Jessie J uplifts on ‘R.O.S.E. (Empowerment),’ the fourth and final four-song EP that comprises her fourth studio album, ‘R.O.S.E.’

British pop/R&B artist Jessi J did something unique – she released four four-song EPs in the span of four days.  R.O.S.E., is ultimately her fourth studio album, arriving in four separate parts. “R” is for Realisations (British spelling btw).  “O” is for Obsessions.  “S” is for Sex – shocker. Finally, “E” is for Empowerment.  We complete the journey with the final piece of the puzzle, R.O.S.E. (Empowerment).

“Glory”

“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.

“Welcome to this life

Every day and night

I can feel the lights

Hands up

Glory

I will stand and fight

Gotta do what’s right

I can feel the lights

Hands up

Glory.”

“Someone’s Lady” 

“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.

“Oh love

I just want to be someone’s lady

Oh love

Nobody’s lovin’ on me lately.” 

“I Believe in Love”  

“I Believe in Love” concludes the Empowerment.  Contrasting “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 

The R.O.S.E. is complete, sigh – the experience is over.  R.O.S.E. (Empowerment) concludes the four-song/four-EP effort enjoyably and ultimately soundly. Is the “E” as exciting as the “R” was? Eh, not as much.  Even though Jessie J has done something unique by splitting her album into parts, by the fourth EP, there’s still some ‘wear,’ despite the fact that she continues to deliver quality.  Naturally, Empowerment closes, but arguably her most interesting songs appear on the previous EPs.

Gems: “Glory” & “Someone’s Lady”

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

Photo Credit: Republic