Jessie J – Sweet Talker

Sweet Talker is Jessie J’s third studio album and demonstrates her continual growth as both a songwriter and vocalist. She has shown her clear understanding of music, the music industry and the intricacies of being a singer as judge on The Voice and on this album she puts that knowledge to good use. She is thoroughly in touch with her vocal abilities and knows how to use them to greatest effect.

It starts strong with the raw Ain’t Been Done, belting out her determination but with an underlying layer of tenderness. She conveys emotion so well, somehow managing to keep great control of the stunning range of the instrument that is her voice, while exposing her vulnerability, and this is the best use of her voice.

The album is a great exploration of the various sides of Jessie’s personality, both in its style and subject matter. Topics include heartache, overcoming insecurity and being a self-sufficient woman. A range of musical influences is also evident on the album, take the 90s R&B sounding Seal Me with a Kiss and Keep us Together. The former features a modernised sample of De La Soul’s Me, Myself and I with an appearance from the group, which adds a suave authenticity to the track. Said Too Much begins with an ominous 80s synth that forms an apt base for the gut-wrenching heartache of the track.

Previous single Bang Bang is an unapologetically bombastic track co-starring current chart dominatrixes Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande. For a song that is essentially about being the hottest girl in the room, there is a certain level of solidarity between the women, as they all present equal confidence and ferocity that somehow lets you as a listener feel that you are part of their sisterhood.

Jessie J seems to be a woman who is has a great understanding of herself and her emotions. She is still working on herself, but also confident and strong and unapologetic in her journey. It is this honesty that makes the album such a powerful and inspirational listen.

Yassine Senghor

Sweet Talker was released on 13^th October 2014, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Burning Up here: