Rating: NN
Joss Stone was the trailblazer for that parade of soulful British women – Amy Winehouse, Adele, etc – who went on to eclipse her in popularity. While Stone can still compete on a vocal level, her recorded material once again comes up short.
Produced and co-written by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Mirror Mirror is more low-key than the average modern R&B album, with Stone’s voice (wisely) pushed high in the mix. Judicious use of acoustic guitar, pedal steel and piano on about half the album creates a minimalist foundation that works in Stone’s favour. The other half, where Stewart makes everything sound as glossy and slick as possible, doesn’t work so well.
Dated production could be overlooked if the songs were better, but there’s a serious lack of hooks for a pop album. And since Stone’s voice is the focal point, there’s no escaping the leaden lyrics. Stone can sing too bad she chooses to sing this.
Top track: Somehow