Music has a funny way of aging. Some tracks feel like a time capsule you never want to open again, all shiny synths and dated slang. But then there are the ones that just breathe. When you sit down to listen to Angie Stone More Than a Woman, you aren't just hearing a track from 2001. You’re hearing the literal blueprint for what we now call grown-folks music. It’s warm, it’s unhurried, and it’s complicated—kinda like the story of how it even ended up on the airwaves in the first place.
Most people don't realize there are actually two "main" versions of this song floating around. If you’ve got the original Mahogany Soul album, you’re hearing the smooth-as-butter vocals of Calvin Richardson. He actually wrote the song. But if you remember the radio edit that dominated the charts in 2002, you’re probably thinking of the version featuring Joe.
The Drama Behind the Duet
Let’s be real: the music business is messy. Calvin Richardson originally penned "More Than a Woman" for his own solo project. He was over at Universal at the time, but things weren't exactly clicking. Angie Stone, who was already a legend from her days with The Sequence and Vertical Hold, heard the demo and knew it was a hit. She jumped on it, and the version with Calvin became a standout on her gold-certified Mahogany Soul.
But then Clive Davis entered the chat.
Clive, the legendary record executive, wanted to push the song as a massive second single. For reasons that Calvin Richardson later described as "business going to the left," a decision was made to swap him out for Joe. Yeah, Joe Thomas—the "I Wanna Know" superstar.
Does the Joe Version Beat the Original?
It depends on who you ask. The Joe version is sleek. It’s professional. It’s got that early-2000s R&B polish that made it peak at number four on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Joe and Angie have a vocal chemistry that feels like a late-night conversation over expensive wine.
- The Calvin Richardson Cut: It feels more "Neo-Soul." There’s a raw, church-reared grit in Calvin’s voice that matches Angie’s smoky alto perfectly.
- The Joe Remix: It’s arguably more "radio-friendly." It’s the version that earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2003.
Honestly, both are essential. If you want to really appreciate the craft, you have to hear how Calvin’s more soulful delivery compares to Joe’s velvet-smooth runs. It’s a masterclass in how different personalities can completely shift the "vibe" of the exact same lyrics.
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Why the Song Still Matters in 2026
We lost Angie Stone in early 2025. It was a shock—a car accident in Alabama that took one of the most distinctive voices in Black music. Since then, there’s been a massive resurgence in people going back to listen to Angie Stone More Than a Woman.
Why does this specific song hold up when so many others from that era feel like "throwbacks"?
It’s the lack of gimmicks.
Producer Eddie Ferrell (Eddie F) and Darren Lighty didn't lean on heavy samples or aggressive programmed drums. They built a groove that sits in the pocket. It’s a song about mutual respect and "putting someone on"—about a woman who sees the potential in a man when he’s down and a man who recognizes she’s his backbone. In a world of "situationships," hearing two adults sing about being "more than a woman" or "more than a man" to each other feels like a radical act of love.
The Technical Brilliance of the Track
Angie Stone wasn't just a singer; she was a writer and an arranger. She understood frequency. On this track, she stays in her lower register, which allows the male vocal (whether it’s Calvin or Joe) to float over the top.
"I will do most anything just for you baby... my heart is like a shield."
The lyrics are simple, but the delivery is heavy. When you listen to Angie Stone More Than a Woman, notice the ad-libs in the final two minutes. That’s where the magic is. It’s not about hitting the highest note; it’s about the "stank" put on the notes you do hit. That’s the Neo-Soul ethos.
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How to Get the Full Experience
If you’re ready to dive back in, don't just settle for a low-bitrate stream.
- Find the "Stone Hits" Version: This is where you’ll typically find the Joe duet. It’s been remastered and sounds incredibly crisp.
- Compare the Music Videos: The visual for the song is a classic example of early 2000s aesthetics—soft lighting, beautiful skin tones, and a total focus on the artists' faces. It’s on YouTube and still looks great.
- Check Out the Live Versions: Angie was a beast on stage. There are several live recordings from her tours in Europe (specifically the North Sea Jazz Festival) where she extends the song into an 8-minute jam.
Most listeners forget that Angie Stone was a pioneer. She was rapping on Sugar Hill Records before most of today’s stars were born. By the time she got to "More Than a Woman," she was a veteran. You can hear that authority in every line. She isn't asking for love; she’s defining it.
Final Takeaway
To truly appreciate this track, you have to look past the "old school" label. It’s a piece of sophisticated R&B architecture. Whether you prefer the Richardson original or the Joe remix, the song remains a testament to Angie Stone’s ability to anchor a hit with nothing but soul and sincerity.
Go find the high-fidelity version of Mahogany Soul. Put on some decent headphones. Let that bassline hit your chest. You'll realize pretty quickly that they really don't make them like this anymore.
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Next Steps for the Soul Fan:
Start by queuing up the "Radio Edit" featuring Joe to hear the chart-topping chemistry, then immediately follow it with the original album version featuring Calvin Richardson to see how the song was originally intended to sound. For a deeper look into her legacy, seek out the 2025 tribute performances from the Jubilee Festival to hear how a new generation of artists is interpreting this classic.