British singer Jessie J proved her chops once again on the American music scene with the Oct. 13 release of “Sweet Talker,” her third album. Known most recently for her collaboration with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj on the chart-topping “Bang Bang,” Jessie J first gained popularity in 2011 with singles “Price Tag” and “Domino.”
Across the pond, Jessie J is one of the UK’s biggest stars. For the first two seasons of “The Voice: UK,” she was a judge alongside Will.i.am and “It’s Not Unusual” legend Sir Tom Jones. Her first two albums, “Who You Are” and “Alive,” were resounding successes in the UK, certifying four-times platinum and gold. Now with her biggest debut in the United States yet to come, Jessie J offers American listeners her exceptional talent and range with “Sweet Talker.”
The album opens with a rap/R&B-infused “Ain’t Been Done.” It’s easy to believe her when she sings, “Can’t beat me I’m a show sharp winner/One of a kind, I’m original/I’m so ill, I’m gonna need a painkiller/Stealing the show like a criminal.”
The song, like much of the album, jumps from different genres, melodies and hooks with ease. Starting off with Jessie spitting rhymes like a pro, “Ain’t Been Done” transforms into an almost reggae-like foot-tapping anthem.
The most sizzling track is the aptly-titled “Burnin’ Up,” featuring 2 Chainz. Only two songs into the album, Jessie will already have listeners pressing replay. “Burnin’ Up” displays every trick Jessie has in her arsenal—and the result is spectacular. After the slow, mesmeric opening lines, the song erupts into the most danceable beat since Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” 2 Chainz’s rap verse is ace and the seamless compliment to Jessie’s soaring vocals.
It’s the perfect song for getting through that last mile on the treadmill, a night out at the club or just for dancing it out alone between study sessions. One thing’s for sure: it’s impossible to get through the song without breaking into an exhilarating sweat.
More highlights include the funk-throwback “Seal with a Kiss,” featuring De La Soul. With a beat reminiscent of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman,” Jessie J croons and swoons with this old-school-inspired track. Jessie shows her softer side with tracks like “Get Away” and “You Don’t Really Know Me” (available on the deluxe version of the album).
Stripping back all the production and focusing on her vocals shows off a talent few others can claim. While Jessie indulges in the conventions of many pop divas, she has the craft to back it up (she trained at the renowned BRIT School alongside Adele and Leona Lewis). “You Don’t Really Know Me,” especially, is the most personal song on the album and it’s clear through her raw, restrained performance.
This is what sets Jessie J apart from her contemporaries: watch any live performance, and, whether she’s alone in her room or in front of a stadium of fans, her immense talent will be clear. She has the chops to deliver a catchy chorus on any pop anthem, the rap skills to rattle off the slickest rhymes and the skilled restraint to offer a heartfelt, inspiring melody, all while staying true to her artistry.
With her new album, Jessie J gives her all and certainly does like it “ain’t been done.” As one of Britain’s greatest talents, Jessie J proves she is ready to go global with her success, and “Sweet Talker” is a perfect introduction.
“Sweet Talker” is available online and in stores now.
