Mahogany Soul Mahogany Soul

Stone’s years in the business are writ large all over Mahogany Soul. The follow up to the platinum debut Black Diamond is the work of a woman in her element. And that confidence is what defines the album.

‘So Pissed Off’ is assured and brassy – one of the many tracks that sees Stone vent spleen in the nicest possible way – "So pissed off… little shit like love doesn’t matter". The Al Green sampling ’20 Dollars’ is another straight up, no nonsense retort – long on the message and short on the self-pity – while the Andrea Martin penned ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You’ samples the O’Jays ‘Backstabbers’ and builds around it a classic soul chorus.

‘Snowflakes’ – a particular standout track in an album not short of them – is a delicious, soulful heartbreak piece. Classic old style vocals sit easily alongside funky beats and Stone’s voice is a chocolatey wonder – "The last time we kissed your eyes were open/Is this just a phase?/I’m praying and hoping."

Handling bass and percussion on some tracks, writing most songs and executively producing the whole album, Stone’s talent is all encompassing. Joined by Alicia Keys and Eve for a sassy bonus remix of the single ‘Brotha’, she appears easily at home at the edge where boundaries are being crushed.