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Likewise, Anthony Hamilton, with whom she collaborates on“ Stay for a While”, adds emotional depth to the album. In an interview, he praised Angie’ s voice, saying:“ Every time I sing with her, I’ m struck by the power of her voice. She’ s a true icon who knows how to get a message across through her music”.
A mix of styles
The album is also a perfect example of Angie Stone’ s ability to blend different musical styles to create a sound all her own. Critics have noted that“ Stone Love” doesn’ t limit itself to a single genre, but manages to incorporate elements of jazz, funk and soul, making for a rich and varied listen. A reviewer from the Guardian noted that“ Stone Love is an album that invites you to dance while transporting your soul. Every track resonates with a warm, summery mood”( Caroline Sullivan, 2004).
On its release, the album received a positive critical reception, although it was noted that it might not enjoy the same commercial success as her previous efforts. Angie Stone responded to this concern by mentioning that, for her, success wasn’ t measured in numbers alone:“ I make music for the heart and soul, not just for the charts. If people connect with my music, then I’ ve achieved my goal.
Flashmag! Issue 159 April 2025
The Art of Love & War: A Crucial Album in the Career of Angie Stone
In 2007, Angie Stone marked a decisive turning point in her musical career by joining the prestigious Stax Records label and releasing her fourth album,“ The Art of Love & War”. This project, which includes the single“ Baby”, a duet with the legendary Betty Wright, represents a successful fusion of classic soul sounds and contemporary R & B influences.
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Cover of Stone Love