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Angie shared her vision for the album, saying,“ This project is very personal to me. It evokes themes of love, loss and resilience, while respecting the legacy of those who made soul music what it is today”.
For Angie Stone,“ The Art of Love & War” is not just an album, but an expression of her experiences and artistic maturity. In an interview, she shared her enthusiasm, declaring:“ This album embodies my rebirth. After all the struggles I’ ve been through both personally and professionally, I finally feel complete creative freedom. Working with Stax has allowed me to reconnect with my roots while exploring new directions.
Flashmag! Issue 159 April 2025
Stone also spoke of the importance of the collaboration with Betty Wright on the single“ Baby”. She said the song was particularly special because it blended their musical heritage with a modern twist, creating an anthem both nostalgic and current. Betty Wright herself praised Angie, saying:“ Working with Angie has been a real pleasure. Her voice and musicality bring a timelessness to every track”.
On its release,“ The Art of Love & War” received largely positive reviews, proving to be a well-constructed album that combines poignant themes about love and pain.
A Metacritic reviewer noted that the album“ solidifies Angie Stone’ s place in the modern pantheon of soul music”, underlining her ability to deliver heartfelt lyrics while remaining accessible and catchy. Other critics also noted that the album, while brimming with sweet melodies and sonic richness, never fell into banality, with each song a unique exploration of the complexities of relationships.
Angie Stone the Art of Love and War
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