- Artist
- Joss Stone
- Label
- Virgin
- Release date
- 12th March 2007
- Genre
- Pop
A very apt album title, especially in light of recent public appearances. This 19 year-old Devonian soul apprentice has certainly had an interesting stab at re-introducing herself into the public consciousness, just in time for the release of this, her third album. Stone's appearance at the BRITs, staggering about the stage while rambling incoherently in a cod-American accent, became the talking point of a slow-news day while reports suggest her recent live performances have not only been patchy, but far too short.
While such embarrassingly flaky behaviour is how Stone wishes to introduce herself in 2007, she has also been at pains to proclaim how this album is the first release that "truly represents me", all the while slagging off her first two efforts (and therefore, surely, her millions of fans?) in the process. Priceless PR, you have to agree.
Then, when it comes to actually playing the album, you discover that Stone's latest shtick is all about "change". From the inside cover shot of young Joss's legs with "Love Change" painted on them, to the Vinnie Jones-voiced opening track entitled, erm, Change, Stone is hellbent on insisting she's one ballsy soul sister who's lived a little and not afraid to evolve. Problem is, as the self-styled 'ard-case-cum-Hollywood-villain Jones menacingly drones, "Although the players change, the song remains the same" - and this is certainly true for her latest album.
Stone might have co-written the album, whilst producer and Kelis/John Legend collaborator Raphael Saadiq toughened up the beats and scored some lush arrangements to excellent effect, but this remains a collection of Mowtown-gorged soul-pop songs that Stone trademarked on her previous work. Finding the radical departure she declares is a fruitless task.
Throughout, Saadiq ensures that Introducing... is at least an interesting listen. Girl They Won't Believe It's off-centre, wonky swing, Headturner's hip-hop groove plus Mary J Blige vibe and What Were You Thinking's string-led balladry could all hold their own in the singles charts. And of course, Stone's astoundingly accomplished soul diva tone certainly needs no further description.
However, three albums in, the novelty of a West Country girl sounding like a 40 year-old black American has worn thin. Furthermore, that voice can no longer mask a lyrical naivety that renders her songs superficial. "Ooh shot me down time and time again" cannot help but sound false coming from a middle-class teenager who's essentially lead an affluent, popstar's life since the age of 15. What's more, add in that affected mid-Atlantic accent and the sense of artificiality overwhelms her intention to produce a soul album to be taken seriously.
We need no more introductions to Joss Stone. Until she finds her true voice, she'll remain for now a casual acquaintance rather than dear friend.
