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.’

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 start with the first piece of the puzzle, R.O.S.E. (Realisations).

“Oh Lord”

“Remind me why I sing…Please / Bring it back to me.” Interlude “Oh Lord” commences R.O.S.E. (Realisations) 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?”

“Think About That” 

“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.

“You just laughed when I cried

Think about that

Who lives the real sacrifice?

Think about that.”

“Dopamine”

According to Jessie J, “Dopamine” is “The only drug real people can’t just take for free.”  “Dopamine” plays the role of the socially-conscious number from R.O.S.E. (Realisations). Essentially, 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,” arguably the crown jewel of R.O.S.E. (Realisations). 

“Easy on Me” 

“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.” R.O.S.E. (Realisations) closes with the relatable, therapeutic, and thoughtful “Easy on Me.” 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. It’s easy to see why.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does R.O.S.E. (Realisations) stack up? Ultimately, the “R” is R.O.S.E. is quite enjoyable and successful.  This particular EP works because Jessie J gets personal – there’s no BS here.  Like many artists with a socially-conscious song (“Dopamine”), it would be great to hear more potential solutions as opposed to merely discussing the problems.  That’s nitpicking of course.  Give Jessie J the credit she deserves.

Gems: “Think About That” & “Dopamine”

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

Photo Credit: Republic