CD Review: Joss Stone Mind, Body & Soul

Joss Stone
"Spoiled" Lyrics

I kinda thought that I'd be better off by myself
I've never been so wrong before
You made it impossible for me to ever
Love somebody else
And now I don't know what I left you for

See I thought that I could replace you
He can't love me the way you do
'Till now I never knew
Baby

Joss Stone is living a dream that nearly every 17-year old girl has at one time or another. The dream of being a star, a music Diva. For her though it is real. She has been on a rocket ride straight to the top of the music charts since her debut album (The Soul Sessions) was released in 2003 and subsequently certified gold in 2004.

She met Brad Pitt backstage at the Live8 concert and discovered he was a fan. Her music has been featured on all the music TV channels as well as being incorporated into theme music on various hit shows. She most recently performed live at the Superbowl with Stevie Wonder and a host of other singers in the pregame show.

According to a story on virgin.net she credits her father with giving her the drive and discipline she needed to achieve her dreams. She says that she blames the parents to a large degree when children are out of control.

Despite the success of her first album she says on her website that; "For me, personally, Mind, Body and Soul (her latest CD) is my real debut." But she also recently told the press that she wants out of showbiz. The beautiful and usually barefoot singer told Elle magazine; "I want to be a midwife. It must be the nicest job. I don't just want to be a singer my whole life."

"I want to learn. I never thought that I'd say that."

I listened to the Mind, Body and Soul CD today and was totally captivated by it. I love her smokey, bluesy voice and the material she does suits her so well. I like every song on the CD but my favorites are "Spoiled", "Understand" and (although some might disagree) "Jet Lag".

She has a beautiful voice and the material is different from the cookie cutter material being done by the horde of plasticized pop princesses that are out there now. It is really refreshing to see a young artist follow her own direction with the material she does and doubly refreshing for her to be able to be so successful doing it.

While I listened to her sing I was subconciously waiting for her to break into "Me and Bobby McGee", or "Try (just a little bit harder)". Yeah, Joss reminds me of Janis Joplin. I think she has all of her talent and maybe more. This CD is a must have in my book.

Article Author: Mike Johnston

Covering mainstream music, the New York City indie rock scene and off-Broadway theater productions. Also articles on science, the ongoing effects of climate change, and alternative energy.

Visit Mike Johnston's author page — Mike Johnston's Blog