It’s been over two years since Joss Stone set foot onto a stage in the UK. But that’s not to say she’s been completely idle. In those two years Stone released two albums. Unfortunately they weren’t as well received as her first two efforts. Following reports of erratic behaviour, a lengthy label battle and a number of movies, Joss Stone is back to do what we know her best for; making great soul music. On Wednesday June 6, Stone made her return to the stage to perform material from her upcoming sixth studio album ‘The Soul Sessions Vol. 2’ the follow up to her debut platinum selling album.
Strolling onto the stage dressed in a simple yet rather raunchy silver dress and barefoot as always, Stone dressed her microphone with a Union Jack, which was perfect timing seeing as the country had just celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Opening with ‘For God’s Sake’ it was evident that the voice we once heard almost 10 years ago is still there and then some. Originally recorded by the Chi-Lites in 1971, Joss adds her own modern twang to much of her new material. New single ‘While You’re Out Looking For Sugar’ (originally recorded by the Honey Cone) is a delightful summer number that will be ringing in your ears over the coming months. ‘The High Road’ which is expected to be the first single in the US is a mellow number which wouldn’t feel out of place being played in your typical US jazz club.
(Image courtesy of the Daily Star)
But it wasn’t all about the new stuff. It was also a time to celebrate and relive some of the classics of Stone’s discography. ‘Fell In Love With A Boy’ and ‘Super Duper Love’ were arranged slightly differently to what we would all know, but it was still easy to see many fans singing their hearts out along with Joss. Undoubtedly the highlight of the entire evening came in the form of the encore where Joss, now wearing denim shorts and a semi see-through top, belted out ‘Right To Be Wrong’. It was an emotional moment – I’m pretty sure there were some tears across the room.
With ‘The Soul Sessions Vol. 2’ it’s evident that Joss Stone is taking it back to basics. This is exactly what it says on the tin and I couldn’t be much happier. For the first time in a long time, Stone has made it all about the music and is letting her music do the talking. It’ll be interesting if the same passion one got to see live on stage transcends into the studio versions, but we’ll discuss that another time. For now, it’s pretty safe to say that Joss Stone is back. We missed you!
‘While You’re Out Looking For Sugar’ and ‘The Soul Sessions Vol. 2’ will be released on July 23.
Related posts:
- Joss Stone Announces New Album, First Show In Two Years!
- Live Review | A*M*E at The Borderline – London
- Review| Estelle – Live at the Jazz Cafe!
- Adele Tops Billboard, Time & Rolling Stone Magazines Album Of The Year Lists!
- G.O.O.D Music Family Work On Album In LA!
