Music Review: Joss Stone – 鈥楲P1′
As the music world mourns the loss of the timeless style of Amy Winehouse, another young, promising soul singer looks to restart her career with a new collection of blues and R&B numbers inspired by the ’60s Motown offerings by greats like Aretha Franklin. Joss Stone delivers “LP1” with her sultry voice and bluesy riffs that combine to create a passionate and sensual tale of pure neo-soul.
Duffy, Winehouse, Adele, Eliza Doolittle and Stone are all members of the Brit-soul pack featuring some of the best and brightest soul singers from across the pond. Stone shows why she’s made the list as her fifth studio album features her signature Janis Joplin vocal style that can transform any song into an emotional love letter that emanates honesty directly from the depths of her young soul.
The arrangements for “LP1” were co-written and produced by ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart. Stone recorded the new material in Nashville in under a week for her own record company, Stone’d Records. The spontaneity of the recording brings a fresh, unrestricted feel to the swaggering stories of love, relationships and new beginnings. “You’re telling me you love me/Don’t start lying to me now,” sings Stone as she sounds much more mature than her 24 years of age suggests. When Stone sings, “I don’t want to be your landlord anymore” to her companion concerning their relationship, the meaning contains several layers of emotional punch. “LP1” indeed signifies a “back to basics” aspect to Stone’s promising career. The sounds of retro soul are alive and well as Stone returns with a collection of songs that sound as fresh and focused as the new beginning she searches to find.
Perhaps Stone says it best when she sings, “Let’s treat this moment like one never felt before.” “LP1” is a soulful indulgence that is sure to propel Stone’s musical achievements to the next level.