Grade: 88/100
Let’s take a minute to review Nick Jonas’ career.
Jonas started as a teeny bopper with his two brothers in the Jonas Brothers. The band was a huge success among teens and led to multiple albums and an acting career including Disney’s “Camp Rock” and “Jonas L.A.”.
After working with his brothers, Jonas branched out on his own with his band Nick Jonas and the Administration. The band put out one album but then quickly dissipated, and Jonas fell into stage acting with a leading role on Broadway in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”
So basically, the guy has been around the entertainment block.
Now, Jonas has returned to his music roots, but instead of with a band, has released an album as a solo act.
The self-titled record shows Jonas’ growth as a singer and musician. Many performers who started in their early teens or were owned by the Disney empire are following this trend.
Miley Cyrus with “Bangerz,” Demi Lovato with “Demi” and Taylor Swift with “1989” are a few examples of artists who have done what Jonas has just completed.
Jonas’ album is much more pop than when he began Nick Jonas and the Administration. However, he doesn’t create bubblegum pop, but instead, exactly what pop is supposed to be — something that is light and easy to listen to, but also serious and meaningful when the tempo slows down.
Jonas creates fun dance hits with his songs “Chains,” “Jealous,” “Teacher” and “Wilderness”. Some of Jonas’ songs have already created radio presence. His fast tempo sounds may be pop, but still sound much more mature than Jonas has ever created.
The songs deal with relationships, sex and love in a grown-up manner, as opposed to puppy love which is what Jonas previously produced with and without his brothers.
The slow tempo songs also produce an older sound.
Unlike his upbeat tracks, these songs deal with breakups or complicated relationships, something Jonas’ now older audience can appreciate.
Songs like “Take Over,” “Push,” “I Want You” and “Nothing Would Be Better” showcase Jonas’ lyrical range along with emotion. There’s meaning behind every word Jonas sings, making the songs even more enjoyable to listen to.
The record also includes collaboration tracks with childhood friend Lovato, newcomer Angel Haze and R&B singer Mike Posner. Out of the three collaboration tracks, “Closer” with Posner has to be the best and most unexpected one.
Jonas’ album is a surprising hit all credited to his mature sound and lyricism.