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For over 20 years, Angie Stone was an undeniable force in the world of music. With her rich vocals and heartfelt storytelling, she created a unique blend of funk, R&B, and neo-soul. Until her untimely death earlier this year, Stone enjoyed a long and distinguished music career. She was a talented singer and songwriter, a hardworking rapper and producer, and an actor with film and Broadway credits to her name. Born and raised in America as Angela Laverne Stone, she will be remembered as one of the leading ladies of modern soul.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 Angie Stone signature songs.
Angie Stone Songs List
The following 10 songs showcase the emotional depths and smooth vocal delivery of Angie Stone — a real soul sensation:
#1
No More Rain (In This Cloud)
This song was written by Stone with Bert Williams and Gordon Chambers for her debut studio album, Black Diamond. It was released in 1999, and it quickly became a staple of the neo-soul movement. “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” is a very personal track for the singer, who had recently emerged from depression, had a child, and ended a relationship with the son’s father. Inspired by new beginnings and painful endings, it presents a rich tapestry of heartbreak and healing. Musically, this song is based on a sample of “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” a 1972 record by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
#2
Wish I Didn't Miss You
This song is hypnotic and pointed, with Stone delivering a great hook with swagger and honesty. Her rich, velvety voice brings the emotion, as a relaxed drum and bass groove drives the song forward. This song is based on a sample of “Back Stabbers” from The O’Jays, with this 1972 record brought into the modern world by producers Ivan Matias and Andrea Martin. “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” is about love and longing — a shared human experience resonating with listeners across the globe. This is one of the best Angie Stone songs of the early noughties, and it helped her achieve breakthrough success.
#3
Brotha
This empowering track is a love letter to Black men and everything good they stand for. It comes from Stone’s second album, Mahogany Soul, and it’s delivered as a tribute to Black excellence. “Brotha” is a collaborative effort, written by Stone alongside Raphael Saadiq, Harold Lilly, Glenn Standridge, and Robert C. Ozuna. There’s a fantastic remix of this song featuring Alicia Keys and Eve, which was released as “Brotha 2.” With Stone’s soulful voice and empowering lyrics shining through, this song presents positive affirmations of male strength and Black community love.
#4
I Wanna Thank Ya
This track from 2004 features the one and only Snoop Dogg. This was a very successful collaboration, with Snoop’s relaxed West Coast presence spicing up Stone’s signature sound. “I Wanna Thank Ya” is all about positivity, with celebratory vibes delivered through the lyrics and music. As Stone sings of love and gratitude, the music drives forward with real presence. This is a neo-soul track with strong funk and disco elements, and it’s sure to put you in a good mood. “I Wanna Thank Ya” was a cornerstone release, widely recognized as one of the first tracks to blend neo-soul with hip-hop.
#5
Baby
This song by Angie Stone features the amazing Betty Wright, who adds her high-pitched vocals to Stone’s signature tone. It’s a testament to the strength of love, with the lyrics all about appreciating that one special person. “Baby” was written by Stone alongside Corey “Co-T” Tatum and Kevin “5 Star” Norton. It comes from her fourth studio album, The Art of Love & War, which is a lush and hypnotic take on contemporary R&B. Like many of Stone’s hit songs, “Baby” was built around a famous sample. This time it’s a Curtis Mayfield number, the incredible track “Give Me Your Love (Love Song).” Musically, this track infuses elements of soul and blues with Stone’s incredibly smooth vocal tone.
#6
Life Story
This beautiful track by Angie Stone isn’t her most famous, but it hits all the right notes. “Life Story” was written by Gerry DeVeaux and Craig Ross, and originally released on a collaborative album by DeVox. A remix of the track was created for Angie Stone and released as the second single from her debut 1999 studio album, Black Diamond. While this track didn’t have the same commercial success as “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” it did reach No. 6 on the UK R&B chart. Black Diamond was named after Stone’s daughter, Diamond Ti’ara, and it’s a wonderful record full of personal stories and traditional soul grooves. This is among the most memorable Angie Stone signature songs.
#7
Everyday
“Everyday” is another track from Stone’s debut studio album, Black Diamond. This mid-tempo number has great production and a wonderful groove, but it’s Stone’s mix of vulnerability and confidence that really stands out. This song is about the importance and majesty of unconditional love. “Everyday” is one of the singer’s most beloved tracks, and it gets better every time you hear it. This song initially featured on the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Money Talks. This came out before the album, and it helped to secure Stone’s recording deal with Arista Records. Like other early Angie Stone songs, “Everyday” is delivered with innocence and grace.
#8
U-Haul
This track by Angie Stone was written and produced by the amazing Missy Elliott. While other songwriters were also involved, it was Elliott’s unique vibe that shaped something truly special. “U-Haul” comes from Stone’s third studio album, the 2004 record Stone Love. Missy Elliott was also a backup singer on this track, as was Stone’s daughter, Diamond. As you might expect given the Angie Stone/Missy Elliott combo, this number is delivered with attitude and strength. This song certainly wasn’t her biggest commercial success, but it was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 47th Grammy Awards.
#9
Stay for a While
“Stay for a While” is a gorgeous song featuring singer Anthony Hamilton. This stunning duet was released on Stone’s third studio album, Stone Love, from 2004. With two of the best voices in neo-soul creating beautiful gospel-inspired harmonies, this song was destined to be great from the start. It reached No. 21 on the US Billboard Adult R&B chart, and it cemented Stone as a bona fide music superstar. “Stay for a While” is a record about love and companionship, with heartfelt vocals combined with lush instrumentation and perfect production. This is one of the best Angie Stone signature songs.
#10
Makings of You
Originally written by Curtis Mayfield, this song was recorded and released as “Makings of You (Interlude)” by Angie Stone. It was the 11th track on her Mahogany Soul album, which she released in 2001 on her new record label, J Records. This is timeless music for modern ears, with Angie Stone’s lush voice enveloping your soul like a warm blanket. The gospel-inspired harmonies are rich and relaxing, and the music moves forward with a gentle sense of grace. This song is an authentic and inspired cover, and Curtis Mayfield would definitely be proud.
Playlist - 10 Angie Stone Songs
Final Thoughts
Made with passion and purpose, Angie Stone has created a wonderful body of work. She has cemented her place in the history of modern soul, and people will be enjoying her songs for generations to come. The Angie Stone songs on this list represent some of her best recordings, but they’re really just the start. If you want to discover more of this incredible artist, there are 10 great albums and dozens of fantastic singles to explore.
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