Despite bagging her first Grammy nomination for Bang Bang (with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj) for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and losing to Christina Aguilera, Jessie J (pictured) has clearly found her Masterpiece with her third album, Sweet Talker.
Like Lady Gaga, Jessie J has a distinct sense of style and an out-there personality to match. Of course, both icons do travel in different leagues as far as the success gauge goes.
But Jessie J has certainly dug her heels into the international music scene.
The British singer-songwriter, who, earlier in her career, wrote for the likes of Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus, has become a paparazzi magnet since Do It Like A Dude and Domino – taken off her debut album, Who You Are – propelled her into the limelight in 2011.
From shaving her head to announcing her bisexuality before, three years later, renouncing it, she certainly got tongues wagging.
With her celebrity on the rise, she gained even more confidence when she unveiled Alive. Her sound was safe, in that she didn’t stray too far from what fans expected, and it leaned towards the pop-dance and hip hop side.
However, she garnered mixed responses from the critics. Some loved and applauded her undertaking while others lambasted her for it. But, despite it all, one thing was certain – she had come into her own in terms of her level of confidence and owning the stage.
Sweet Talker, her third outing, is, for me, her most transcendent album to date.
In an interview with Grammy.org, she opened up about the genesis of Sweet Talker.
She said: “It kind of really represents me and my life right now. I’m 26, I’m a woman. I enjoy being confident and free and sexy. For me, (the album is) pop with a soul, gospel edge.”
And in another interview, she said that this album came together more organically. There were no demands, as it were, on her vocal delivery. And it definitely shows with Bang Bang (featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj) and Burnin’ Up (featuring 2 Chainz) making quite a big noise.
Looking damn hot – in a more sophisticated light – Jessie J has set a new trend with an album that taps into her inner sanctum, laying bare her lessons in life and love.
CD REVIEW: PICK OF THE WEEK
JESSIE J
Sweet Talker
****
Keeping it Loud and proud.
I’m seriously gaga over this 12-track album.
Fans are au fait with Jessie J’s prowess as a singer – she can belt out those vocals. But Sweet Talker confirms that she has been holding out on us – especially when she tackles those love songs. Hmm, I do wonder if being in a relationship has incentivised those tunes.
Yes, Jessie J appeases with an impressive selection of infectious beats. Crowd-pleasers at a club are definitely Burnin’ Up, Bang Bang and Loud. And if you listen to the album in the car, best you make sure you don’t have an audience when you are having your party-for-one SingStar moment.
Where Jessie J really catches listeners off guard, though, is when she slips into those soulful, heart-melting ballads, reflecting on life, her past mistakes and relationships.
Masterpiece echoes both vulnerability and strength. It is a truly empowering track.
The ballad that has proven to be most haunting is Get Away.
Jessie J is many things on this album.
One thing is certain, though, she is on Fire. – Debashine Thangevelo