[REVIEW] Jesse Ware - Tough Love
By: Inaara Sumar
Jessie Ware's Tough Love marks a bolder, more vulnerable pop sound that while slightly cheesy, is definitely worth listening to. This is thanks to Ware's kaleidoscopic take on modern love, something that has been a consistent theme in her works in the past. By incorporating her own romantic history, Ware produces a soulful record that will leave listeners anxious for more.
For those unfamiliar, Jessie Ware has built her musical career throughout the years by collaborating and studying with other musical artists. For example, Ware began singing backup vocals for Jack Penate prior to her first release in 2013 and eventually collaborated with artist Miguel farther down the road. Because of these collaborations, Ware's musical influences go beyond what most musicians are exposed to and range from R&B and hip hop, to pop and electronic.
Though her mix of pop, R&B, and electronic influences are still evolving, Jesse Ware proves that her music goes beyond genre stereotypes. The record starts off with “Tough Love,” a track that beautifully yet subtly showcases Wares vocal talents, with an old-school feel that works to enhance the romantic themes on the album. Continuing through the track list, “Cruel” pulls on the listeners’ heart strings with its ethereal string section, while “Sweetest Song” doesn’t miss a beat with its groovier, more rhythmic style.
While Ware is known for exploring themes of love through a more experimental sound, in some cases she may have taken this experimentation a bit too far. For example, “Keep on Lying” features gospel-style back-up vocals that feel out of place. Similarly, “All On You” seems to channel an experimental jazz vibe that pairs poorly with Ware's soft, electronic pop sound. Although I personally have always had an appreciation for Ware’s natural ability to stray from the mainstream pop scene, I think these choices were a step in the wrong direction.
All in all, Tough Love proves that Jesse Ware still has plenty of room to grow as an artist. However, given her ability to use love as a seemingly endless source of inspiration, I am not at all worried. Tough Love is a more honest and bolder take on love than her last record and I would recommend taking a listen if innovative pop is what you’re after.
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