Angie Stone: Unexpected
Neo-soul torchbearer chooses a different route for sexy, experimental soul on latest record for Stax
Neo-soul has been good to Angie Stone. With over four albums under her belt, she whipped out a warm foundation glossed with ol’ skool traditions, a few catchy samples and sultry soul that remained one of the important catalysts of ‘90s contemporary soul music. On Unexpected, her second release on the revived Stax label, she cartwheels into a barrage of darker, bluer and seductive material. Things are best understood after hearing the two-part Sly Stone-sampled title cut. At first listen, Stone prepares her fans for an earful of big challenges. Of all of the meatier risks, the twelve-track offering bubbles with the radio-ready “Kiss All Over Your Body.” A bit risque for the daytime, the song rocks with a delightful melody, Jodeci-ish sexy croons and the magic from her Ron Isley-resembling duet partner. “I Ain’t Hearin’ You,” the first choice for a single, is a definite flashback to ‘80s party R&B – a la Evelyn Champagne King. “Free,” while anchored to inspirational motivations, is a mid-tempo Stargate leap into safe hip-hop. While songs like the Philly-styled soul of “Maybe” and the ex-returning lyricism of “Why Is It” conjure some memories of Stone’s neo-soul heyday, Unexpected digs more into uncharted territory like on the techno-driven, Autotune-peppered “Tell Me” and “Hey Mr. D.J” is enforced with eerie synth effects. She’s still a hearty long ways from getting the big commercial breakthrough she deserves. If done right, this album could be the one. Or it could endure the unfortunate fate of being pushed into the bin of good albums easily overlooked.
J MATTHEW COBB
HIFI DETAILS
- Release Date: 26 Jun 2009
- Label: Stax
- Producers: Kerrim “Ikon” King, Fitzroy “Art Teacher” Reid
- Track Favs: Kiss All Over Yor Body, I Ain’t Hearin’ You, Maybe
