Perhaps his most rounded, adult statement to date...
One of the remarkable aspects of the pandemic is that truly touched everyone’s lives. *Nick Jonas* might enjoy the positive aspects of wealth and fame - and he’d be the first to *confront his privilege* in that regard - but the pandemic drastically upended his existence. Removed from the support of fans, and with his wife Priyanka Chopra spending the bulk of 2020 shooting a new film, the pop icon found himself - perhaps for the first time - really, truly alone.
As a result, new solo album ‘Spaceman’ attempts to balance that familiar sense of isolation and pandemic disconnection with some of his most effective solo bops yet. Sonically, his first solo album since 2016’s ‘Last Year Was Complicated’ sits in a lane coloured by post-Bieber tropical pop matched to arena-level chops from the boy wonder. It’s soulful, though, with its pangs of yearning dished out with a side order of Abel Tesfaye’s 21st century R&B excursions.
Pleading and urgent opener ‘Don’t Give Up On Us’ is a strong and effective starting point; the punchy, powerful vocal is one of his best solo performances to date, while the arrangement wrings out every ounce of intensity to those pangs of loneliness. Switching things up on spicy cut ‘Heights’, Nick then delves into his sense of lockdown loss on the title track. Indeed, the way the lyrics spell out the prosaic elements of pandemic paranoia - “TV tells me what to think / bad news makes me want to drink / I feel like a Spaceman…” - are all-too-relatable who has spent the past 12 months doom-scrolling through endless dystopian updates.
Curiously, though, the album balances this with a physical throb, as Nick Jonas details the empty longing that comes with his solitude. ‘Sexual’ is all primed to explode, while the throbbing 80s Miami strut of ‘Deeper Love’ is Nick Jonas at his peacock best.
The soulful ‘If I Fall’ echoes those early Weeknd moments - think the eeriness of the Trilogy and you’d be close - while the gaunt, straight-to-the-point lyricism of ‘Death Us Do Part’ is an attempt to locate a path through a landscape dominated by so much loss.
A strong return that offers subtle evolution while playing to his strengths, ‘Spaceman’ continues Nick Jonas’ solo journey while retaining aspects of his previous work. At times the sonic influences can feel a little too obvious, but that is balanced by the undoubted highs, and the frank openness of his lyricism. Just take closer ‘Nervous’ and its take on the pressures of commitment, with Nick Jonas admitting to a lingering feeling of being unworthy of the relationship he is in; “after all this time your love’s still making me nervous…”
One of his most rounded and adult statements to date, ‘Spaceman’ is certainly worth exploring - as lockdown hobbies go, it’s up there with banana bread as one of the most tasteful.
*7/10 *
Words: *Robin Murray *
- - -
- - -
Join us on the ad-free creative social network Vero, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak peeks, exclusive content and access to Clash Live events and a true view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
Buy Clash Magazine
Nick Jonas - Spaceman
Clash
0 shares
1 views
You might like
Related news coverage
Nick Jonas Shows Off His Stylish Side While Out in London
Just Jared
Nick Jonas is soaking up the sunny weather! Th 28-year-old “Spaceman” singer and a friend stepped out for a walk around the..
-
Nick Jonas Releases Music Video for Latest Single 'This Is Heaven' - Watch Now!
Just Jared
-
Nick Jonas Drops 'This Is Heaven' Music Video - Watch Now!
Just Jared Jr
-
Nick Jonas Reveals The Musician He'd Love To Play in a Movie
Just Jared
-
Nick Jonas drops deluxe version of his new album 'Spaceman'
newKerala.com
Advertisement
More coverage
New Jonas Brothers Song Released on Deluxe Version of Nick Jonas' 'Spaceman' Album
Just Jared
Nick Jonas is giving Jonas Brothers fans a special surprise! Nick released the deluxe version of his recently released album..
-
Nick Jonas Drops 'Spaceman' Deluxe Album With New Jonas Brothers Song - Listen!
Just Jared Jr
-
Priyanka Chopra to hubby Nick Jonas: Grateful for how you constantly show me your love!
Zee News
-
Nick Jonas drops music video of 'Spaceman' featuring Priyanka Chopra
newKerala.com
-
Priyanka congratulates Nick for 'Spaceman'
IndiaTimes