Search - Joss Stone :: Soul Sessions

A wonderful introduction to one of the music industry's brig

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 03/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not many 16-year-olds can carry this kind of tune. Sure, you have your Christina Aguilera's who have proved at a very young age to have the `Mariah Carey' pipes, but Joss Stone is a different breed of singer. Stone is much more than belting lyrics and showing displays of vocal range; Stone is pure, unadulterated soul. At the ripe old age of 16 this British bombshell (I can say that now that she is `legal') dropped this beautiful compilation of lesser-known soul classics on the unsuspecting public, and while I much prefer her showier work that followed you can't help but realize her blessed talent. Compared to greats like Aretha Franklin and Betty Wright, Joss Stone is probably one of the freshest and more talented faces in the music industry today.



`The Soul Sessions' finds Stone maneuvering with grace through some soul classics. While I'm not a fan of every track on the album there is no denying the fact that she sounds impeccable on each and every one. When I think of Joss I immediately think of her infectious and piercing vocals, and so it's songs like `Super Duper Love' (which she NAILS) and `Fell in Love With a (Boy)'. When I hear that beat set in and her voice elevating the music I just get shivers. It's like being in the presence of greatness. Joss has such a mature and controlled voice it's hard not to be taken aback by its power. `Fell in Love With a (Boy)' (a cover of a `White Stripes' track) may very well be the best track on the album. It just has the perfect vibe and Joss' silky smooth delivery is marvelous; the way she says `fleeting' alone makes my mouth water with excitement.



Probably the most recognizable cover here is `Some Kind of Wonderful'. This is a good and bad thing. It's a good thing in that many first time listeners will immediately start bobbing their heads and getting into the groove because they know the lyrics; but it's a bad thing in that almost everyone will immediately start making comparisons and pitting the original against Joss' version, and sadly for some weird reason this track just doesn't stack up. It seems a little too laid-back, a little too slow and tempered. I would have expected Joss to really take off with this one. It ends on a good note, but it takes a while to get there.



The opening track `Choking Kind' is masterfully done. It shows the listener right off the bat what they are to expect from this beauty. She has the goods to back up the hype; that's for sure. The way her voice deepens when taking on the slow jam is as seductive as it is reassuring. She really has a genuine talent. Her voice is `wise beyond her years' so-to-speak. You hear the term `old soul' thrown around when considering singers of Joss' talent; a young star who possesses a fire that is stronger than the majority her age.



`I've Fallen in Love With You' is classic in every sense of the word. Joss sounds amazing, the band sounds amazing; the track is amazing. `All the King's Horses' follows the same structure, that funky vibe, and works well also.



The balance of the album consists of ballads; `Victim of a Foolish Heart' and `Dirty Man' being the better of the four. `Victim of a Foolish Heart' really emphasizes the maturity of Stone's vocals and serves as a delightful sneak peak of where this star is headed. `For the Love of You' seems to drags on a bit too long. Like I've said, Joss sounds flawless, but the song itself falls a little flat. `I Had a Dream' is short and sweet and while not a favorite of mine it manages to leave an impression.



In the end `The Soul Sessions' is a wonderful way to get to know Joss Stone. From these humble beginnings she only grew and became even more phenomenal, if that's possible. Her sophomore album `Mind, Body & Soul' is one of the best overall albums I've ever heard and even her latest album `Introducing Joss Stone' is marvelously done. Stone is definitely one the most talented young singers out today, and I can't wait to see her talent get brighter and brighter; she deserves it."