Review: Joss Stone Declares Liberty, Scolds EMI on Colour Me Free

Joss Stone is not the first and sure won't be the last young female talent to learn the meaning of "don't bite the hand that feeds" as she's been publicly taking shots at her label EMI on her latest album, Colour Me Free.

As the titled clearly suggests, Stone is fed up with the games that come along with major label support and wants out. Well, so far it seems EMI will not grant her that wish, rather, they decided to hit back at Stone where it hurts most, her wallet, by not promoting what could be deemed the singer's most solid album to date. In their decision to not support Stone they are essentially taking a hit as well, but given the old boys club mentality that still holds true in the recording industry, it's more about stubbornness than anything else. Enough about the drama -- let's get to the music.

Stone remains consistent to her first love, which is clearly soul music. It's not a front -- she feels it, breathes it and has the ability to channel her emotions for greatest impact. You can actually break Colour Me Free into two separate albums. There's the first half that stays true to her soul roots while letting her vocals and lyrics be the main focal point with fairly minimal production. "Free Me" is not only the lead single, but it also opens the album with a strong statement, leading the listener to believe that what follows will be a storyline of all her EMI related tiffs thinly veiled as romantic tension.

Next up is "Could've Been You," with a standard groove and off-beat piano riff that hits as Stone warns her label "if you see me walkin' by/hand in hand with another guy/know that it's true/if could've been you." Then there's the standout track "Parallel Lines," which opens with a Stevie Wonder-esque electric piano funk reminiscent of "Superstition," that is perhaps the perfect metaphor for Stone's career at EMI. The idea of travelling on similar roads with similar intentions, yet unable to come together to reach the height of each party's potential. "Parallel Lines" also features sweet guitar licks from Jeff Beck and backing vocals from Shelia E.

Then there's the second part of the album where, unfortunately, Stone starts to revert back to her old tendencies and succumbs to the really slick, over-produced R&B focused tracks. There's even a cameo by rapper Nas on "Governmentalist," Stone's socially conscious attempt. The only thing good about the this song in particular is the bluesy-funk sound, what's awful? Nas' rap especially the line "Governmentalists killed the Kennedys, I heard that Joss Stone got the remedy." Oh really Nas? My how the mighty has fallen.

All in all - Colour Me Free shows maturation from Stone who is still rather young at the age of 22. The album not only shows she has the singing chops, but the creative juices to go with them. Problem still remains that she loses sight of her own sweet spot, raw, emotional soul music and settles (at times) for over-produced forgettable tracks, which keep her from breaking out completely. Check out Joss Stone on "Chelsea Lately" where she talks about the riff over her album cover art.