With her feisty attitude and unique style, Jessie J burst onto the
scene in the winter of 2011 with her debut album Who You Are. The record is a diverse collection of songs, blending
elements of R&B and pop to create a sound she can call her own. Beyond the
slick production values of the album, Who
You Are strives to be a showcase of Jessie J’s powerful vocals and
songwriting skills.
First and foremost, Who You Are is
an accessible album that seems eager to please. Its lead single, “Do It Like A
Dude,” takes inspiration from R&B superstar Rihanna. With its grinding
guitar and thumping beat, Jessie J lays into the track with satisfying but
predictable sassiness. The smash hit “Price Tag” fares better. Its laid back
composition and smooth vocals are infectious. Its message is simple and clichéd
but remarkably relevant. She also uses her music to fight back against critics.
The most biting track in this collection is the anti-hater track “Who’s
Laughing Now.” The song is a standard pop track but its lyrics and Jessie J’s
attitude make it a standout. “Abracadabra” is another radio-friendly tune with
a breezy pop arrangement. A major standout on the album is the Dr.
Luke-produced bonus track “Domino.” It is sugary in its infectiousness,
illustrating Jessie J’s mainstream appeal perfectly. While many tracks on the
album seem intent on becoming hits, Jessie J refuses to ‘sell out’ and stands
strongest on the downtempo songs. The acoustic ballads “I Need This” and “Who
You Are” serve as affecting showcases for Jessie J’s husky vocals and incredible
range. The latter is a particularly poignant anthem about embracing oneself. The
message of self-empowerment filters throughout the album and it is illustrated
no more beautifully than on this simple ballad. That said, Jessie J is at her
best on the live track “Big White Room.” Stripped of the magic of the studio, “Big
White Room” is the perfect marriage of an acoustic guitar, a big voice and a
receptive audience. Jessie J’s range on the track is impressive and it proves
that she is more than just some disposable pop diva.
It’s safe to say that Jessie J goes all-out on her debut album. Who You Are is impressive in its ability
to adapt to mainstream trends as well as to more unusual sounds. While it has
its share of filler, the album does its job of showing off Jessie J’s
incredible vocals and unique persona. This singer/songwriter is singularly
talented and Who You Are serves as a
welcoming introduction to the British pop diva known as Jessie J.
Recommended Listening: “Price
Tag,” “Abracadabra,” “Big White Room,” “Who’s Laughing Now,” “Do It Like a
Dude,” “I Need This,” “Who You Are,” “Domino”
Grade: B
