Introducing

‘Change takes time – it requires both then and now!’ This, among other things is what rogue-footballer-turned actor Vinnie Jones drops by to tell us in the intro to Joss Stone’s latest full-length outing. It is of course a case of stating the obvious, but the significance of including a bold statement about change as the opening track only reflects just how important this brand new record is to the young British singer. The oddity of calling her third album ‘Introducing’ is of course deliberate and quite logical, given the emphasis she is putting on the fact that it is the first to feature her own original compositions, or as she prefers to put it, the first real Joss Stone record!

The result of this personal endeavour is, for better or worse, a mixed lot! As expected Joss Stone has lost none of the soulful splendour exhibited on her previous two albums, although there are some distinct signs of an inclination towards a more contemporary sound. These turn out to be the record’s more average moments, dimming in the shade of superior cuts like Girl They Won’t Believe It (very Motown!), the funkafied hit single Tell Me ‘Bout It, Music (featuring former Fugee Lauryn Hill) and the cool groove of her duet with Common, Tell me What We’re Gonna Do Now. This record is naturally a big step forward for Stone, but she’s going to have to do a little more soul-searching if her goal is to match the success and impact of her debut!

Rating: 3.5

CD COURTESY OF EXOTIQUE