Jessie J: Sweet Talker

Releasing her third album within three years, Jessie J is fast following the likes of pop artists such as Rihanna in turning out albums by the year. With such a rapid turnaround it becomes a little difficult to distinguish each individual body of work, in the case of Jessica Cornish, and instead only recognise hit singles. Of course teaming up with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande seems to be earning Cornish the more widespread recognition she had previously fallen short of receiving in the US. For fans of Jessie J, “Bang Bang” built up great anticipation for the rest of the album but was arguably the only actual highpoint of the record. It can’t be denied that Cornish does have the talent but strays towards disappointing theatrics with her voice by warbling with pitch and then at points belting out lyrics that just comes across as forced. Examples of this are in the attempted ballads of the album “Masterpiece” and “Personal.” It appears with all these theatrics that she is desperately trying to make her mark as one of the big pop voices of the decade but mainly has succeeded in doing so, so far because of strong collaborations.

The next single off the album “Burnin’ Up” featuring 2 Chainz is trying desperately to keep up the momentum following the success of “Bang Bang.” It will of course be a hit due to its dance floor catchy-ness but doesn’t have the longevity of a great pop song to not become slightly grating after a few listens. Trailing on from what seems to be formulaic noughties pop down to deliberate the heavy breathing, with lyrics like “subliminal sex…losing my breath” the song doesn’t really do anything new or impressive.

Joining up Lindsay Stirling, of YouTube fame, on “Loud” sees Cornish touting the usual message against her ‘haters’ that really seems to become a trademark ever since “Who’s Laughing Now” from her first album; “Instead of singing at friends I’m talking over enemies.” “Ain’t Been Done” similarly states what has become a tired message that “This one’s for the non-believers.” If Jessie J toned down the constant, unnatural vocal theatrics it might come across as much less forced and manufactured pop, in her effort to reach the same global levels of success as the Rihannas and Beyoncés. Instead her global success would be much less contrived and more gradual than trying to scramble for lasting worldwide recognition in only three years without any kind of originality.

Rating: 4.0/10

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