Nick Jonas, "Nick Jonas"

After reviewing a couple indie rock records, I think it's time to dig into a pop record. Nick Jonas's debut solo record is probably the most interesting top 40 release of the past few months. Like most people, I first heard his hit single "Jealous" on the radio when I was driving over winter break. After hearing the song a couple times, I couldn't get it out of my head. Not just because of the melody, but because the subject matter is very relatable.  Most people who have been in a relationship can admit to being jealous of their partner at one point or another. And most of the time, it's over something that's plain stupid, especially in the selfie-obsessed digital age we're living in. I thought it was pretty cool that a song on the radio was talking about this new social-media inspired type of jealousy (the lyrics "I wish you didn't have to post it all/I wish you'd save a little bit just for me" seems to be about others liking and commenting on his girlfriend's photos), since most of the time these feelings go unspoken. The combination of the lyrics and the catchy, r&b/pop sound made it stand out to me compared to many other dull songs on the radio. I was very surprised the first time I learned that this song was by a Jonas brother. I honestly don't remember any Jonas Brothers songs, and haven't thought about them in years. But I did know they definitely weren't an r&b band, and I probably didn't have a high opinion of them because of their Disney label. But here I was, appreciating a song by Nick Jonas. I heard the rest of his album a couple weeks ago when a friend of mine bought his record on vinyl. We spun it on my turntable, and the first song impressed us right away. "Chains" is probably my favorite track on the album. It's less r&b than "Jealous", and he actually sounds not unlike a male version of Lorde on this particular song. The drop on the chorus is completely unexpected at first due to the minimalistic verses, and it's pop perfection. While many of the songs on the album aren't as catchy and may be considered pop "filler", there are a couple gems. The uptempo, 80's-sounding "I Want You" adds some variety, and the smooth ballads "Push" and "Warning" are very emotional and well-executed. While I don't particular like every song on the album, it's also not a genre that I listen to very often, which could be why many of the tracks didn't catch my attention. Despite some "filler" tracks, this record is definitely refreshing. If you remember the Jonas Brothers, then I recommend listening to this record. Even if you don't like pop music, you have to admit that the guy can actually sing. He also had a hand in writing most of the material on the album. Overall, Nick's album shows that perhaps the Jonas Brothers weren't a talentless, made-for-TV band after all.

Click here to watch the "Chains" music video!