Joss Stone - Mind, Body & Soul

Dance with Amy. Be seduced with Joss.

I don't remember when my brother introduced me to Joss Stone. I didn't take to her. I uploaded the album to iTunes and would occasionally return to see what my brother might have liked about her. Recently, after truly enjoying and finding myself very intrigued with Amy Winehouse, I coincidentally returned to Joss Stone, I suppose to try once again. Wow! I love Joss Stone! It took my enthusiasm for Amy Winehouse to appreciate Joss Stone. For me Stone's selections are hit and miss but I enjoy some of her songs so much I had to give the album five stars. Joss Stone is a bit more mellow, and her voice is more consistent than Amy's. Joss is less edgy than Amy. I enjoy Amy while jogging; I enjoy Joss with a glass of Scotch. I dance with Amy. I'm seduced by Joss. "Less is More" is my current Joss Stone favorite but that may change as I continue to absorb Winehouse and Stone. June 7, 2008

That mind, that body, that soul; that voice...

Joss Stone has one of the most elegantly infectious voices of modern music; an old soul with a modern twist that is as refreshing as it is comforting in its familiar tone. Think Aretha Franklin with a seductive draw; Amy Winehouse with youthful vigor; Etta James with a hefty set of pipes. Joss Stone, despite her young age, has what it takes to hang with the big dogs so-to-speak and possesses enough maturity and refined talent that it's undeniable how amazing she truly is. She set the tone beautifully with her debut album of cover-songs `The Soul Sessions' and she made good on her promise by delivering `Mind, Body & Soul', one of my favorite albums ever released. From open to close this album is sublime.

The album opens beautifully with `Right to be Wrong', a track that immediately sets the pace for the album. It's soulful yet fresh, allowing the listener to grasp the direction Stone is taking her talent. Even better yet is the next track, `Jet Lag', which is so rich with lyrical imagery and mature delivery. The way Joss caresses each and every word seems to wrap the listener up in the warm comfort of her voice. She reaches highs of seduction on ballads like `Spoiled' where she draws in her man (as well as the listener) with her incomparable sensuality.

It's an amazing feat when a woman (or even man for that matter) can create such warm emotions with just the sound of their voice, just the soft tones and human emotions within their words. Just listen to `Security', a beautiful track that exemplifies Stone's grace and elegance.

The best example of this can be found in the closing track `Sleep Like a Child'. This song gives me chills of pleasure every time I give it a listen. Joss has never sounded so effortless and commanding as she does while lulling you into her trance. Her words melt into your ears and her enticement stimulates your mind, giving the listener very, very pleasant dreams.

Joss litters this album with classic soul tracks, bringing up-tempo beats and rhythmus to many of the tracks, which works beautifully for her. Songs like the albums first single `You Had Me' erupts with ferocity that befits her talent and exemplifies her vocal range. `Don't Cha Wanna Rock' embodies the feel and sound of the 70's with perfect precision, remaining fresh and spunky.

`Young At Heart' is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The beat is fantastic, soft and subtle and endearing, playing perfect companion to Joss' delivery. She soars here, keeping the listener pleased throughout. `Less is More' gives off a very `island' vibe, incorporating reggae into Joss' repertoire and it works beautifully. Her smooth vocals slip and slide all over the beat, coming off natural and deliciously decadent.

`Snakes and Ladders' is as creamy and sweet as frosting while `Torn and Tattered' takes her soul spunk and tones it down to give it more of a passionate edge. `Don't Know How' and `Understand' bring a certain rawness to this album, a rawness that only adds to the many layers of this brilliant follow-up. Lastly we have `Killing Time', a track that may be one of the perfect examples of all the Joss Stone truly is. The track is soft, simple, passionate and commanding; allowing Joss' voice to just carry the track to new heights.

In the end Joss has created utter perfection with her sophomore album `Mind, Body & Soul', an album that has no drawbacks and continues to get better and better with each and every listen. Joss' vocals have only improved and her every growing maturity has aided in her effortless delivery. This is truly an album for every library, a definitive soul album that cements Stone's status as one of our greatest new artists. May 2, 2008

Love it !!!!!

I just love... love ...love this CD!! I play it over and over again (neighbors might be tired of hearing it.)Her voice and stylings are great, especially on the oldie Chokin' Kind. April 3, 2008

Great Soul and Music Artist

I loved her voice when I first heard her sing on "Good Morning America". I thought to myself "who is this girl and where did she come from?" I then realized she was very young for such awesome talent. She does back up for the Rolling Stones and many other top music artists. I believe she is only going to get better and better. I tell everyone I know who hasn't heard her music to get the CD, you will not regret it, trust me. Lori Pangborn, Grosse Pointe Park, MI March 22, 2008

GREAT

Joss Stone has one of the most soulful voices on the planet. SO very much talent! I venture to say she will only get better with age. While her vocals are spot on and perfect, I think she lacks the experience to convince the listener she has been there. December 17, 2007

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