The Soul Sessions Vol. 2 is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter Joss Stone, released on 20 July 2012 through S-Curve Records in partnership with Stone's own Stone'd Records. Presented as a follow-up to her breakthrough covers collection of 2003, the record revisits classic soul and R&B material with contemporary production while retaining a retro sensibility.
Musical approach and content
The album is characterized by its focus on soul standards and reinterpretations rather than original compositions. Arrangements emphasize warm, analog-sounding instrumentation—horns, electric piano, organ and vintage-style rhythm sections—to support Stone's expressive, gritty vocal delivery. Tracks aim for emotional directness, often favoring live-feel performances and sparse production choices that foreground the singer's voice.
Rather than a tribute project, the release blends faithful homage with modern touches. The material highlights the continuity between mid-20th-century soul traditions and 21st-century pop-soul sensibilities, making the record accessible to longtime soul fans and newer listeners alike.
Context and reception
Coming nearly a decade after the original Soul Sessions that helped launch Stone's international career, Vol. 2 was framed as a return to roots. Critics generally noted the ambition of reworking classic material and the confidence of Stone's performances; responses ranged from praise for vocal nuance to critiques about predictability in song selection. The album occupies a distinctive place in her discography as a deliberate reconnection with the genre that shaped her early image.
Notable facts
- Released 20 July 2012 on S-Curve Records and Stone'd Records.
- Marketed as a sequel to the 2003 Soul Sessions collection.
- Emphasizes vintage soul arrangements and live-feel recording techniques.
As a project, The Soul Sessions Vol. 2 underscores Stone's ongoing interest in classic soul repertoire and her effort to balance reverence for the past with contemporary artistic identity.