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Review
Stone peaked early, and this 13-track collection – recorded without her label’s knowledge in a fraction of the time eaten up by the gestation of past long-players – is a serviceable collection of funk-kissed and pop-savvy soul numbers that expose their maker’s songwriting immaturity by exuding the sense that contentment with each song was enough, rather than a tingling sensation followed by near-orgasmic outbursts of incredulity in response to a final mix. That it was written and recorded in such a short space of time – a week, reportedly – gives Colour Me Free! an attractive vibrancy in its actual performances, but the lack of any truly standout moments renders it far from memorable.
Once the well-reported label politics surrounding this release are taken out of the equation, leaving the songs alone to maintain audience interest, Colour Me Free! loses its footing. Free Me, lead single and album opener, struts with a brassy confidence as Stone underlines her intentions to, basically, do the opposite of everything she’s been told – but the absence of a catchy chorus leaves it floundering, more the work of a showy youngster than a multi-million-selling pop artist (of course, it’s actually both). And this strangely amateur atmosphere permeates almost every second of this album – at times endearing, but also puzzling. After all, Stone absolutely nailed her first two collections, with 2007’s patchy Introducing the exception rather than the rule.
Which goes to suggest that she’s better, despite her protestations, when riding shotgun on a label’s chosen path. It’s a hard verdict to swallow, given early promise, but unless Stone realises she needs more help than she’s had here (even factoring in guest turns from rapper Nas and the silken-voiced Raphael Saadiq), she’s destined to become as forgettable as this for-fans-only collection. Time, at least, is on her side. --Mike Diver
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CD Description
Colour Me Free paves the way for the next chapter from Joss, revealing new dimensions of the singer while never losing the soul roots and grace of past albums--Soul Sessions (2003), Mind, Body and Soul (2004) and Introducing Joss Stone (2007).
Colour Me Free is an eclectic mix of pop, soul, r'n'b, funk, hip-hop and gospel sounds. Written and recorded at Mama Stones, Joss' mother's live music venue in Devon and produced alongside Jonathan Shorten and Conor Reeves, Colour Me Free is a unique album of finely crafted yet raw tracks. The lead single "Free Me" is a pop song with an infectious chorus, whilst "Incredible" possesses a raw funk sound. "Could Have Been You" captures urban influences and "You Got the Love" carries strong Gospel undertones.
"I kind of woke up one morning and wanted to make an album. It's very, very raw. It's a bunch of musicians, writers and myself and we're just jamming, basically."--Joss Stone
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Customer Reviews
Only not so good are the songs featuring Jamie Hartman, don't know who he is but his voice doesn't really go with hers as its very middle of the road charty vocals. Still not bad when she comes in, just of been better without him.
Still totally worthy of album of the year.
Welcome back Joss..
"Big Ole Game" (Ft. Raphael Saadiq) ...is available on both the special edition (with bonus Cd) and Japanese version of "Introducing Joss Stone."Introducing Joss Stone
"Governmentalist" ...was available free via Joss' website in 2008
"I Believe It To My Soul" (Ft. Dave Sanborn)...is available on Dave Sanborns' 2008 album "Here And Gone"Here and Gone
"Stalemate" (Ft. Jamie Hartman)...is available on Bens Brothers 2009 album "Battling Giants."Battling Giants
Bonus hidden track - "Mr Wankerman"...was available as a free download on Joss' imeem page Christmas 2007.
Free Me" ...the first single shows Joss in a rebellious but playful mood and should see her back in the charts with this catchy number that takes a swipe at her label EMI especially with the closing words "Free me EMI!"
"Could Have Been You" ...soulful love song which could have been included on "Introducing Joss Stone"
"Parallel Lines" (Ft. Jeff Beck and Sheila E) ...with a reggae backbeat is a real treat
"Lady" ...is a classic album soul track.
"4 and 20" ...this bluesy offering was a hit when Joss performed this track live when she showcased the album at various small venues around the UK.
"Big Ole Game"...has been a favourite song of mine for years and showcases her voice perfectly.
"Govermentalist"...a catchy protest war song.
"Incredible"... another personal favourite with a rousing chorus which could of also been included on "Introducing Joss Stone"
You Got The Love ...A cover of the Shapeshifters 2006 hit
"I believe it to my soul" ...A rousing cover of a Ray Charles classic that could do pretty well on Jools Hollands' "Later"
"Stalemate" ...this version has far more feeling (in my opinion) than the current single with Bens brother and Anastasia
"Girlfriend On Demand" ...the final track and by far my favourite album track (at 7.30 mins) since "What Where We Thinking" ("Introducing Joss Stone").
"Mr Wankerman" ...a hidden track shows Joss in a rebellious mood having fun jamming with her band - 13.44 mins of pure bliss
With a basic booklet and a single unflattering photograph of Joss inside (no doubt a move to anger EMI) this album reveals a more mature sound but I can't wait until a more settled and happy Joss delights us even more with a fifth studio album. So come on EMI let her go ...
Refers to the UK version
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