Jessie J details her ‘obsessions’ on ‘R.O.S.E. (Obsessions),’ the second of four four-song EPs that comprise 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’ll continue the journey with the second piece of the puzzle, 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.” Jessie J kicks off R.O.S.E. (Obsessions) with a bang. On “Real Deal,” an early single from the project, the soulful singer believes potentially she’s found the one.  Clearly, 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,” with the production, chorus, and of course J’s vocal performance being the biggest selling points.

“This could be the real deal (oh, yeah)

This could be the real deal (oh, yeah)

I don’t wanna waste it, take the risk and make it (oh, yeah)

Ain’t no need for fakin’, love is for the takin’ (we special)

This could be the real deal (oh, yeah)

This could be the real deal (oh, yeah).”

“Petty”

“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” 

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 yet another highlight of R.O.S.E. (Obsessions).  The background vocals accentuate J’s lead superbly. Of course, those lead vocals are expressive – full of nuance and grit as it progresses.

“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…

I’m falling for you, you’re falling for me

I won’t promise I won’t hurt again

I can promise we won’t be like them

I’m falling for you, you’re falling for me.”

“Four Letter Word”

“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.” Closing cut “Four Letter Word” is arguably the most personal record from R.O.S.E. (Obsessions).  Jessie J sings about her desire to be a mother.  She wants to find the right person to ultimately conceive her child:

“‘Cause someone’s right for me, waiting

To feel all my love and make you with me

I’ll never give up, even if it breaks me

Feels in my heart, we’ll meet one another

You’ll be my baby, and I’ll be your other.”

Final Thoughts

The progression of R.O.S.E. (Obsessions) is interesting.  “Real Deal” and “Petty” are both honest songs that feel authentic to Jessie J, while “Not My Ex” and especially “Four Letter Word” feel even more personal.  The “O” is R.O.S.E. is a solid group of four songs, and arguably gets a slight edge over “R” which precedes.

Gems: “Real Deal,” “Petty” & “Not My Ex”

Jessie J • R.O.S.E. (Obsessions) • Republic • Release: 5.23.18

Photo Credit: Republic