Software is the fourth and final solo studio album by American singer Grace Slick, released in 1984 by RCA Records. The album was recorded after Slick rejoined Jefferson Starship after temporarily leaving the band in the late 1970s. After working on this album with her, Slick's collaborator Peter Wolf would go on to contribute to Jefferson Starship's 1984 album Nuclear Furniture. A music video was made for the single "All the Machines".
Software has been described as Slick's attempt to assimilate with the synth-pop sound of the period. Guitar use is largely replaced by synthesizers and electronic drums. Slick's trademark wailing vocals and improvising is replaced by more short, precise bursts.
Contents
Critical reception
The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote that Slick "jumps on the synthesizer bandwagon, putting every ping, pip and pow electro-pop has to offer into another batch of inimitably banal songs." The Wall Street Journal determined that Slick "really sings, with intelligence and control... The only problem is that the lyrics she's written for herself aren't up to Mr. Wolf's well-crafted music."
Personnel
Musicians
Grace Slick – lead vocals, backing vocals (1–3, 5–9)
Peter Wolf – keyboards, synth bass, Linn programming
Peter Maunu – guitars (1–6, 9), acoustic guitar (7)
Brett Bloomfield – Fender bass (2)
Brian MacLeod – Simmons drums
Michael Spiro – percussion (2, 4, 8, 9)
Dale Strumpel – sound effects (3, 9)
Ina Wolf – backing vocals
Johnny Colla – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 6, 8)
Mickey Thomas – backing vocals (1–3, 5, 6, 8)
Ron Nevison – backing vocals (2)
Sean Hopper – backing vocals (3, 7)
Paul Kantner – backing vocals (3, 7)
Production
Ron Nevison – producer, arrangements, engineer
Peter Wolf – arrangements
Rick Sanchez – assistant engineer
Doug Sax – mastering at The Mastering Lab (Hollywood, California)
Deandra Miller – production assistant
Michael Pangrazio – album cover illustrator
Paykos Phior – album cover design
Andrea Hein – album cover coordination, back cover concept
Grace Slick – front cover concept