★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
It the unfortunate age of overused Auto-Tune and focus on dance beats, it appears the music world has forgotten about whether a performer can actually sing. Luckily, British darling Jessie J has the incredible pipes that would impress any listener. Her work so far, 2011's Who You Are and 2013's Alive, is criminally underrated, but she's been working to change that with the recent release of her third album, Sweet Talker.
Though mainly known for her huge smash "Domino", few are quick to realize just what a full force talent Jessie J is. From her impressive songwriting skills to killer vocal performances, the new album sets a path for pop radio takeover. Preceded by two hit singles already, "Bang Bang" feat. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and "Burnin' Up", the new album is the perfect representation of a delicious pop evolution for the UK native.
Jessie J wastes no time, proclaiming shes's going to do it like it's never been done before on "Ain't Been Done", a fast-paced, almost rap-like performance similar to the artist's debut effort. She's out to break recorders, prove the non-believers wrong, and the song certainly sets the bar for her doing just that. The pop track is edgy, the progression suits the artist's vocal delivery and becomes a fun, fierce statement of confidence.
Second single "Burnin' Up" is just as fiery as the lead offering with Jessie J taking a new, seductive approach to pop music. Opening up with some 80's western sounding production, the artist comes out of the door swinging with a glorious, hard-hitting performance that remains top notch throughout the nearly four minute track. In between heavy breathes, Jessie is able to belt seductive, red hot lyric with 2 Chainz along for the ride with an impressive rap verse.
The title track, "Sweet Talker", changes the pace and tone of the album for a slower, midtempo vibe. Jessie J takes her vocals down a few notches, but even then, they still are able to shine brighter than many artists on the radio today. "You ain't got to look like a movie star, cuz boy you're so sweet, you can have it all," the artist innocently sings on the verses of the R&B leaning track.
With Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj in featured guest roles, "Bang Bang" became Jessie J's biggest hit to date for good reasons. The critically-acclaimed number is a firecracker of a song, with a little more jazz inspiration than the rest of the album. Though it seems like the three females sound to be aiming for top billing, Jessie eventually comes out on top of the horn-driven smash that people could not escape.
"Fire" opens with gorgeous strings and soft vocals from Jessie J, becoming the first true ballad off the new effort. The production, not as immediately catchy as preceding tracks, does a great job to set a tone and continue building until the listener is completely focused on the show-stopping vocals of the artist. The flame of a relationship is important to Jessie J, as she sings of her lover to make sure it never goes out.
Tempo remains the same on another touching ballad, "Personal", a song where Jessie J needs no crazy dance beat or attention-grabbing hook to shine. The artist stated she let her defensive guard down for the album, and it shows in the intimate songwriting of sharing one's most personal stories with complete strangers. She's hurt, she's drinking and she just needs someone to talk to.
A strong contender for single three, "Masterpiece" combines the two sides to Jessie J's music personality, the hard-hitting and the self-esteem motivator. "No, you haven't seen the best of me, I'm still working on my masterpiece," the artist sings, presumably speaking of the critics she has faced during her short career. It's slightly vulgar, it's incredibly encouraging, and the vocalist sounds absolutely amazing.
Jessie J gives into the funk flavor on the delicious throwback, "Seal It With A Kiss". The bright moment, featuring De La Soul, sounds reminiscent of 90s Mariah Carey, but Jessie holds her own while hitting impressive high notes in the process. The finished product sets itself apart from the rest of the track list, in fun, unique way. It even sounds fresh and new when compared to the pop fluff crowding the radio right now.
The opening verse may have its share of missteps, a couple of problems in terms of songwriting, but "Said Too Much" does become an enjoyable listen in the end. Though not the highlight of the album, that incredible, unexpected pop hook moment does all the hard work and is one hard to escape. "I think you might've said too much, sorry isn't good enough," Jessie J belts on the somber breakup track.
Many reviews of the new album negatively single out "Loud", probably because it's aimed at the harsh critics of Jessie J's career. The artist tragically asks why she must seek out the love of jaded music writers when ever though she's at the top of her game, it's unfortunately never good enough. With strings provided by Lindsay Stirling, the song becomes a convincing, well-sung statement to all of the haters.
"Keep Us Together" has some R&B influence to it, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys definitely comes to mind, as Jessie J speaks of the hope that the love is strong enough to get through all the rain and arguments. The song is uptempo, upbeat and sweet even though the subject matter may not be the most optimistic. It's another sound for the artist where she is completely capable of excelling.
The standard edition of the album closes with the heartbreaking "Get Away", another slow number where the artist sings of the sad end of a relationship. "How's this a different kind of love?, it used to be saving us, now it's just breaking us," Jessie J sings on a hook filled with intense emotion and sentiment. Ultimately another ballad, the song seems to be the perfect closer for the artist's new effort.
For the deluxe edition, three more great tracks are tacked on. "Your Loss I'm Found" is an experimental, slightly rock-sounding effort for Jessie J which will definitely be the scorned lover's send off for the one who did them wrong. Things get more bouncy and poppy on "Strip", an uptempo number that would sound perfect for any runway strut. It's carefree and fun. Finally, "You Don't Really Know Me" may have the most tragic underlying meaning of all the songs. Sung in the context of a girl who wears a smile, but is depressed on the inside, it is unfortunate and tear-inducing.
Sweet Talker is the third official studio album, second to be released in the U.S., from the astounding talent that is Jessie J. While the first two singles screamed for radio airplay due to their catchy, infectious nature and seductive charm, the rest of the album plays to the artist's noticeable strengths, her ability to convey every emotion with her powerhouse vocal performances. Critics want to call her out for not showing a definite identity, but that is far from true. She may not have wrote every song on the effort, however, Jessie J is able to dive into heartbreak and triumph at once and come out of her ordeals stronger and successful.
Tracks to Hear: "Burnin' Up", "Personal", "Masterpiece" and "Seal Me With A Kiss"
0 Yorumlar