Jessie J gets sensual on ‘R.O.S.E. (Sex),’ the third 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 penultimate piece of the puzzle, R.O.S.E. (Sex).

“Queen” 

“Let’s get naked / Start meditating, feel elevated and say.” Given its royal title, “Queen” fitting starts things 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.”

“One Night Lover” 

“You kiss my neck, then we fuck / Then you leave again / Who we fooling?” On “One Night Lover,” Jessie J depicts a ‘friends with benefits’ situation.  As evidenced by the aforementioned quote, 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.

“Play”

“Play” closes out Sex sexually – what did you expect? More than that, 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.  What better way to close out anything than with a bang?

Final Thoughts

Naturally, R.O.S.E. (Sex) is the most risqué part of R.O.S.E.  At times Jessie J is blunt – maybe too blunt. Still, she successfully conveys her points, particularly those of empowerment for women – and this isn’t even the “E” portion of R.O.S.E.!  Sex is an integral part of the quartet, and delivers more expressive, high-flying vocals from J, not to mention adding more worthwhile listens to her catalogue overall.

Gems: “Queen” & “Play”

Jessie J • R.O.S.E. (Sex) • Republic • Release: 5.24.18

Photo Credit: Republic