'Introducing Joss Stone'

In the alternate consumerist reality of pop music, there are those stars who succeed through a potent concoction of marketing, expensive producers and under-dressed videos. Then there are those who have undeniable talent, proving that there is still a discreet corner of Tescos' Top 30 Chart reserved for skills. Joss Stone, thankfully, flies the British flag for the latter.

Her imminent USA-conquering takeover sees the release of the third album, 'Introducing Joss Stone'. I wouldn't normally write about a pop album, but the news that it is produced by legend Raphael Saadiq (D'Angelo, Macy Gray, The Roots) is enough to get any soulful brotha/sista excited. Whats more 'Introducing...' will also feature The Fugees' Lauryn Hill (!), with none other than Common guesting on the lead single, 'Tell Me What We're Going To Do'. A mouth-watering prospect, all the more significant when you consider how far Ms Stone could push British soul music. Not bad for a shy girl from Devon.


Album released March 30th (loving the cover).