Joss Stone will most likely never get the respect she deserves. Her voice, all gritty pain and delicious conviction, is all but too much for some listeners use to Hilary Duff's bubbly vocals. For some, Joss Stone is a poser-a white girl from Devon, England singing soul music-but it ain't even like that...! Mind, Body, & Soul may not have the same raw uncut appeal that made The Soul Sessions a sleeper hit, but it is still Joss-and hey-that's all that matters. Many critics have said that the album is too slick and mainstream-funny, because they play Joss' music on the radio about as often as Paris Hilton keeps her clothes on. A comparison to Janis Joplin is a bit unfounded, seeing as Joss certainly does have room to grow, but i'm sure other Stone fans will agree that she is before her time, and that will make it all the more difficult for Joss to find any real success in the industry.
As for the album itself-did anyone doubt it would be profound? With Joss writing all but two songs, it is a personal, funky, haunting, and masterful album full of original material. On the first single 'You Had Me', Joss unleashes a fiery vocal rage after leaving a drug-addicted lover all while flowing over a funky melody. 'Don't Cha Wanna Ride?', sensual and full of teasing hooks, shows Joss can turn out a more 'mainstream' track at the snap of a finger. 'Spoiled' is 100%, unfiltered soul, and Joss sings finer than she ever has before. Following suit of Don't Cha Wanna Ride, 'Jet Lag' is a lush slow jam with Stone's graceful vocals uplifting a sensual lyrical promise.
'Sleep Like a Child' is the highlight of this fine album. With its haunting melody, and Joss' quiet storm of a voice climaxing into a full out explosion of human emotion, it should definitely set the standard for how ballads should be done.
For listeners looking to expand horizons beyond Top 40 radio, should give both of Stone's album a good listen. Just lay back and let the soul of her majestic voice enrapture you. Definitely one of the best albums of 2004.
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