The Soul Sessions

Released in 2003, The Soul Sessions served as a radical introduction for Joss Stone, then only 16 years old. Eschewing the teen-pop trends of the era, producer Steve Greenberg paired Stone with Miami soul legends like Betty Wright, Benny Latimore, and Little Beaver. The result was a collection of covers that focused on deep cuts from the 60s and 70s soul canon rather than obvious hits. The album's centerpiece, a soul reimagining of The White Stripes' 'Fell in Love with a Girl,' bridged the gap between indie rock and classic R&B, helping the album find an audience across multiple demographics. Critically, it was lauded for its authentic analog production and Stone's technical vocal prowess, which many compared to Aretha Franklin or Janis Joplin. It remains a pivotal document of the early 2000s soul revival, predating the mainstream success of Amy Winehouse and Adele.