Nick Jonas is taking notes from Adele as his third full-length album looks back at his past relationship. Jonas’ two-year relationship with former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo ended last June, but like any breakup album Nick reveals regret, frustration and bitterness. The album channels an R&B and generic pop formula that only Usher and Justin Timberlake could pull off – until there was Nick Jonas.
On the new album, the Jonas brother teamed with producers behind some of his biggest singles. Jason Evigan is responsible for Nick’s hit song “Chains”, and produces five tracks on the new album. Sir Nolan constructed Jonas’ Billboard Top 10 hit “Jealous” and the new single “Chainsaw”. Jonas also got help from a rap mogul deciding what to name the album. According to Billboard, in November of last year, Jonas recounted a meeting with Jay-Z during which the rapper asked the singer about what he was going through. “Last year was complicated,” Jonas told Jay-Z, who suggested that the singer found his new album title.
“Last Year Was Complicated” opens with “VooDoo”, an explosive club anthem that closely resembles the sounds of a classic Timbaland tune. The album also features more subtle tracks like “Champagne Problems” and the Big Sean assisted “Good Girls”. Tove Lo brings the heat with their sultry collab “Close” while Ty Dolla $ign helps cook up the dance floor with “Bacon”. NBA legend Allen Iverson makes an appearance on the album, and thankfully he’s not rapping. Jonas samples Iverson’s famous “practice” rant on the album closer “Comfortable.”
“We talking about practice. Not a game; not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game, we’re talking about practice, man. I mean, how silly is that?...I’m not shoving it aside like it don’t mean anything,” Iverson rambles.
Ultimately it’s ballads like “Unhinged” and “Chainsaw” that presents Jonas’ vulnerability and unique vocals. It’s clear that LYWC implies that love is a game, and his failed relationship was only practice for the real thing.
Watch my review of the album here!
