Recently heard singing backing vocals on a track from Joss Stone's Top Ten debut album, "The Soul Sessions", Nu-Soul diva Angie Stone (no relation) seeks the same level of success on these shores with this her third solo album.
The pedigree is definitely there. A one-time sax player with Lenny Kravitz, a former songwriter for Mary J Blige an ex-girlfriend and songwriting partner of D'Angelo and a recent star of the musical Chicago on Broadway, the New York based singer has sold 1.2 million albums since releasing her first LP "Black Diamond" in 1999.
By and large this follow-up to 2001's "Mahogany Soul" hits the spot. A collection of rootsy yet sophisticated, summery soul grooves, with the usual nods to past masters like Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Glady Knight, "Stone Love" is equally at home alongside the sultry, sassy R&B of contemporaries like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu.
It kicks off well with the intro's a capella homage to The Supremes' "Stoned Love", followed by the mellifluous bassline and sensual, breezy feel of "I Wanna Thank Ya" – featuring a rap from Snoop Dogg. The loose fitting, sexy rhythms continue with the honeyed harmonies of "My Man" "rocks me gently, gives me plenty" - featuring Brit-soul outfit Floetry – and the gorgeous, smoky soul of "U-Haul".
Then for a while Stone's tales of lust, love and let downs lose their way. It's all pleasant enough stuff… "Stay For A While" is a fine duet with Anthony Hamilton… but it lacks variety, fading into the background, a blur of similar, mid-paced rhythms and smooth, samey wine bar soul.
A welcome change of pace comes with the relatively upbeat, reggae tinged "That Kind Of Love", featuring Stone's hero and Seventies soul legend Betty Wright – the pair met when Betty was producing Joss Stone's album. After that things sashay gently back into late-night, smooth seductive soul. Not the most exciting of albums then, but perfect if you're on a promise or stoned at a mate's barbeque. Another hotdog in a floury bap vicar?
