That! Feels Good! — Home

Before the release of her 2020 album What’s Your Pleasure?, English singer-songwriter and international sensation Jessie Ware almost stepped away from making music. Citing a lack of momentum and stalling of her creative process, Ware nearly retreated to the comfortable but modest confines of family life, leaving behind a fandom that saw the potential in her that she did not yet see in herself. After the release of What’s Your Pleasure?, however, it became clear that Ware’s passion for disco-inspired dance anthems and soulful ballads resonated with an even wider array of listeners across the globe, as this project quickly became her most commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Her newest album That! Feels Good! has released three years later, and this highly-anticipated project is a very natural continuation of the sonic landscape that Ware has been developing for some time. Cohesive, uplifting, innovative, camp, and just downright groovy, That! Feels Good! is not only one of the best dance records in recent memory, but one of the best records in recent memory altogether.

Always accompanied by her supportive team, Ware made sure to include her loved ones and collaborator in the opening title track’s self-referential and communal introduction. Backed by a driving bassline and sensual lyricism, Ware sets the stage well for what’s to come in the rest of the tracklisting. “If you’re going to do it, do it well (That’s the only way I do it)” is repeated throughout, and Ware proceeds to walk the walk of this philosophy on following tracks. “Free Yourself” was the project’s lead single and carries its contagious energy onto the album rollout. Its high tempo, encouraging lyricism, and spotless production make this a standout on an already impressive project. “Pearls” was another that teased this album with smooth production, playful lyrics, and killer belted vocals to round things out. Ware worked with Dua Lipa’s production team on this track, which is evident upon hearing its glistening and dynamic instrumentation.

“Hello Love” is a breather on the tracklisting, utilizing Jazz-inspired production and instrumentation. Ware is no stranger to a love song, and this fits very well into her discography as it channels pastel summer skies and electric butterflies. “Begin Again” is next and may be my favorite Jessie Ware song of all time after repeat listens. Discussing self-acceptance, rebirth, purpose, and introspection, this track touches on some of my favorite themes. The track continually builds and develops, eventually crescendoing into a climax larger than life itself - bigger in scope than anything Ware has attempting before and gracefully sticking the landing. “Beautiful People” is another electric track that encourages us to seek and appreciate the beauty of those around us, particularly in an often ugly world. There is an escapist quality track that serves a daydream or reminiscing of a time of partying long ago.

“Freak Me Now” is an unapologetic club banger that doesn’t rely on traditional songwriting structures, instead pulling directly from French house influences and practically begging to be played in clubs around the world. “Shake The Bottle” is a melodramatic and performative camp track easily likened to Ware’s “Ooh La La” that uses a narrative full of innuendo. While the following “Lightning” is a slow jam and change of pace that’s done generally well, it lacks the indescribable energy found in the rest of the tracklisting. Finally, the album’s closer “These Lips” is just as much an invitation as it is a promise — just because the project, the party, or the era is over doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop or that there isn’t another around the corner. Ware’s refrain of “These two lips can do so much more” is a sensual confirmation that her songwriting days aren’t coming to an end, but that this may just be the beginning of her resurgence and development as a world class artist.

Jessie Ware’s two most recent projects, What’s Your Pleasure? and That! Feels Good!, are a reminder that dreams should never be let go of. Ware almost gave up her calling, but instead chose to continue pursuing her art and blessed her fanbase with two incredible projects and a lifetime of music yet to come. Glamorous talent on full display, That! Feels Good! can brighten up the darkest days. This is one of my favorite projects so far this year, and I can’t wait to watch her reach even newer heights in the future.

Favorite tracks: “That! Feels Good!”, “Free Yourself”, “Pearls”, “Hello Love”, “Begin Again”, “Beautiful People”, “Freak Me Now”, “These Lips”

SCORE: 9/10