Nick Jonas released his third solo album, “Last Year Was Complicated,” on June 10, 2016. His previous album was merely an introduction into what he could offer as a solo artist, but this album takes a more focused approach, examining the growth of relationships. In short, it is a break up record, but it doesn’t linger too long in those particular emotional moments, but rather what can come after.
Altogether, the album is very cohesive despite there being very different musical genres at play. What makes the album succeed is that it revolves around the single theme of relationships, from being in love to breaking up, and everything in between.
Nick Jonas is a songwriter, first and foremost, and has multiple writing credits on the album. Jonas takes ownership of his personal experiences by having them be the subject of this album, but doesn’t get caught up in having it be too specific to himself. The lyrics are simple in nature, but convey a lot of emotion that is powerful, gripping and seems to come from a genuine place. The combination of lyrics that are simple and a subject that is certainly relatable make this album one of universal appeal.
As a whole, the album experiments with both pop and rhythm and blues genres effectively. Each track is different and explores the general stages of a young relationship. “Last Year Was Complicated” features Nick Jonas’ songwriting ability on full display. Even though 2015 may have been complicated for the singer, 2016 will no doubt be his year.
1. Voodoo
“Voodoo” is a single that has a pop sound that can easily be compared to the song “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE, the pop-rock band that Nick’s brother, Joe Jonas formed with his friend, Jack Lawless. The song definitely fits comfortably in the pop genre, and has a generic feel that people may like or dislike. As the name of the single implies, the singer is talking about being in a controlled, almost abusive relationship, where the love interest is constantly pulling him back to his dismay.
2. Champagne Problems
Of all of the singles, “Champagne Problems” is a break up song that explores what happens when a relationship between two mature individuals ultimately comes to an end. Despite being emotional and nostalgic, it is also uplifting and shows that the pair are willing to celebrate what has come and gone, especially in this case of an extended relationship that has ended.
When listeners play the song, there is a heavy and undeniable contrast between the emotional lyrics and the uptempo beat. The beat kind of masks the emotion but it can still be heard and felt over the beat.
In general, the single is not heavy and there is a sense of optimism that comes through where there is hope for the future and what will come next.
3. Close featuring Tove Lo
“Close” featuring Tove Lo was the first single to be released on March 25, 2016, in anticipation of the full album coming out this month. Nick Jonas and Tove Lo really feed off of each other musically and emotionally on this track, which seems to come from a natural place for both of them. Compared to the other songs on the album, the lyrics in this song are deeply gripping and honest as the pair are unable to convey how they feel about one another until they are literally and figuratively close to each other. It’s not certain what will become of them but it’s as if they are both writing about their feelings about one another honestly in a diary and that is why the lyrics seem so natural and not forced.
4. Chainsaw
“Chainsaw” explores the deep hole that can remain when a relationship has come to a mutual, and indefinite end. In this case, Jonas is revisiting a troubling experience that has impacted him deeply. He has a writing credit on this single and when the material is coming from such a personal place there is a sense of being able to move forward. Songwriting seems to come naturally for Jonas and the passion comes through here, on this single especially.
There is also a catharsis taking place between the artist and listener. Despite Jonas writing about his own specific experience, the listener can still relate to the lyrics due to their universal reliability.
5. Touch
“Touch” is a song where Nick Jonas is able to experiment with different sounds that he hasn’t in his past work. The lyrics of this song are very seductive and overall, the song belongs in the rhythm and blues genre without a doubt. In this song, “Touch” explores the period of a relationship when both individuals are still in their honeymoon phase and can’t keep their hands off of one another.
6. Bacon featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Out of all of the singles, “Bacon” is the most fun and carefree anthem on the album. There’s finally a song that describes many of our obsessions with all things bacon. Where’s that bacon emoji, am I right? Jokes aside, this song is about not being tied down by a relationship and just deciding to let go and enjoy the moment for what it is. The single also features an appearance from rapper Ty Dolla $ign who is able to add a chill vibe to the song.
7. Good Girls feat. Big Sean
This song has rhythm and blues sensibilities that certainly also has a Top 40 appeal that fans of both genres will take pleasure in listening to. “Good Girls” is an example of a song where Nick Jonas is able to combine both pop and R&B into one song simplistically.
8. The Difference
“The Difference” is a flirty song where the singer turns things up a notch and tempts his love interest into letting go and relaxing. Just like the love interest is tempted, so are the listeners.
9. Don’t Make Me Choose
This song seems like an unexpected throwback to his hit single “Jealous” from his 2015 album that has a similar underlying beat. Despite the comparison, “Don’t Make Me Choose” seems like an updated version with a sound that has certainly matured.
10. Under You
“Under You” is one of the most exhilarating singles on the album. The accompanying music video for the single features Pretty Little Liars star, Shay Mitchell, along with Nick Jonas. The music video takes the song to another level as its striking visual component.
11. Unhinged
As listeners play the track list one song at a time, it becomes apparent that the songs are in this order for a reason. Each song is reacting to the next one, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it is necessary to listen to the songs in progression to enjoy the album. Each song has its own appeal and adds to the overall theme of album.
The piano ballad and Jonas’ falsetto in this single make “Unhinged” stand out among the rest. The lyrics in the single are powerful in their simplicity, but easily have the most impact on the listener.
12. Comfortable
Despite being the song at the end of the track list, “Comfortable” may reveal more about how he feels about his breakup than he disclosed before in the other tracks. Even though he opens up here the most, it seems like he has gotten to the place where he is able to move forward. For this reason and more, it definitely sounds like this song has the most heart out of all the songs and concludes the album on a more than satisfying note.
