British pop sensation Jessie J has made her long-awaited return to music with her first album in seven years, marking a significant comeback after facing numerous personal challenges.
A Journey Through Adversity
The East London artist, born Jessica Cornish, has endured what she describes as 'five years of personal upheaval' since her last album release. Now 37, Jessie J has channeled these experiences into her new work, creating what many are calling her most mature and reflective album to date.
Her recent struggles include being diagnosed with Ménière's disease in 2020, suffering a miscarriage in 2021, and undergoing a mastectomy this summer after being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. These health battles forced her to postpone an autumn tour, and she continues to await a second round of surgery.
The New Sound: Softer and More Confessional
Don't Tease Me With A Good Time represents a notable shift in musical direction for the artist who first burst onto the scene with her bold 2010 debut single Do It Like A Dude. The new album, produced with help from OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, showcases a more thoughtful and soulful side to her character.
Spanning 17 tracks across 50 minutes, the album opens with a series of confessional ballads that directly address her personal trials. On Feel It On Me, she sings about 'all the pain that comes with growing', while No Secrets tenderly explores the impact of her miscarriage with the poignant line: 'I lost my baby, but the show must go on, right?'
The album continues to delve into difficult themes with Comes In Waves and I'll Never Know Why, the latter dealing with the suicide of a close friend. Yet amidst the darkness, Jessie J finds moments of light, particularly on Believe In Magic where she suggests making love and listening to Sade as remedies for sorrow.
Looking Forward With Hope
The latter part of the album introduces more uptempo material, including the jazzy anthem California, which demonstrates that she hasn't lost her ability to deliver powerful vocal performances. Living My Best Life carries an optimistic message with the declaration: 'No more tears, I'm not wasting time being sad tonight.'
Particularly touching is Sonflower, a ballad dedicated to her two-year-old son Sky, born in 2023. The track reflects her resolve to bounce back and build a positive future. Meanwhile, Complicated offers an honest, year-by-year assessment of her roller-coaster career, admitting that in 2010 she 'didn't know what I was doing' and sang loudly to mask insecurity.
The album arrives today, and fans can look forward to seeing Jessie J perform these new songs live when she begins her UK tour on April 7, 2026, at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
