Amazon.co.uk Review
Wisely avoiding iconic songs by the genre's biggest names, Stone and a production team that includes Wright opt for lesser-known tunes by the likes of Laura Lee, Joe Simon and the Soul Brothers Six--not to mention their digging out (with guest coproducer ?uestlove from the Roots) the great soul lyric in the White Stripes' "Fell in Love with a (Boy)". Joss Stone occasionally misses a connection; her "Some Kind of Wonderful" is listless and when she develops a bit more subtlety, it'll be welcome. But The Soul Sessions has a spark beyond the album's obvious good taste. --Rickey Wright
Review
The story is that Stone put her planned debut of original songs on hold to record this collection, which features covers of some classic soul numbers and a selection of contemporary songs. Along the way Joss has been generously assisted by a cast of musical luminaries including Betty Wright, Angie Stone and The Roots.
With that credit list and material to fall back on, it was unlikely that this project could miss commercially. The classic soul ingredients are all authentically presented; Joss hits all the right notes and injects her vocal lines with all the right inflections.Indeed, her version of The White Stripe's "Fell In Love With A Boy" blends so well into the funky soul landscape that those less familiar with contemporary rock might miss the ironic juxtaposition altogether.
However, reassuringly comfortable though this music is, you can't help but feel it lacks any real bite. When compared with Amy Winehouse's attitude ridden debut, Frank, The Soul Sessions is pleasant, predictable and just a little dull. Take, for example, Stone's cover of the Drifter's "Some Kind Of Wonderful", which here sounds overworked, strained and just not quite right.
It's impossibe not to like some of the tracks; the catchy "Super Duper Love" has received heavy radio play and I imagine will sell well with the Radio 2 set. But ultimately this album seems a bit of an artistic compromise, music from the rule book rather than the heart. That said, I for one look forward to hearing her first proper album, which will hopefully allow us to hear more of Joss's real soul. --Jack Smith
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