VANITY wild animal VIL-6145

In the vibrant and funky landscape of 1980s pop music, few artists were as closely associated with the iconic Prince-led Minneapolis sound as Vanity. After her time as the lead singer of the group Vanity 6, she embarked on a solo career, and a prime example of her signature style is her 1984 album, “Wild Animal,” which we’re looking at here in its Japanese pressing on the Victor label with the catalog number VIL-6145.

“Wild Animal” is a quintessential piece of mid-80s pop, funk, and R&B. Having been a protégée of Prince, his influence is felt throughout the record, even though he was not directly involved in its creation. The album is built on a foundation of slick synthesizer riffs, tight drum machine rhythms, and slinky basslines that are hallmarks of the Minneapolis sound.

The album is perhaps best known for its hit single, “Pretty Mess,” a track that perfectly captures the playful, glamorous, and slightly provocative persona Vanity cultivated. Her vocal delivery is a mix of sultry whispers and confident, pop-friendly hooks, making the songs both danceable and alluring. The album also features the popular track “Strap On ‘Robbie Baby’,” which further cemented her status as a glamorous and daring pop figure.

“Wild Animal” is a record that perfectly encapsulates a specific moment in pop music history. It’s the sound of the mid-80s, where funk, new wave, and pop were merging to create a slick, stylish, and synth-heavy sound. It’s a confident and fun album from an artist who was a key figure in one of the decade’s most influential music scenes.

For fans of the Minneapolis sound, 80s funk and R&B, and the extended musical family of Prince, “Wild Animal” is an essential and enjoyable album. You can find this classic piece of 80s pop in our store or on our website.