JJ WILDE: Vices (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

How many songs does it take to drown the sorrows of love? At least ten for JJ Wilde, who, by her own admission, composed the bulk of “Vices” following a break-up from which she had great difficulty recovering. So goes the life and inspiration of artists, even if in this case it would be more accurate to speak of motivation than inspiration. After a first album, “Ruthless”, which was already half-hearted despite the international recognition it brought the Canadian, this new album is not really an evolution compared to the previous one, with the same strengths and flaws.

The paradox of JJ Wilde is that, beneath her airs of rebel tigress with a powerful, sensual voice, she is incredibly conformist when it comes to compositions. Tracks like 'Hands', 'Say', 'Bad Side' and 'Mess To Make' seem to have been written solely for an audience fed on car radio pop rock. It's all the more of a pity that when the Canadian gives free rein to her true rock inspiration, she comes through with flying colors ('Arizona', 'Best Of Me'), even if it's hard to temper her admiration for Bruce Springsteen, to whom she pays a heartfelt tribute on the track 'Takes Me Back'.

Despite this, a number of tracks stand out, notably 'Options' with its astonishing hip hop verses, and the raging 'Toxic', on which JJ Wilde draws inspiration from Pink for a salutary denunciation of harassment. But the singer won't always be able to rely solely on her magnificent voice to become an artist who counts and, above all, who is less consensual. Sometimes, all it takes is a professional encounter to let loose and take risks. Let's hope it happens - it would be a shame if such a talent were condemned to remain an ordinary mainstream artist. - Official website

JJ WILDE

VICES

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK