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Product Description
Review
It’s easy to forget that Joss Stone is still only 22 years old. This is her fourth album, and given all of her achievements to date – debut album The Soul Sessions is certified triple platinum in the UK, and its follow-up Mind, Body & Soul topped the domestic album chart – one can be forgiven for assuming the singer’s been enjoying legal drinking rights stateside for rather longer than she has. Colour Me Free! balances this early success by failing to match the quality of said releases – but this shouldn’t be taken to mean it’s a terrible record.
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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Product Description
CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By P. M. Dalton
Format:Audio CD
I loved the first soul sessions album for its rawness, then came over produced disapointing second album and after that I just thought the first album had been a fluke. This though just listening to on spotify, oh wow, she's only gone and put out an album we from the start wanted for the second album. Just full of pure soul and the vocals are up there with the greats. I've got a taste in music that dips into nearly every genre and just love raw soul, this album delivers.
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..
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..
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Pine Rocks
Format:Audio CD
This is my favourite Joss Stone album so far. She is an amazing women - forget Amy Winehouse and Duffy, Joss is way, way above them. Unfortunately in the UK at least, she does not get the credit or publicity she deserves, but maybe that aint no bad thing - it's nice to have her all to ourselves. If you like blues, soul, jazz, gospel, smokey night-time music then you'll love this.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
As a fan that has everything Joss has released and think she can do no wrong the only gripe I have with the album is that the following songs have been available over the last two years.
"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
"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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
joss
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Watch out for the customer!
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Recommended to all friends and relatives. Read more
Watch out for the customer!
Quick to contacts and answers.
Recommended to all friends and relatives. Read more
Published 7 days ago by masmagi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Colour me free, Joss Stone
This cd really shows off her voice, if you like Joss Stone then this is a must for your collection.
Published 1 month ago by Lainey
4.0 out of 5 stars
Back on form
I must say that after I heard Introducing Joss Stone I thought that I may have bought my last album by her. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2010 by David Powell
5.0 out of 5 stars
A potential number one album... failed by poor publicity
Joss Stone has had some seriously bad press in the UK in the last few years and this coupled with the lack of promotion by EMI has meant that Colour Me Free really hasn't been... Read more
Published on 20 Aug 2010 by Special
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never Mind The Haters!-Joss Stone Rocks!
Outstanding! Full of soul!Probably the best album I've heard in the past twelve months! Check out "4 and 20 Hours"-Superb,smokey,soul/jazz influences,"Mr Wankerman"-a hidden track... Read more
Published on 14 May 2010 by John Cassidy
5.0 out of 5 stars
I take it all back!
Wow!!!! What do I know? An outstanding first album spiralling down to a third album that I would have been ashamed to use as a coaster. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2010 by Mr. C. Wallington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joss Stone at her best
Joss Stone's new album is the songstress at her best - great mix of softer songs such as '4 and 20' and the catchy 'Free Me' and 'Could Have Been You'. Read more
Published on 7 Jan 2010 by R. Carter
4.0 out of 5 stars
The wonder that is Joss Stone
I've loved Joss from when i first heard fell in love with a boy and from then on in she has continually surpassed herself. Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2009 by Julia Havard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joss album we have been waiting for!!
Like a lot of people, when the release of this album was delayed for so long and the rumoured problems with her record label surfaced, I wasn't holding out a lot of hope on 'Colour... Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2009 by ChrisN
4.0 out of 5 stars
Joss
Is Joss trying to be Janis Joplin only I found that in some of these tracks she seems to be trying to hard.It is still a good album,not her best but certainly worth a go.
Published on 21 Dec 2009 by A. Wellman
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