Jessie J delivers the best album of her career with ‘R.O.S.E.,’ issued uniquely as four four-song EPs: ‘Realisations,’ ‘Obsessions,’ ‘Sex,’ and ‘Empowerment.’    

British pop/R&B artist Jessi J did something unique – she released four four-song EPs in the span of four days (May 22-25, 2018).  R.O.S.E., is ultimately her fourth studio album, arriving in four separate parts. “R” is for Realisations, “O” is for Obsessions, “S” is for Sex, and “E” is for Empowerment.  After analyzing the four EPs of R.O.S.E. separately, we examine the complete, 16-track album.

R.O.S.E. (Realisations)

“Think About That”

“Remind me why I sing…Please / Bring it back to me.” Jessie J gets personal on R.O.S.E. (Realisations), the first of four four-song EPs that comprise her fourth studio album, ‘R.O.S.E.’ Interlude “Oh Lord” commences abruptly, in moody fashion. Jessie J sings in relatively low-key, yet expressive manner.  She reflects on being tired of the music business, working hard but feeling as if it’s for nothing.  Perhaps it’s not the most memorable track you’ll ever hear, she’s incredibly honest, makes valid points, and of course, gets a bit salty.

“I don’t wanna do this life anymore / I’m always fucking tired, I get so bored / I feel trapped and I hate that I’m insecure / Yeah, I work my arse off but what for?”

“All you disturb is my work and my patience / Years of grindin’, you took it, you broke it and all ‘cause you fake it.” “Think About That” features gorgeous production work by DJ Camper. What makes it shine is the lush piano and a mix of old-school, soulful drums and more modern, hip-hop oriented programming. Set in a minor key, J’s realisations continue to be angry as she sings of her disillusionment with the music business.

“Dopamine”

According to Jessie J, “Dopamine” is “The only drug real people can’t just take for free.”  On the socially-conscious number, she speaks about the current state of society, citing a number of bad situations.  On the first verse, she asserts, “The world is blowing up but we’re liking pictures.” On the second verse “Children being shot, so we hashtag something.”  All in all, it’s a thoughtful follow-up to “Think About That.”

“Please don’t be so cold, be patient while I grow / I wanna try, I won’t always get it right but I need you to know / To go easy on me.” “Easy on Me” is relatable, therapeutic, and thoughtful. While it’s the lengthiest record at five minutes, the messaging, all about individual growth at your own pace is pitch-perfect.  According to Jessie J, it’s among her favorites on R.O.S.E.

R.O.S.E. (Obsessions)

“Real Deal”

“You can’t deny the energy / That we got goin’ on / I know you feel the chemistry / This shit feels so strong.” On the banging “Real Deal,” Jessie J believes potentially she’s found the one.  She sings with energy, conveying the goodness and passion of the love (and sex).  Without a doubt, the sleek, minor-key “Real Deal” is the centerpiece of “O,” as well as one of the best songs from the entire album.  The production, chorus, and of course J’s vocal performance are the biggest selling points.

“Stay out my sun with your shady ass.” Jessie J is blunt on “Petty,” denouncing shady women of the world.  Throughout the slick, synth-driven cut, once more in a minor key, J asserts she wants no part of the pettiness of these ‘mean girls.’ “Petty, petty, petty ain’t the word for you,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “You got something else that you always do.”

“Not My Ex”

“But now you wanna love me, who knows what you’ll find / It won’t be easy, but I’m down for the ride / Just remember / You’re not my ex, no…” On “Not My Ex,” Jessie J can’t seem to get past being hurt in the past. On both of the verses, she details all the wrongs committed by her former flames.  Clearly, it’s still affecting her, but she ultimately signs on for another shot at love.  This moody single is among the highlights of R.O.S.E. The background vocals accentuate J’s lead superbly. Of course, those lead vocals are expressive – full of nuance and grit as it progresses.

“B-A-B-Y / This just changed my life / Can’t believe I, can’t believe I, can’t believe I don’t have time.” “Four Letter Word” is arguably the most personal records from the album as Jessie J sings about her desire to be a mother.  She wants to find the right person to ultimately conceive her child.  Arguably, the “O” section of R.O.S.E. has the strongest group of songs.

R.O.S.E. (Sex)

“Queen”

“Let’s get naked / Start meditating, feel elevated and say.” Given its royal title, “Queen” starts R.O.S.E. (Sex) off fiercely. Jessie J celebrates the beauty of women on the empowering opener.  It’s not without sex, but the message is more about encouraging women to appreciate themselves and not worry about societal views or the opinion of men.  The chorus is the centerpiece.

“I love my body, I love my skin

I am a goddess, I am a queen.”

On “One Night Lover,” Jessie J depicts a ‘friends with benefits’ situation. Things aren’t particularly serious in this relationship, as J and her friend hook up sometimes, but there’s no substance beyond the sex.  J, tired of this scenario, hence, asserts, “Just let me be / I can’t be your one-night lover.” Like “Queen,” there’s an element of empowerment that transcends just sex.  The production is slick, with electric piano leading the way, anchored by hard drums.

“Dangerous”

“Your silence drives me crazy / Talking with your hands gets me naked.” The Sex continues on “Dangerous,” where Jessie J characterizes her newfound man as dangerous.  Despite knowing he’s “trouble,” she admits, “the sex got me screaming hallelujah.” An expressive track, J sings passionately over the cool synths, soulful, rhythmic guitar, and the driving, throwback groove.

On “Play,” Jessie J is fueled by a classic, easily recognizable Cheryl Lynn sample, “Got to Be Real”. Yes, the original by Lynn is the standard, but Jessie does ‘work’ for sure, involving “show and tell.” It’s shallow, but this lustful, carefree joint is simply too good to resist, closing Sex out  with a bang (no pun intended).

R.O.S.E. (Empowerment)

“Glory”

“Welcome to this life / Every day and night / I can feel the lights / Hands up / Glory.” Ah R.O.S.E. (Empowerment) – homestretch baby! “Glory” opens with old-school, gospel-infused, soul production – let the empowerment begin!  While it maintains its vintage cues, “Glory” settles into a groovier, updated take on the genre.  The bass line is robust, the horns bite, and the groove cooks. Jessie J delivers breathy, rhythmic vocals on the verse, with her fair share of cutting vocal moments, soaring on the chorus, excerpted above.

“Rose Challenge,” a brief, instrumental, electric piano-fueled interlude, precedes “Someone’s Lady.”  On the jazzy piano ballad “Someone’s Lady,” simply put, Jessie J is looking to be loved.  She sings gorgeously as she spills out the desires of her heart over this four-and-a-half-minute number.  The second verse adds bass, while the only taste of percussion are wind chimes that appear within the final minute of the record.  A synth also appears towards the end, providing some variation.

“I Believe in Love”  

“I Believe in Love” concludes R.O.S.E.  Contrasting the more stripped “Someone’s Lady,” “I Believe in Love” is fuller in production, incorporating electric piano, synth horns, bass, and drum programming. The sound is an inviting blend of soul and contemporary gospel.  The runs and ad-libs by Jessie J stand out.  Even though she serves up some lovely nuances, she never over-sings in the least, maintaining just the right balance.

Final Thoughts 

As one album, R.O.S.E. has plenty of compelling moments.  What’s interesting is, if you take the best songs of each of the four EPs, Jessie J has arguably the best album of her career on her hands.  Even with the less elite numbers, there’s nothing that kills J’s vibe. R.O.S.E. is enjoyable, well-performed, and ultimately, well-conceived.

Gems: “Think About That,” “Dopamine,” “Real Deal,” “Petty,” “Not My Ex,” “Queen,” “Play,” “Glory” & “Someone’s Lady”

Jessie J • R.O.S.E. • Republic • Release: 5.25.18

Photo Credit: Republic