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The Art of Love and War, on the re-launched Stax label, is as full-bodied an affair as this old-school-leaning, incessantly self-exploring diva has delivered.
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Stone remains impressive as a vocalist, an old-school soul with an understated delivery that's more hushed than histrionic.
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The strength of the album rests not on one aspect. From the dense lyrics spanning a wealth of topics to the perfect production, The Art of Love & War proves that Stone isn't going anywhere.
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The album is filled with lush, suavely undulating ballads that have Ms. Stone cooing quietly and intimately.
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This album is well-crafted and smart.
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Even though she doesn't get the same kind of attention as some of her peers do, Angie Stone is a supreme talent, and this album really shows it.
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The Art of Love & War marks yet another solid entry into the musical canon of an under appreciated vocalist.
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That mood of indulgence also leads to a surfeit of mellifluous vocals, syrupy beats and billowing, sugary melodies that makes the album cloy.
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MojoStone pens 14 of the 15 songs and has clearly overstretched herself; the material is bland and only on sublime, transcendental 'Baby,'featuring Betty Wright and a cappella showcase 'Go Back To Your Life' do we hear the Angie of old. [Nov 2007, p.96]
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Q MagazineHer music is much the same as on her 1999 debut "Black Diamond," dulled by a surplus of smooth, bass-heavy slow jams. [Dec 2007, p.124]
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UncutThis conservative collection feels more like musical air freshener than any kind of statement. [Dec 2007, p.104]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 1 out of 1
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Mixed: 0 out of 1
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Negative: 0 out of 1
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DonC.Jan 20, 2008