The voice that spawned a legion of copycats, Jessie Ware is a phenomenally talented singer, songwriter and all-round great person. Born and raised in London, she released her debut album ‘Devotion’ back in 2012. The follow-up (and my first experience of her) ‘Tough Love’ came two years later.
She came highly recommended by an incredible musician and tutor of mine. You can imagine how excited and impressed I was when I first got to hear her myself! The album was compared to ‘Prince at his minimalist 80’s best’ by Pitchfork, and I have to agree. I still catch myself singing ‘Kind Of…Sometimes…Maybe’ while drumming on a desk. Outstanding.
Back Even Stronger
She took some very much deserved time off to have a child, but has returned with the new single ‘Midnight’. It’s from her as of yet untitled third album, expected to be released this year. Described as ‘fantasy mixed with complete and utter desire’ prior to release, it was first played on Annie Mac’s radio show on Radio 1. Alongside with an interview with Jessie that showed what she had been up to over the past few years, it’s well worth a listen.
It’s a great track! Her voice is on such incredible form, really highlighting the power and control she has over her entire range. Starting with an ethereal instrumental backing and falsetto vocals, the track kicks into another level with the next section, ‘Maybe I Love You’. It’ll have the shyest amongst you bobbing your head along in approval. The ‘Don’t Let Me…’ ascending vocal line surprises and excites me every time I hear it!
For me, this is at the same time vintage Jessie Ware and a bold explorative new direction for her. Jessie recognises this herself, saying it’s ‘the song I’ve always wanted to be able to sing but perhaps didn’t have the confidence to until now’. If this is anything to go by, the rest of the album is likely to be on similarly insane levels of vocal mastery, filled with soulful yet contemplative songs and heartfelt thought provoking lyricism.
The single was released on July 28th through Island Records, and is currently available to purchase and stream through all usual platforms. Jessie is returning to perform in London in September, with shows at the Islington Assembly Hall from the 4th to the 8th.
He discovered the gem when he was 12 years old and still has it now, claiming it to be why he fell in love with music. He likes to play disc golf when he's not writing about music. He is a one-of-a-kind individual who is always the first to bust out his air guitar on the dance-floor.
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