Now accustom to Jessie's refined 70s revival, this newest installment, Superbloom, spins its wheels on autopilot. A familiar nostalgic cast of aged Disco, Soul, R&B and Pop motifs return revitalized, sounding fresh. Receiving a lavish treatment from modern production and experienced song writing, a stage is set for Jessie to dazzle. Unlike What's Your Pleasure and That! Feels Good, none of these songs ascend their constructs, hitting one with emotionally stirring chemistries or new musical ideas.
Sadly, Superbloom is just competent. An enjoyable aesthetic treat with cheeky feel good themes and seamless instrumental cohesion. Along this journey, nothing breaks the mold, subverts expectations or executes them at another level. Jessie's empowered singing is on point but cadences, hooks and lyrics feel by the numbers. The sparks of inspiration to ignite magic are sorely lacking despite a stellar veneer.
A few songs to remark on. Two track felt like favorites to return too. I Could Get Used To This hits a stride with its fusion of Dance and Disco that finds a dreamy peak, pivoting into a nicely executed key raising crescendo. Proceeded by a slower soulful title track, the exotic percussion, perusing baseline and overall tone fondly reminded me of Marvin Gaye. Synthpop akin Ride gets a mention too for its interpolation of some Ennio Morricone western lead. Not a great track, feels like a sore spot illuminating the limitations this nostalgic pursuit imposes on itself at times.
Rating: 6/10