Joss Stone-Introducing Joss Stone

Record Label: Virgin Records
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

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

Buy Introducing Joss Stone here

Joss Stone's official web site

Joss Stone on myspace