By now, you’ve probably heard of British import Jessie J, but you may not be able pinpoint who exactly she is. Expect that to change, soon!
Already picked as an Rising Star, Jessie J is the U.K.’s latest buzzed-about singer/songstress, who has already in her career penned hits for Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Chris Brown, just to name a new. Now, it’s her turn to take center stage with the stateside release this past Tuesday of her debut CD, “Who You Are.”
Ms. J is a vocal-chameleon with an awe-inspiring range that will have you saying, “Wow,” in no time. Listening to her 13-track album, she keeps you on your toes delivering track after track that’s wildly different from the next — in fact, I couldn’t believe it was the same artist at some points! Jessie J is a dazzling and charming artist who keeps you interested and very entertained.
Blending rap lyrics, pop beats and a whole lotta soul, Jessie J has been making all the right stops, including performances on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Today,” and she has even earned kudos from none other than Justin Timberlake.
Teaming with one of music’s hottest current producers, Dr. Luke, “Who You Are” is an eclectic mash up of ballads and body-shakers including the radio-friendly sounds of lead single, “Price Tag.” (featuring B.o.B.), and the raunchy yet catchy and expletive-filled “Do It Like a Dude.”
Jessie J slows it down and showcases her R&B grooves on the ‘70s-esque “Casualty of Love,” with lines like, “So I’ll stand up tall and baby if I fall, then I’ll go down as a casualty of love.”
”Abracadabra” is the album’s most infectious track and embodies all of the qualities of a feel-good pop anthem. Another of the album’s winners is the biographical “Who’s Laughing Now,” in which she sings, “‘Hey Jessica, you’re so funny, you’ve got teeth just like Bugs Bunny,” obviously addressing her early critics.
The second song she performed on “SNL” was “Mamma Knows Best,” and this was the song that really put Jessie J on my radar. The track is an immaculate fusion of blues, soul and rock with a swinging band accompanying her powerful vocals.
Just when you thought there wasn’t a genre she hadn’t taken on, Jessie J channels her inner reggae goddess on the inspirational and uplifting “Stand Up,” in which she preaches, “Don’t think second best, be number one.”
Jessie J not only lives up to the hype, she bulldozes through musical boundaries. The only question is, since she’s so good at so many things, what comes next for Jessie J?
“Who You Are” is available in stores and on iTunes now.
— Anthony Ramos
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