Someone is bound to get 55170-054 tattooed on their arm any day now. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see it used in some sort of commercial. In the same way 24601 was ubiquitously used during it's heyday, 55170-054 will come around. If you have no clue what I'm talking about, e-mail me and I'll bring you up to speed.
Someone asked me the other day why I wasn't reviewing any new dance music lately. The honest answer is there isn't much out there worth talking about right now. Every genre has it's ebb and flow. Sure, there are plenty of new dark trancy (read: crap) songs out, but this DJ isn't touching any of them.
September of 2003 saw the debut of the young vocal artist Joss Stone on 'The Soul Sessions', a brilliant cover album of soul songs from back in the day. It was her first studio effort but only a stopping point along the way. Rejuvenating the concept of a Soul singer, Joss is beginning to take center stage as the newest old-school sound out there.
In a much anticipated release of her full talents 'Mind, Body and Soul' has finally hit the shelves. This time around, Joss is not only the lead vocalist on the album, she's the lead writer for nearly every track.
'You Had Me', the first single released from the album, is nowhere near indicative of the great music found on 'Mind, Body and Soul'. It's a poor choice for the debut single, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for by showcasing Joss Stone's dynamic vocals.
The first track 'Right To Be Wrong' is THE distillation of her style, both vocally and lyrically. Sultry and full of emotion, this is the kind of singing you expect from a woman well past the springtime of her life. Yet somehow, Joss' 17 year old spirit captures the nuances of pain, loneliness, contentment and happiness without missing a beat.
The album as a whole, while not the greatest of lyrical achievements, is a fantastic example of the potentially huge career Joss Stone has ahead of her. If she can tap into the emotions of life at this young age, the sky is the only limit from here.
In my spotlight for this album, I found myself stuck on the track 'Killing Time'. Like the true Soul hits of the past, this one starts simple and builds into a symphony of horns, Rhodes organ, piano, and the hollerin' lead vocals, full of emotion. There's even a quintet of backup singers (that's five women behind her!), including the fabulous Betty Wright. I don't know about you, but it's been a dream of mine to sing with five soulful divas behind me. Someday it'll happen. Until then, I have Joss Stone's 'Killin Time'. Trust.
Killin' time with you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
petermavrik@hotmail.com