JOSS STONE - WATER FOR YOUR SOUL Album Review

Despite having one of the fattest address books in contemporary pop, Joss Stone disappeared in a camper van to travel Europe anonymously – perhaps motivated by 2011’s bizarre plot to behead her – returning with songs infl uenced by her adventures. These the barefoot soul contessa added to reggae-fuelled tracks inspired by weed-fuelled sessions with Damian Marley and Dennis Bovell to deliver Water For Your Soul, a jubilant journey into (the) Stone(r)’s self-confessed hippie psyche. It’s a colourful departure but her fruity voice perfectly matches the Caribbean-vibed Love Me and Harry’s Symphony, while the vintage soul of Sensimilla and This Ain’t Love give Alicia Keys a run for her money. Stone free! Rating: 80/100

PAUL WELLER - GOING MY WAY Single Review

An outstanding song with great melody and lyrics, but the mix is all wrong. Paul’s vocals have developed wonderfully over the years, but you wouldn’t guess from this. The vocals aren’t loud enough, they’re double-tracked in the wrong place, there’s too much reverb. Top marks for Weller, but a kick up the arse for the mixer. I’d be telling him: “I can’t hear my own vocals!”