Jessie Ware moves and electrifies – 5/5 stars

Jessie Ware moves and electrifies - 5/5 stars

by Allison Kiang

As the latest artist to cross over to the United States from Britain, Jessie Ware has sent the music scene abuzz with excitement with her EP If You’re Never Gonna Move, released on January 14.

Ware has been previously featured on collaborations with British producers SBTRKT and Sampha, finding fame within the electronic dance music (EDM) world.

With her solo debut, Ware has moved away from her dance and dubstep beginnings, instead showcasing her vocal prowess with Alicia Keys-esque soaring melodies amidst dreamy production.

The five-track compilation includes musical gems such as “Sweet Talk” and “What You Won’t Do For Love.” The EP contains themes of the oft written unrequited love, yet Ware finds a distinctive sound for herself in them unlike anything churned out of the pop-driven music business.

Infusing a timeless, retro feel with contemporary synthesizer instrumentals, Ware merges the old and new into a delicate balance between elegant ballads and remix-prone electronic music, standing out from other artists. Add her ability to go from a serenely vulnerable verse to a resounding, impassioned chorus with flawless phrasing and tone, and it comes as no surprise that Ware has already begun to be recognized as a BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominee, honors that form the UK’s answer to the Grammy Awards.

Only a glimpse into her artistry, If You’re Never Gonna Move is a perfect introduction to the refreshing Ware that drums up high expectations for the singer in America.

Ware’s debut full-length album Devotion is to release sometime during April.