Jess Glynne – I Cry When I Laugh

Last year two guest appearances on number one tracks “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit and “My Love” by Route 94 introduced us to the British songstress Jess Glynne. She was featured on both as guest vocalist making great use of that powerful but vulnerable voice. Following that winning streak up she co-wrote songs with Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and Little Mix. She then released her own album I Cry When I Laugh this year and her hot streak continues. The singles “Right Here”, “Hold My Hand” and “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” all did very well. Jess Glynne names Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin as her influences. Makes sense when you listen to the album because her voice (while I am not saying she is of the same quality as her inspirations) is the centerpiece of her music. That is not often the case in dance music, but there you are. In regards to the sound this is pop music and often very danceable but not bass centered. Hooks are a plenty. Up tempo rules. And her voice is great. England continues producing strong female singers.