shannon or
Lisa Lisa. With neither of the group's three albums in any danger of reissue,
Good Life is the natural choice for fans, including all of
Inner City's 11 chart entries on Virgin, along with four of the best album tracks. Fortunately, the additions include the sparkling "Good Life" remake called "Paradise," but unfortunately, the adventurous "Ahnongay" doesn't make it. For that, look to the low-profile
Inner City compilation released by
Saunderson's KMS imprint. ~ John Bush