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List Price: $24.98 | | Label: Virgin Records Us
Salesrank: 55045
Released: March 20, 2007 |
| Our Price: $4.23 |
| Used Price: $3.52 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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Editorial Review:
British soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone's third album, Introducing Joss Stone, is an electrifying mix of warm vintage soul, '70s-style R&B, Motown girl-group harmonies, and hip-hop grooves. The album is the one that Stone describes as "truly me. That's why I'm calling it Introducing Joss Stone," she says. "These are my words, and this is who I am as an artist." Knowing she wanted to write the album alone, Stone decamped to Barbados in April to come up with lyrics. She stayed for several months before flying to the Bahamas to hook up with her main musical collaborator and producer Raphael Saadiq (known for his work with D'Angelo, The Roots, and Macy Gray). Stone and Saadiq spent two months recording in the Bahamas, and then mixed it at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
Other musical collaborators include rapper/singer/songwriter and producer Novel, who is the grandson of soul legend Solomon Burke and has written songs for Kelis and India.Arie, as well as Beau Dozier, son of Motown legend Lamont Dozier, whom she wrote with on her last album, 2004's gold-certified Mind, Body & Soul. The album also features guest vocal appearances by the rapper Common on "Tell Me What We're Going to Do," and reclusive singer Lauryn Hill, who lends a rap to the languid Fugees-inspired track "Music."
Limited edition CD + Bonus DVD features recording footage, making of the video, the music video, and interviews with Joss discussing the making of the record.
Joss Stone Photos
More from Joss Stone
Mind, Body, & Soul | 
The Soul Sessions | 
Mind, Body, & Soul Sessions [DVD] |
Description of Introducing Joss Stone (CD+DVD):
In the run-up to this, her third album, Joss Stone told a phalanx of glossy magazines that the difference between this disc and the two that preceded it was a newfound clarity of vision. Whereas the other records--their gold status notwithstanding--represented the fumblings of a huge-voiced kid being bossed around by experienced music-biz types, this one, she promised, would reveal the real her. Thus, the titular "introduction." To which anybody who spins the 14 groovy and fully unbuttoned tracks herein will wish to reply not "nice to meet you"--far too lame a sentiment for so fully realized a disc--but "Where have you been all my life?" As good as Joss Stone's previous efforts are, Introducing Joss Stone represents a giant step forward: there's a freshness to these songs that suits her age (19 as of the album's release) and a funkiness that suits modern pop sensibilities. There's also a cross-hatching of visions with artists like Lauryn Hill and Common that will rightly advance her reputation as an artist who can sling disco, R&B, and rock almost as convincingly as soul. Splicing girl-group harmonies with blaxploitation-style funk with Joplin-esque and, at times, Shelby Lynne-reminiscent vocals, Stone works these Raphael Saadiq-produced beats with the stealth and steadiness of a '70s-era legend who's still going strong. "Girl They Won't Believe It," she wails against the tight hoo-hoo harmonizing of talented backup singers on the opening track; get a load of how much she's accomplished in the space of three albums, and you won't believe it, either. --Tammy La Gorce
Introducing Joss Stone (CD+DVD) Reviews:
Soulful Pop, Near Perfection! 
2008-02-23 - I really regret not picking up this CD when it first came out. I picked this up a few days ago and its been on repeat ever since. We all know Joss can "sang" <<(intentionally spelled with an "a") and she does so on this album just as she has on previous ablums. Only on this one with a little more pop to go along with her soul/r&b sound. Joss doesn't loose her roots in soul as this disc still exhibits a strong soul/r&b feel. I can't say there is one mediocore song on the disc, my favorite being "What are we gonna do now" ft. Common. Joss is a rare, raw talent in todays music world of over produced, 15 min self life artists. "Introducing Joss Stone" is a diamond!
Joss demands attention. And she gets it (good & plenty bad)! 4 stars. 
2007-11-16 - First off, what is it with the people saying that the backup singers need to go away? They only enhance the experience, IMO. And also, did you NOT like the backup singers in her near-classic, Spoiled? That's a question you can ask yourself.
I find that this CD is good but nothing great. Sure, there are SOME good songs but I must admit Joss' head IS a little big (see Headturner). I don't hate her though. Besides, the song is fun. And if this is how she is trying to "re-introduce" herself to us then I'm all for the attempt. The only song here that I really don't care for is Proper Nice. What's up with that song? Haha. I'm not crazy about Bad Habit or Music either...The latter is actually growing on me but Lauryn Hill's rap is annoying IMO. I think she and Joss should have just sung together.
Anyway, on a lighter note my favorite song here is definitely Put Your Hands On Me. I find it to be real funky (which most of this CD is: funky). Some think Introducing Joss Stone is soulful like her first CD but I must disagree. I think it perfectly lacks soul. Here are my favorite songs:
Girl, They Won't Believe It! (makes me so happy with it's "happy-go-lucky" feel. No pun intended!)
Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now feat. Common (one of her best slow grooves. Fresh, contemporary vibe. LOVE the video. Lots and lots of color.
Put Your Hands On Me
Arms Of My Baby
You know what I see that happened here? Joss definitely traded soul and got fun. That's what this is, a fun album. If you're looking for something even a little bit soulful, please, PLEASE look elsewhere. You won't find that here. But what is up with all these 1-star reviews? Do you think this CD is THAT bad? I mean really, come on here. This is still Joss Stone we're talking about. And besides, What Were We Thinking is in the same vein of what she used to sing. If you're reading this, Hi, Joss. I'm a big fan (I know if I was an artist I'd check to see what people thought of my album:P)!
P.S. I think Bruised But Not Broken should be her next single.
4/5 stars.
End note: I changed the line-up. Put Your Hands is my 3rd favorite, And Girl You Won't Believe It! is king. Seriously, the vibe is bananas. Love it.
Excellent and very upbeat
2007-10-28 - Joss just gets better and better with every CD she does. She is definitely maturing. She will go far.
Introducing Joss Stone (dvd review only)
2007-09-29 - Since I reviewed the cd already, this review is just of the dvd. I'm a junkie for these behind the scenes dvds because it makes me feel like I'm getting a peek behind the artists' veil. We follow Joss to the Caribbean as she works on the disc with Raphael Sadiqq & Common. It was interesting hearing her take on this album being more "personal" and more of a representation of her as a young woman & artist than her two previous albums.
Her thoughts on the BABY BABY BABY track is followed by our getting to see the orchestra bring the song to life - it was a real treat to not only hear her thoughts but to see the album actually coming to life.
Next we see on the spot interviews with New Yorkers who are asked their opinions of which of two songs should be included on the disc. The two songs, PROPER NICE & BAD HABIT actually both made it onto the disc.
We then get a peek as the video for TELL ME BOUT IT is made before checking out Joss & the band's preparation for her promotional tour.
All in all I found this to be another interesting insight into a singer/artist's world and would recommend spending the extra money for this combo if you're a Joss Stone fan.
Shoulda Listened 
2007-08-16 - I should have listened to samples of this recording before I bought it! If I had, I would not have bought it since I do not like it at all.
