Album Review: JADE – THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!

As one of the four members of X-Factor stars Little Mix, JADE as of late has shown herself to be much more than a sum of their parts. Since the group’s indefinite hiatus following fellow member Jesy Nelson’s departure, JADE has dramatically risen to become the most prominent performer in terms of solo projects, gaining major success with her initial singles and beyond. The coming together of all this anticipation, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! has finally been released to the world.

The album opens with initial single Angel Of My Dreams, which in contexts feels like the perfect opener. Its elongated opening and club ready beat throughout acts as a great introduction to what to expect from the rest. IT girl not only name drops the album title, but takes things in an interesting direction, with multiple sections interchanging and keeping the listener on their toes. Plastic Box rides on a low-key driving bass line, with Jade singing innocently about losing her lover to another. It’s a bittersweet tune, acting as a ballad between two of the bigger songs on the record. The latter is Midnight Cowboy. Actor Ncuti Gatwa announces the beginning of the song as though announcing a show, the tune in question being another bass-heavy, low-key affair. 

After single Fantasy comes Unconditional. Taking after Plastic Box, its driving arpeggiated bass leans further into the 1980s, the samples guitar stabs in the chorus bringing some much needed variation and levity. Self Saboteur is the longest song on the record but is easily one of the best. Jade gives a great vocal performance, showing off her skill, and musically the song sticks to a typical structure but keeps intrigue throughout. It also leads seamlessly into Lip Service, which while feeling like a part two in some ways elevates the feel in other ways. The harmonies especially add depth, and the groove while being smooth is incredibly enjoyable. Natural at Disaster is piano-ballad-meets-film-trailer-music, while Before You Break My Heart utilises its Supremes sample excellently. Closer Silent Disco is an emotional tribute to her partner, utilising elements from across the album in the music and featuring one of the best vocal performances on the record.

THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! feels like the statement that the title is portraying. It’s an artist set free, exploring not only her own range but their musical identity. Despite experimenting the album feels cohesive and comprehensive, giving fans and new listeners alike a complete experience. It’s a strong and confident debut.

Ryan Bulbeck

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.