Review: Jessie Ware’s ‘Superbloom’ Embraces Disco but Lacks Dramatic Intensity
Jessie Ware’s sixth studio album, Superbloom, solidifies her reputation as a modern disco icon, following the success of her 2020 release What’s Your Pleasure?. The new record leans heavily into playful, retro-inspired sounds, evoking the era of big hair and vibrant dance floors. Tracks like Sauna feature steamy, innuendo-laden lyrics reminiscent of Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, marking a shift from ethereal love ballads to soulful explorations of lust. However, the review criticizes the album for its understated drama and lack of emotional tension. While polished and suitable for club settings, the absence of conflict in songs like I Could Get Used To This results in a listening experience that feels somewhat flat compared to Ware’s previous work. Exceptions include Don’t You Know Who I Am?, which blends empowerment with heartbreak in the style of Donna Summer. Ultimately, the album receives two and a half out of five stars, praised for its production but noted for missing the incredulous heartache that would better showcase Ware’s powerful vocals. It is recommended for fans of Chic and Evelyn Champagne King, though some tracks are deemed skippable due to their repetitive nature.
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Review: Jessie Ware’s ‘Superbloom’ Embraces Disco but Lacks Dramatic Intensity
Jessie Ware’s sixth studio album, Superbloom, solidifies her reputation as a modern disco icon, following the success of her 2020 release What’s Your Pleasure?. The new record leans heavily into playful, retro-inspired sounds, evoking the era of big hair and vibrant dance floors. Tracks like Sauna feature steamy, innuendo-laden lyrics reminiscent of Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, marking a shift from ethereal love ballads to soulful explorations of lust. However, the review criticizes the album for its understated drama and lack of emotional tension. While polished and suitable for club settings, the absence of conflict in songs like I Could Get Used To This results in a listening experience that feels somewhat flat compared to Ware’s previous work. Exceptions include Don’t You Know Who I Am?, which blends empowerment with heartbreak in the style of Donna Summer. Ultimately, the album receives two and a half out of five stars, praised for its production but noted for missing the incredulous heartache that would better showcase Ware’s powerful vocals. It is recommended for fans of Chic and Evelyn Champagne King, though some tracks are deemed skippable due to their repetitive nature.
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