By: Elyse Ketura
Tuesday night at the Stone Rose Lounge in Los Angeles was jam packed with UMG execs and associates, drinking blissfully, while waiting in a standing room only, for the talented pipes of British sensation, Jessie J. Free cocktails were provided and named after her song titles in the order she sang them. The showcase was to celebrate her acceptance onto American turf and Universal Republic Recordings. Kelly Rowland was even in attendance to celebrate her friend’s American landing. Jessie J. finally enters the stage dressed in a punked out trendy outfit, complete with a cropped tee, tight leather shorts, sky-high stiletto heels and blunt haircut. She introduced herself with the most adorable British accent and then wowed us with one of the most powerful voices we had ever heard. She began her set with “Nobody’s Perfect,” a track discussing how she talked about someone behind his or her back and it came back to haunt her via karmic circle. The chorus breathes, “And I hate that I let you down, and I feel so bad about it, I guess karma comes back around, cuz I’m the one that’s hurting…” She then changed the mood to romance and passion with silky track, “LOVE.” Her range expands wide with the melody and chorus and graces us amorously. “Price Tag” seemed to be the crowd’s favorite, as we all vibed out to the Marley-influenced rhythm. This extremely uplifting track reminded us that it’s not about the money, but music lovers “just wanna make the world dance.” She then shocked us all with the powerfully strong, bluesy, “Aguilera on steroids” track, “Momma Knows Best.” Jessie J had this enormous ability to stretch her voice beyond what seemed to be her means and channeled the likes of all the greats, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, and Aretha Franklin. She finished the set with meaningful ballad, "Who You Are," another single, dealing with staying true to yourself always.
Her American single, “Do It Like a Dude,” which has the same concept of Ciara’s “Like A Boy,” comes in so hard, girly girls tune into their masculine side for the remainder of the track. The chorus rings, “I can do it like a brotha, do it like a dude, grab my crotch, wear my hat low like you!” The pulsating beat turns alternative rock fans into gangstas for approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds, and possibly forever if played on repeat.
Keep an eye out for her debut album coming soon!
