I’ve always been a fan of Jessie J’s voice. She’s sultry, sexy and boisterous, without being too over the top. I kept waiting for her and her ex boyfriend, Luke James, to do some songs together. However, she has since moved on from that relationship. What happened? The singer has stated that she felt Luke James was just with her to gain clout in the music industry. Nevertheless, the end of that relationship has created her most introspective album to date. She just recently dropped her latest album, R.O.S.E. I love a great concept album and Jessie J has delivered just that with her new project. So, let’s dive in to each section of her latest album. 

Realisations 

R.O.S.E. is comprised of four EPs that melt together to tell one chilling narrative. In this first installment, Jessie J opts for bare bones tracks, airy melodies and down to earth lyrics. On “Oh Lord”, she’s pleading to God to give her a sign of why she first got into the music business. “Think About That” comes from a dark place of anger. Although her vocals are slick here, her words are jagged. She tells her lover, “Say it…you wanna be famous. Using my juice….”. By the time she really gets fed up, the production changes to a 90s esque, bass thumping groove. This definitely serves as one of the album’s stand out tracks.

“Dopamine” is just as intoxicating and just as irresistibly sexy. Ironically, the song speaks of the sick state of the world. I would love to hear her sing this one live. Something tells me it would be quite epic. “Easy On Me” serves as a reminder to herself to move at her own pace. This easily could have been a track from P!nk’s Missaundaztood album, but with Jessie J’s own special sauce. 

Obsessions

“Real Deal” is an edgy, street banger that finds Jessie J reminiscing about the feelings of budding love. The song effortlessly blends some elements of subtle pop, making it a no brainer radio track. “Petty” may sound like it’s speaking about an ex lover’s childish ways. Instead, the song details the fake women around her that posed as friends. The synth heavy song is a bit more aggressive than fans may be used to hearing from Jessie J. “Not My Ex” was actually released as a single late last year. The song cautions her new lover about her damaged past. At least she gave him fair warning. 

“Four Letter Word” takes a detour from the pain of love. She dives into a deeper void here; that of wanting to be a mother. The song details her deep yearning to one day have children. She’s as honest and transparent as ever here. This track rounds out the things that currently or at least at one time occupied much of her thoughts. 

Sex 

“Queen” is another single lifted from R.O.S.E. The song sensually celebrates women loving their bodies and the skin their in. Jessie J manages to deliver a sexy track that also tackles overcoming serious self image issues. “One Night Lover” is about an ex who won’t leave her alone. She scolds herself for constantly taking him back….just for that one night. This one is definitely a sleeper ladies anthem. Songs like this showcase Jessie J’s extreme vulnerability through her music. This is territory she has entered before, but now she’s diving in head first. 

“Dangerous” is an internal struggle against a powerful, magnetic attraction and the flashing red lights of a man that means her no well. Still, she doesn’t think she can stay away. This is one of the few uptempo tracks on the album. The song could easily be played in clubs, but avoids that dreaded bubblegum pop feel. “Play” is a catchy, innocent spin on the Cheryl Lynn classic, “Got To Be Real”. This is the only song that Jessie J didn’t pen (and it shows). However, every album needs a lighthearted, feel good track and this is definitely it. 

Empowerment

The final installment of the album kicks in with a heavy, vintage feel on “Glory”. The brassy, soulful feel would make Donna Summer proud. “Someone’s Lady” is an instant classic. Jessie J delicately explains her plight of needing to be loved. The song is somber, soft and honest all in one breath. Backed by just a piano, Jessie J shines brightest on songs like this. I would love to hear her do a jazz infused album with songs like this. 

“I Believe In Love” sums up all of Jessie J’s struggles in one track. She is still optimistic for love and respects its power. Our greatest hurts often produce our biggest successes. Here’s to hoping that R.O.S.E. gets the recognition it really deserves.  Jessie J has truly outdone herself this time.