GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Simply put, neo-soul singer/songwriter/producer/musician/actress Angie Stone is remarkable. And her fifth studio album, The Art of Love and War, is her best yet. It was recorded in its entirety at Marvin’s Room, Marvin Gaye’s former studio on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles and the one-woman dynamo performed, co-produced, and wrote over 90% of the material. That alone is inspiring enough, without adding her amazing voice and musical influence.

“I’m happy and I’m blessed,� Angie explains. “To me, this album and this opportunity, is a rebirth. Everything in life is a journey, and THE ART OF LOVE & WAR defines this time and this place in my life.�

Stone’s previous work earned her the reputation of a modern-day Aretha, rejuvenating classic R&B with her incomparable soul-baring intensity. Now, particularly with smooth, flowing tracks like opener “Take Everything In� and “Baby�- featuring R&B/soul/gospel great Betty Wright, I’d be more inclined to compare her to queen of soul and R&B, Miss Mary J Blige. I know, HUGE wraps, but great bass and grooves, with catchy chorus’ and backing vocals make these songs a winner.

And that’s just the beginning, for the album is rife with singles, and appeals to your every mood and style. There are slower, ballad-type tracks like “Make it Last� and “Go Back to Your Life� that speak of heartbreak and put you in the type of mood that requires reflection. And then there are the anthem grooves of “My People� with guest James Ingram, that make you want to get up and dance, in celebration of something you can’t quite put your finger on.

A personal favourite, “These are the Reasons� is a song about love and the reasons why we love someone else. It is a gentle song that allows you to lay back and reminisce on the times you were madly in love and all the emotions you felt, the promises you made and the naivety you displayed. One of the funkiest on the album,“Play Wit It� is a song with attitude, and a deep bass line. Angie warns “You don’t wanna mess with me� and I totally believe she could bring it.

Speaking of favourites, Angie claims “I think my personal favourite is ‘Happy Being Me,’ Stone points out. “I wrote this song because it describes right where I am and what I’m feeling right now, mentally and spiritually. It’s my anthem. I would like to think that everyone can be happy being in their own skin.�

Amen to that Angie, Amen.


Track Listing:
01. Take Everything In
02. Baby – featuring BETTY WRIGHT
03. Here We Go Again
04. Make It Last
05. Sometimes
06. Go Back To Your Life
07. Half A Chance
08. These Are The Reasons
09. My People – featuring JAMES INGRAM
10. Sit Down
11. Play Wit It
12. Pop Pop
13. Wait For Me
14. Happy Being Me – featuring PAULETTA WASHINGTON