Biography
Joss
Stone is a soul singer, who has sold more than 7.5
million albums worldwide, been nominated for four
Grammy Awards, and performed onstage with The Rolling
Stones, Elton John and Smoke Robinson. All of this
before she turned 19.
She
just recently released her third album, introducing
Joss Stone, which she describes as the real her,
hence the title.
Described
by her critics, as a singer who posessed a 'rich,
deep, soulful, beat' Stone emerged on the music scene
at only 16, and wowed everyone from the first. Her
first release, in 2003 was an album of obscure soul
tracks before she released Mind, body and soul, her
first album of original material.
Discography
soul
sessions (2003)
Mind, body and soul (2004)
Introducing Joss Stone (2007)
Links
official
site
myspace
Reviews
|
Joss
Stone-introducing Joss Stone
Record Label:
Virgin
Year: 2007
Track
listing:
01. change
02. girl they won’t believe it
03. head turner
04. tell me bout it
05. tell me what we’re gonna do
06. put your hands on me
07. music
08. arms of my baby
09. proper nice
10. bad habit
11. bruised but not broken
12. baby baby baby
13. what were we thinking?
14. Music outro
|
|
Review
by Janine Macdonald
Joss
Stone, stated, before the release of this album that
her previous studio recordings were the result of
a singer trying to find herself, and weren’t
the real her. That, this release would be her, and
we would see a change in her music.
Well, it seems fitting that the first track- a spoken
intro, aptly titled change, challenges people to have
the balls to change.
The voice is still the same, but the music style is
very different. This time around, introducing Joss
Stone, has not only that vintage feel to it, but also
has R and B styles, Motown melodies (see Music for
an example), and hip-hop grooves.
There is a fresh feeling to the album, and for once
it seems that Stone is comfortable in the style she
is singing, and it is more suitable for someone of
her age.
Stone was smart enough to know that to real push this
album she would do well by collaborating with other
talented musicians, and she does it this time. The
album sees her teaming up with Producer Novel, songwriter
Beau Dozier and guests that appear on the album are
rapper Common for the track Tell me what we’re
going to do, and Lauryn Hill for Music.
Stone has a strong presence throughout her album,
which saw her take on a main role in not only the
songwriting but also production and direction of the
album.
As per usual, she shines with her vocals, although
I’m not sure if the experimentation with hip-hop
is the right direction for her. Her voice is far too
earthy, and more suited for jazz and blues.
One of the tracks that remain true to her style is
what are we going to do. Not only does the song suit
her voice perfectly, but you can almost visualize
her singing this song in your mind.
Fans of her earlier stuff may not like the change
in direction off Stone’s music, but to me, it’s
nice to see her go through these changes. As a young
singer, she is bound to go through more styles again,
before she really finds her niche.
The songwriting is simple, but none of that matters,
as much as when Stone opens her mouth to sing. She
has the type of voice that can make even the simplest
written song, magical.
In an essence, her style of singing reminds me of
another young singer from the
1960’s Janis Joplin, who also had the world
at her feet before it was tragically lost.
Overall, there are heavy R and B influences to the
album, while still staying with the blues but some
older fans may see it as much of a change from her
other albums. It certainly has a heavier feel to it.
But it’s definitely worth buying for fans who,
like myself, enjoy the new Joss Stone. I look forward
to seeing what she does next, and the direction it
takes.
Tracks not to miss: the
spoken intro Change (incidentally spoken by English
Footballer/cum actor Vinnie Jones), tell me bout it,
tell me what we’re gonna do, music, baby baby
baby.
I
give this 4/5
