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Music Musings

Music Musings: The 8 Best Jessie J Songs That You Don’t Know

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British pop icon Jessie J is back on US airwaves with the smash hit Bang Bang. But for many stateside, the girl-power trio is essentially a re-introduction for fans that have either never heard or don’t recognize her. The singer-songwriter just released information about her upcoming third album, entitled Sweet Talker, which is set to hit the US market this fall. But if you are so one who is unfamiliar with Jessie J, here is a post to help you play “catch up” with some of her other pop hits.

8.  Excuse My Rude 

How or why this song was never made into a single is a puzzling question.  Off of her 2nd album Alive (which is yet to be released in the United States), this track is full of attitude-laced fun, and somewhat reminiscent of Jessie J’s first single Do It Like A Dude… only this song is better.  Besides the original track above, be sure to check out the EPIC jazz-infused acoustic version she did on BBC Radio 1…

7. Abracadabra

This is a song from the singer’s first album Who You Are, and one listen reveals that it had some definite potential in the states.  With an infectious beat and soaring vocal, it’s a great track that would’ve seemingly been fit for R&B radio.

6. Keep Us Together

Now confirmed for Jessie J’s latest effort Sweet Talker, the classic R&B track is destined to become an immediate favorite. It’s hard-driving beat and nice sing-along feel suggest high single potential for US urban markets.  The above clip is of Jessie singing the song live over the summer.

5. Mamma Knows Best

This Who You Are  track is impressive enough on the recording, but when Jessie J sings it live, it literally knocks your socks off. Music stars across the globe praise Jessie J for her incredible live performance skills, and ‘Mamma’ proves a great vehicle to show them off.

4. Nobody’s Perfect

This song was one of 7 singles released for the UK from Who You Are, but never made it to the US airwaves. An edgy rock tune, once again Jessie’s powerful message and lyrics shine through.

3. Thunder

For some reason, this song take as a major single in Europe, but that fact shouldn’t diminish the power within this 80s-infused track. It’s a great song that reveal lots of personal growth and reflection that the singer chose to share with the world.  Jessie J herself has described Thunder as a prayer to God.

2. Big White Room

Big White Room is a very special song to the people that know it. It was written when Jessie J reflected on being hospitalized for stroke, and in her room, had to deal with the death of child staying in the same hospital room. For such a heavy subject matter, the power of Jessie’s vocals carries the listener through what was a very intense journey.  Yet another testament to This singer’s talent for live performance, the album track on Who You Are is from an acoustic concert… just live vocals and acoustic guitar.

1.  Who You Are

The title of the singer’s first album has also become very special to her fans. It’s a positive message that speaks to people when they are going through a rough time, or struggling with trying to be someone they are not. Another example of how the performer’s incredible voice and songwriting skills merge to form an epic result.

 

Music Musings

Music Musings: Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj– BANG BANG

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In today’s music industry, it’s rare to find a talent like British singer-songwriter Jessie J. Her gifts lie in solid melodic composition, a wealth of pop music knowledge and versatility. She’s a well-known presence throughout the music industry, having written Miley Cyrus chart-topper Party in the USA, and other hits for artists like Chris Brown. But her greatest gift by far is a unique voice, which can only be closely described as the power of Patti Labelle combined with the agile melismatic skills of Whitney Houston. But even comparisons to those singers don’t quite fit Jessie J.

And fitting in, at least for marketing to US audiences, has been the issue. Of course she is not entirely without her successes in the United States.  Her song Domino reached Number 6 on the Billboard charts, and she had another significant worldwide hit with ‘Price Tag‘…  both of which came from her debut album Who You Are.  But due to a string of bad decisions by her management, most Americans know very little about her or her incredible talent.  While finding great success in countries like Brazil and her native UK, the artist has struggled to even have the chance of releasing music stateside.  In fact, the singer’s entire second album Alive has yet to be brought into the US market.

After a rocky road, Jessie J is giving US fans another go.  This week, her new co-single Bang Bang with fellow pop stars Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj was released worldwide, and was an immediate success.  Thus far, the song has already skyrocketed to Number 1 on US iTunes, as well as 20 other countries, cementing its status as a certified hit.

The tune is a fun romp into the world of pop collaboration (something surprisingly missing so far in 2014), and could be destined to become one of this decade’s “girl power” anthems.  All three ladies bring their best on this fiery track, but instead of being a vocal duel, the trio manages a fair level of cohesiveness.  Jessie J and Ariana Grande both have a great show of their respective vocal skills, while Nicki Minaj almost steals the show with her rapid fire rap. It’s a great song for the summer.

Besides the official record, Jessie J did a live acoustic version of Bang Bang. With just her and guitarist Lewie Allen Jessie J proves her worth as one of today’s best pop singers, navigating massive registration shifts with utmost precision and clarity. As Vibe magazine said when tweeting out the video, “she kills it.” Check out the track below.

Here is the record version with partners in crime Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj…