Back in 2007, Joss Stone was kind of a lightning rod. She was nineteen, barefoot, and arguably the biggest soul voice coming out of the UK, but she was also trapped in that weird "industry puppet" narrative that often haunts teenage prodigies. Then she dropped Introducing Joss Stone. She basically wiped the slate clean. No more being the "safe" retro-soul girl. She wanted grit. She wanted hip-hop.
The standout moment from that era? Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now.
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It wasn't just another R&B track; it was a statement. Featuring the legendary Common and produced by the midas-touch soul architect Raphael Saadiq, this song was the bridge between Stone’s vintage influences and the modern, urban sound she was clearly dying to explore. Honestly, if you listen to it today, it feels less like a 2007 time capsule and more like a masterclass in how to blend live instrumentation with a boom-bap heartbeat.
The Story Behind Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now
Let’s be real for a second. By the time her third album rolled around, Stone was famously "over" her first two records. She’s gone on record saying she didn't feel like they represented her. She decamped to Barbados, then the Bahamas, to find a vibe that felt authentic. That’s where she linked up with Saadiq.
They weren't just making pop music. They were chasing a specific, churchy, organ-led Southern soul feel, but with a crisp, digital sheen. Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now was the second single from that project, and it perfectly encapsulated this "new" Joss.
The song itself is built on a groove that feels deeply familiar. Some critics at the time pointed out a striking resemblance to the melody of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, while others heard echoes of The Flaming Lips' Fight Test. It’s got that loping, easy-going rhythm that makes you want to nod your head without even realizing you're doing it.
Why the Common Feature Actually Worked
Usually, when a soul singer grabs a rapper for a guest verse, it feels like a marketing ploy. A "for the street kids" move, as some cynical reviewers called it back then. But with Common, it felt organic.
Common has always been the "poet" of hip-hop, and his laid-back, conscious flow tucked right into the pocket of Saadiq’s production. He wasn't just there to fill space. His segment adds a layer of maturity to a song that is, at its core, about that awkward "what are we?" phase of a relationship. Stone’s lyrics—"Sometimes you can be so silly"—hit that sweet spot between British teen charm and world-weary soul diva.
A Music Video with a Mission
The music video for Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now is a vibe. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and shot on the streets of New York City, it starts with a simple red gerbera daisy. It feels very "New York in the spring"—brownstones, park benches, and Joss wandering around in a skin-colored suit that made everyone do a double-take at the time.
But there was a bigger purpose.
- The Product Red Connection: Joss Stone became the first artist to donate 100% of the proceeds from a music video's iTunes sales to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
- The Billboard: If you watch the concert scene at the end, you can see the Product Red branding in the background.
- The Kiss: The video ends with Joss "kissing" the camera lens, a move that felt incredibly intimate and cemented her transition from a kid to a self-assured woman.
Why the Track Didn't Chart Higher (And Why That Doesn't Matter)
If you look at the stats, the song was a bit of a slow burn. It peaked at number 84 in the UK. One week. That was it. In the US, it touched the R&B/Hip-Hop charts but never became a "mainstream" monster.
Does that mean it failed? Not even close.
Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now did something numbers couldn't. It gave Joss Stone credibility in the neo-soul world. It proved she could hang with the heavy hitters—Saadiq, Common, even Lauryn Hill (who appeared on a different track on the same album). It was about the craft. It was about the shift from being a "vocal stylist" who sang covers to a songwriter who had something to say about her own life.
The Technical Magic of Raphael Saadiq
We have to talk about the production. Saadiq is a gear-head and a soul purist. He brought in Khari Parker on drums and Robert Ozuna on percussion. They used real Rhodes organs and live bass. When you hear the turntable scratching intercut with the strings, that’s not a preset. That’s a curated soundscape. It’s the reason the track still sounds "expensive" and lush twenty years later.
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What This Song Taught Us About the "Soul Revival"
Joss Stone was essentially the bridge. Before Adele or Amy Winehouse took over the global charts, Joss was the one kicking the door down for British soul. Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now showed that the genre didn't have to stay stuck in the 1960s. You could have the "Stax-era swagger" and still make it sound like it belonged on a 2007 iPod.
She was dealing with "Mariah Carey Syndrome"—everyone knew she had the pipes, but they wanted to see if she had the soul. By leaning into the clumsiness of her own youth and the sophistication of her collaborators, she found a middle ground that felt real.
Actionable Insights for the Soul Fan
If you're looking to dive deeper into this era of music or want to capture that specific "Introducing" vibe, here’s how to do it:
- Listen to the "AOL Music Sessions" version: There is a live version of this song that strips away some of the studio polish. It highlights the raw power of Stone’s voice and the chemistry she has with a live band.
- Explore the Saadiq Catalog: If you like the "bounce" of this track, check out Raphael Saadiq’s The Way I See It. It’s the spiritual successor to the work he did with Joss.
- Watch the "Album Autopsy" Documentary: There is a short documentary called Introducing Joss Stone: Album Autopsy where you can see the actual recording process in the Bahamas. It’s a great look at how a teenager takes executive control of her career.
- Revisit the Collaborations: Don't stop at Common. This album was Joss Stone's "coming of age" party. Listen to Music featuring Lauryn Hill right after this track to see how she handled working with two very different icons.
Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now remains a high-water mark for mid-2000s R&B. It’s a song about uncertainty, both in love and in career, and it’s the sound of an artist finally finding their feet.