LP1

Joss Stone and freedom of actions

British performer Joss Stone started her career in an incredibly confident way in 2003, when she released the multiplatinum The Soul Sessions. High-class mix of soul, R&B and blues made a loud splash, but people barely knew about Stone, so nobody really expected something extraordinary from her. However the young singer improved that situation in no time. Her creativity just could not be ignored or missed, and pretty soon Joss started being discussed by music lovers and critics. Stone’s very first work was a compilation of cover-versions of classic soul and rhythm-and-blues compositions, but her following records proved that material, created by the artist herself was definitely not worse. In spite of the fact that rhythm-and-blues scene already had its stars, Joss still managed to find her place in the sun: her contralto and mezzo-soprano are charming indeed, and her songs are more than just good. By 2011 the singer decided to make a serious step: she established her own record label, named Stone'd Record. Well, it could mean only one thing – absolute freedom of actions and creativity. What is the result of that important event, after all? We got an atmospheric long play in general and ten amazing tracks in particular.

LP1: new starting point

It is well-known truth that everybody loves freedom, while musicians and other persons of world of art love it more than others do. Not every artist has such a freedom of actions, but those lucky ones, who possess it, can enjoy the process of creativity in a fill volume. Joss’ personal label, Stone'd Record, gave her that kind of opportunity, so no wonder that the singer issued an excellent album. By the way, LP1 was recorded and mixed in the studio within only six days. However such a short term did not affect its quality at all. The long play’s opening act, the strong soul compositions Newborn will help listeners to make sure of it from the first chords. It is a symbolic song indeed, because a new label and a new studio mean a lot for the musicians. Well, LP1 will please listeners in general, not only connoisseurs of soul music. That time Joss wrote compositions in various styles, from funky Don't Start Lying To Me Now to deeply bluesy Landlord and Take Good Care. Anyways, none of these songs will let you feel bored. The point is that Stone loves not only music – she is fond of poetry as well. Must it be stated that her lyrics deserve some special attention?

Music for the soul

Joss Stone has a well-deserved reputation of an extremely devoted and talented performer, and there is no doubt that creativity is a huge part of her life. She sings, writes music, plays in movies and writes poems. What is important – Joss never lets a compromise. She knows how to shoot the works and she is good at it. However, traditionally strong album LP1 differs from its predecessors. LP1 has a way more rock and blues sound, but it goes without saying that Stone’s musical experiment turned out to be completely successful. Compositions differ from each other, just like each of them plays its role. Soul song Cry Myself To Sleep is opposed to quite sharp track Karma; nevertheless such transitions do not confuse listeners. Joss seems to be a master of sharing her mood, no matter if it is depression, joy or sorrow. Everybody will find a song for his or her own taste; you just have to listen carefully.