Album: Joss Stone - Introducing Joss Stone

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The third release from British 20-year-old Joss Stone titled Introducing Joss Stone, would imply it was actually her first. However, it is the first release out of the three that she is happy with and feels accurately represents her as a person and as an artist. Her previous studio albums were The Soul Sessions (2003) and Mind, Body & Soul (2004) which combined have seen worldwide sales of over 8 million and for good reason too-the girl can sing.

With a voice that has been compared to Aretha Franklin’s, many of the songs see Stone use her impressive octave range with uncanny ease. Her voice is distinctive and has deep, rich and smoky tones which actually enhance the collection of songs here. Produced by Raphael Saadiq (known for his work with D’Angelo, The Roots and Macy Gray), musically this album is surprisingly eclectic yet smooth. Song styles interchange between Motown girl-group harmonies, hip hop grooves, 70s funk and soulful RnB. If you are not a fan of the Supremes, Funk and Neo-Soul, a fan you may not be…

There are two prominent themes on Introducing Joss Stone: change and Joss’ love of music. In fact, the album’s intro is called Change and is spoken by British actor Vinnie Jones (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels). The funky upbeat tempo of the first single Tell Me ‘bout it challenges guys who won’t speak up when they’re into her. An appearance by Common on (second single) Tell Me What We Gonna Do Now gives way to the burning question of what is the next step for new found love. A result of real life experience, What Were We Thinking is an emotive ballad of a love that falls apart (a swan song to her ex-boyfriend). The divine yet reclusive Lauryn Hill appears on Music which gives praise to the gift of song and its unconditional love. (Hill sounds as brilliant as ever-her verse is effortless poetry in its most fluid form and yet incomparable to Miseducation days…).

Introducing Joss Stone is an impressive effort and does indeed try to dismiss any notions of Joss Stone being pigeon-holed as purely a soul artist. The change she has embraced is evident in her latest studio album and with the assistance of musical genius Raphael Saadiq, it is no wonder. Despite the fact that Stone has gained some credibility in these new genres, her voice is so individual that regardless of whether she continues to explore different avenues and sounds, my fear is the song will remain the same. Her voice is a natural, strong and beautiful gift... yet in time it may also be her curse.

Available through Virgin Records