Artist: Angie Stone Album: Stone Love

Year: 2004
Duration: 0:0-1

“Stone Love”: An In-Depth Review of Angie Stone’s Classic Album

Angie Stone has always been a woman ahead of her time. Her unique sound and interesting blend of genres always stand out among other contemporary R&B musicians. One of her most iconic albums to date is “Stone Love,” which was released in 2004. This album is a perfect example of Stone's talent, skill, and creative vision. In this blog, we’ll delve into “Stone Love” and explore the history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the innovative parts of the album, and give an overall of it.
Angie Stone began her career in the late '70s as a member of the female hip hop trio, The Sequence. After releasing a few singles with the group, she branched out solo in the '90s with her debut album, “Black Diamond,” which blended classic soul with contemporary R&B. Stone continued to release critically acclaimed albums, and in 2004, she dropped “Stone Love.” This album incorporates various musical styles from neo-soul, R&B, funk, and even folk music, making it a timeless piece of art.
The first track, “Take Everything In,” sets the tone for the album, with its relaxed and soulful vibe. Stone’s smooth and sultry voice is the perfect complement to the raw, organic instrumentation. Other standout tracks include “U-Haul,” which features a guitar solo from classic Blues artist Robert Cray, and “I Wanna Thank Ya,” a funky neo-soul track with a catchy hook.
One of the most innovative things about “Stone Love” is how seamlessly Stone blends different genres, creating a style that is all her own. The album’s title track features a sample from the iconic soul singer Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” and a folk guitar melody that perfectly blends with the R&B groove. Other standout tracks, such as “Come Home” and “Stay For A While,” showcase Stone’s varied influences and her ability to create a sound that is uniquely hers.
Despite its merits, “Stone Love” is not without its weaknesses. The track “Green Grass Vapors” feels a bit out of place among the other songs and interrupts the album's overall flow. Additionally, while the songs are well-written, they are not particularly memorable. Many of the tracks blend together, making it difficult to differentiate between them.
In conclusion, Angie Stone's “Stone Love” is a fantastic album that showcases her incredible talent. Despite the few minor missteps, it is an album that showcases Stone’s ability to blend different genres and create a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. Each track tells a unique story, and Stone’s powerhouse vocals take center stage, complementing the instrumentation perfectly. If you're a fan of classic soul, neo-soul or contemporary R&B, “Stone Love” is a must-listen.