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★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
Talk about maturing! From his early days as a young Christian crooner to his successful run with the Jonas Brothers, alongside real life siblings, Joe and Kevin, youngest brother Nick Jonas has definitely grown up with his second official self-titled album, which has slightly been overshadowed by the artist's recent desire to be photographed in the buff. With a Parental Advisory sticker on the cover, listeners are in for an R&B-laced trip of seduction.
Preceded by two official singles, "Chains" and "Jealous", along with a few other promotional offerings, the new album plays well to Jonas' smooth and charming vocal performances throughout the 11-track project. Instead of the uptempo, sugary pop tracks we heard from the Jonas Brothers, Nick has gravitated towards a more urban sound similar to the early solo work of Justin Timberlake. Many young artists grow up while in the music industry, Nick seems to be doing it properly.
Opening with original lead single, "Chains", the youngest Jonas brother introduced a new musical style and sound that immediately set itself apart from his previous work. With a slick, drum-driven beat, Jonas, at times giving his best Justin Timberlake impression, sings of a relationship that has him feeling lost with a few S&M metaphors thrown in to show he is experienced enough to speak of the subject matter.
"Jealous", the effort's second single, does not only dip its feet in the R&B territory, but also contains some funky, 80s-inspired influences as Nick glides effortlessly across some infectious mid-tempo beats that would sounded refreshing on the radio airwaves. "Cause you're too sexy, beautiful and everybody wants a taste, that's why I still get jealous," Jonas croons on an insanely catchy chorus.
Officially announced as the album's third single, "Teacher" is a Prince-sounding throwback as Nick sings of showing his woman how to love, presumably in the bedroom. Surrounded by an 80s flare and infectious horns, the new single catches the listener's attention within the first few notes and refuses to let go. The chorus, featuring great vocals, definitely becomes the highlight, ready for future radio domination.
Nick gets a little more serious on the encouraging and slightly personal "Warning", where the artist talks of being imprisoned in a cage, ready to break free. The verses are well-written and enlightening, but it's the pop-leaning chorus which truly makes the song stand out from the crowd. Showcasing a different musical direction and a great performance, listeners will find the track enjoyable.
The singers takes everything "back to basics" on the thumping "Wilderness". Ultimately a caveman-inspired sex jam, Jonas strives for one thing on the catchy effort, to satisfy his carnal desire. "Naked as the day we were born, did you know it could feel like this," the artist questions on the song's hook. It's a funk/R&B hybrid that will leave many men and woman swooning over the 22-year-old.
Featuring underrated rapper Angel Haze, "Numb" sounds confident and sultry on the surface, but the R&B/hip-hop cut reveals the aftermath of a devastating breakup. Co-written by Mike Posner, the smart single choice is a hard-hitting, sexy tune that definitely highlights Jonas' ever-improving vocal delivery and chemistry with Haze as he follows in the footsteps of Timberlake's path to solo stardom.
Things take a drastic turn for the better on "Push", the slowest number on the project. Jonas seems to be going through some trouble in paradise, as we hear him at the end of a relationship. "It's not me, it's just you, it doesn't mean shit when it falls through, come closer so I can be the one to push you," he crooners on the sultry yet heartbreaking track, carried by his best vocal performance to date.
One of the brightest moments on the album comes in the form of "I Want You", co-written by Erik Hassle and Taio Cruz. The song is an energetic, rock-leaning, 80s-sampling effort which really showcases Nick letting go and giving it his all. The artist gets a little violent, a bit explicit, but it's his naughty nature on the track that truly draws the listener in for a sexual ride. Instead of the boring snyth-pop craze, the artist is giving fans and critics something fresh and new.
On the near-perfect ballad "Avalanche", Jonas gracefully shares the spotlight with pop star Demi Lovato on a radio-ready duet. Both artists show some appropriate vocal restraint on their separate verses, but let go of all inhibitions when they finally join forces. "Look out now, don't take one more step, we'll crash down like an avalanche," the two artists effortlessly belt on the memorable, tragically beautiful track.
To close out the album, Jonas presents "Nothing Would Be Better", a midtempo offering with plays up on the heartfelt melodies while focusing attention on Nick's vocal delivery. The song contains some solid songwriting as the artist sings that even though the relationship was doomed from the start, nothing would be better than the two of them being together. The string-filled production in the second half takes the song to a whole new level.
On the deluxe edition, a remixed, string-heavy version of "Chains" may have surpassed the greatness of the original. The production seems to fit a tad bit better. On "Santa Barbara", the vibe becomes a lot calmer with a euphoric tone in the production as he sings on an unfortunate long distance relationship. "Closer", another track penned by Mike Posner, is a smooth, suave and intimate track where Nick stretches his vocal limits, but never stretching them too thin.
Nick Jonas is a proper reintroduction to a young, very talented artist. Nick Jonas promised the new record would surprise fans and critics alike, he wasn't messing around. Instead of the pop-heavy influences found on his brother's solo work, Nick sticks to his R&B, jazz and funk inspirations which carve out a nearly flawless effort. The artist excels on solo numbers, thanks to his seductive and charming vocals, but it is when he's with a collaborator when the magic truly happens. The album does a pretty amazing job at showcasing an entirely different artist this time around, growth and maturity are clearly evident. Sex was a major influence, but thankfully the album contains more meaning.
Tracks to Hear: "Teacher", "Numb", "Push", "I Want You".... but really, all of them!
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