“Domino” is the latest single by international pop star Jessie J and it’s a hot one. Originally released as the first (and as of yet, only) single off of the re-release of her debut album, Who You Are, “Domino” was co-penned by Jessie alongside Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, Max Martin and Henry Walter, with production brought to you by Dr. Luke and Cirkut. With a team like that behind you, how can you not have a hit? What “Domino” lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in fun factor. The song is a just what we needed after hearing her depression-inducing yet emotionally stirring last UK single “Who You Are.” “Domino” is bubblegum pop at it’s finest. Another thing I like about the song is how well it showcases Jessie J‘s vocal range. It’s easy for a a voice to get lost in the production of a song, especially an up-tempo dance/pop number like this one. On “Domino,” Jessie J comes out the gate, chirping her way to Mariah Carey-like vocal heights. While there are most definitely some vocal effects in play here, there’s no doubt in my mind that Jessie J can hit those high notes live. Despite what haters might say, the girl has talent for miles, and she’s only 23!
While “Domino” actually came out back in August (before the November release of “Who You Are“) the colorful, sexy and carefree Ray Kay-directed video (see below) only just premiered yesterday so I’m taking some liberties by calling it her “latest” single. As far as I’m concerned, a video is a pretty major promotional tool and if it’s being released now, the label (Island/Lava) still must have plans for”Domino.” Over here in the U.S., Jessie J has been taking baby steps with regards to an American career. Officially, “Domino” is only her second single here in the States, serving as a follow up to the B.o.B.-assisted “Price Tag” which managed to peak at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last winter. While not as successful as it’s U.S. predecessor, “Domino” still managed to chart at a respectable #28 on the Hot 100 Chart, not to mention #16 on the Billboard U.S. Pop Songs chart and #39 on the U.S. Adult Pop Songs chart. While not officially released as a single in her native England, “Domino” peaked at #54 on the Official UK Singles Chart. Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all. Check out some sick “Domino” remixes, done up by none other than the Jump Smokers and Hype Jones. Hot indeed.
Since making her debut in the UK with the hit single “Do It Like A Dude” back in 2010, Jessie J has been making waves. The openly bisexual singer is a BRIT Award-winner and has been announced as one of the judges slash mentors on the UK version of the hit U.S. music reality show The Voice which is set to premiere on BBC One sometime in 2012 where she’ll be joined by Tom Jones and The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue and will.i.am. Jessie’s first taste at U.S. success came with the release of Miley Cyrus‘ “Party In The U.S.A,” a song which Jessie J co-wrote with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly (two of her collaborators on “Domino“). Her debut album, Who You Are, peaked at #2 on the UK charts when it was released last February and to date has spawned four top 10 UK singles (“Do It Like A Dude,” “Price Tag,” “Nobody’s Perfect” and “Who You Are“). While she’s certainly had more success in her native UK, Jessie J is just picking up momentum her in the U.S. and it’s only a matter of time before she explodes.
Jessie J‘s U.S. profile received a nice, healthy boost when she earned herself a prestigious ‘musical guest’ spot on Saturday Night Live back in March and played ‘House Band’ on the MTV VMA‘s. Jessie J. was all set to open for Katy Perry‘s California Dreams Tour, but was replaced by Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Ellie Goulding after a foot injury put her out of commission. No matter. When Who You Are finally came out here in November, it debuted at an impressive #11. Well done Ms. J. Well done. While I’d love to see Jessie release some of her other UK singles Stateside, I think it’s a smart move on her label’s part to release new material here. Speaking of new material, Jessie J‘s rumored third U.S. single is none other than “LaserLight,” a David Guetta-produced/Invisible Men-co-penned track that appears on the album’s re-release. As much as it pains me to see her hooking up with David Guetta, he does know a thing or two about making a hit record. Look for a video for “LaserLight” sometime in 2012. Right now, you can download “Domino” on U.S. iTunes HERE and watch Jessie J perform on ‘NBC’s New Years Eve with Carson Daly‘ where she’ll be joined by U.S. Voice judges Blake Shelton and Cee-Lo Green, Drake, Tony Bennett and many more.
Check out Jessie J on the web: