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"I Cry When I Laugh" - Jess Glynne - Album Review

Not many artists can say that they've had five number ones before releasing their debut album but one 25-year-old can.

Known for featuring in the song of 2014 ‘Rather Be’, Jess Glynne has come a long way since her rejection from The X-Factor ten years ago. Her album, ‘I Cry When I Laugh’, retains the dance vibes she has become renowned for from her singles, but also experiments with softer sounds, notably on album track ‘Take Me Home’.
Citing her influences to include Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Frank Ocean, the album diverts away from the typical pop regime, with elements of R&B featuring in the tracks. For the album, the London girl palled up with fellow British artist Emeli Sandé to collaborate on “Saddest Vanilla”- an appropriate name choice for a song so lackadaisical. Despite the docile pace of the song, this track stands out- for all the wrong reasons. I can appreciate the fact that Glynne wanted a mix of tempos on the album but the dreary track merely encourages the listener into a lethargic haze that simply cannot be rid of.
 Fortunately, there are many strong tracks that eclipse the low-points; namely “You Can Find Me”, which demonstrates the true strength of her sultry vocals. Furthermore, cheery track two "Gave Me Something" funnily enough does give us something: a combination of cheery pop beats and sentimental soul that set the tone for the album.
Although she may have equalled the current British female record for the most number ones (previously it was only Cheryl Fernandez-Versini held this title), this year has not been all that easy for Jess. At the end of June. the artist underwent surgery on her vocal chords, subsequently forcing her to pull out of a number of gigs and festivals, including a set at Glastonbury Festival.
Undeterred by her health, Glynne has done well to establish herself in amongst the highly acclaimed of the pop world. Although it may not go down in history as one of the most memorable, "I Cry When I Laugh" has offered her a good chance of maintaining the position she has worked so hard to gain.

★★★


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