Joss Stone - Influences

August 26, 2007
Entertainment World

Artist: Joss Stone
Album: Influences
Record Label: 180 Music/Sony BMG
Genre: R&B/Jazz/Blues/Soul/Pop
Recommended if you like: Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Corinne Baily Rae, Blackstreet

4 out of 5

This talented and young woman has created a twelve track album of who she defines as her roots, influences and just plain favorite songs. As you can hear from her music, the choices of her influences should be no surprise, with great soul artists, some blues vibes and a little vibrant newer R&B sounds. The intoxicating beat of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” will ring throughout your head and have you moving your feet along side his astonishing vocals. She then kicks it up a little bit with the R&B meets rap tune “No Diggity” by Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre. Pressing on she presents us with the classic tune we all know and love “Lovin’ You” by the talented Minnie Riperton. A hot rising artist such as Joss appears in the form of Corinne Bailey Rae with her instant hit “Put Your Records On” which will blow your mind how amazing the vocals and beat this slow jam is. The legendary Al Green is one of her favorites, then again who doesn’t love the song “Let’s Stay Together”? Other artists on the album include James Brown, Ann Peebles, D’Angelo, Natalie Cole, Billy Paul, Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin. The songs she has selected makes it a truly remarkable album to relax to and chill out.