A few months ago, I bought concert tickets after listening to an album that I didn't know would affect me so much. The album was released in increments of four songs in four mini albums to match the title, "R.O.S.E." The acronym stands for Realisations, Obsessions, Sex, and Empowerment.
The voice, brains, and force behind this project was Jessie J.
I have liked Jessie J. from the time she started to become popular in the United States around 2011, and I slightly followed her music from there. I admittedly never listened to a full album of hers until "Sweet Talker." It was about four years until her most recent work was put out. After hearing the first single, "Queen," I knew I couldn't wait for the full album to be released.
When the world was finally introduced to "R.O.S.E.", I listened to it on repeat for quite some time as I usually do with new music. I could feel the emotion behind every song. I could relate to what she was going through based on the lyrics and the sounds she put out.
Saturday, October 20th, 2018, I went to see her live. It was one of, if not the best concert I've ever been to! I went by myself, but I actually wound up seeing a coworker there coincidentally, though I don't believe it was a coincidence. The show openers were Kiana Ledé, who I'm not too familiar with, and Ro James, and I actually love his music as well.
Ms. Ledé's set was beautiful and she is very talented. I definitely became a fan of hers! As I mentioned, I am a huge fan of Ro James, and his set was great, full of raw emotion and power. I must add that their fashion was amazing as well!
At one point, Ro James was explaining an album of his; it got quiet for a moment, and he was speaking to my soul. I took a chance and yelled, "F*** yes, Amen!" To which he instantly acknowledged with, "You like that?" I was ecstatic!
When Jessie started her show, I was in awe. I've never seen such a genuine performer. After Jessie's opener, she talked for a while about how she likes to run her shows and just getting a feel for the crowd that night. She would always ask for more light to see the crowd.
She told us we can take pictures and videos, but not to block our faces so she could still connect with us. She performed my favorites from the album and also a few of her oldies. Her energy never left the stage! She gave her heart and soul.
The vibe of her concert was unlike any I've ever felt. It was very emotional, high energy, and serene all at the same time. Jessie J. Is very animated at times and super sarcastic. It was like seeing a comedian as well.
She doesn't have very structured choreography, but she was always in some type of groove. We do the same type of two-step as well! It made me so happy to see an artist just enjoying their time as much as the audience was. Her accent is also completely adorable!
The whole show, Jessie never lost touch with the crowd. Or at least not with me. That's all I could've asked for.
The show was definitely a time! I'm glad that everything fell into place the way it did. I made a new work friend, I became a fan of a new upcoming artist, I was acknowledged by an amazing artist, I laughed, cried, danced, and sang. I'm pretty sure people probably hate me at concerts, but I paid to be there, to have a great time. This concert brought back my love and appreciation for my music in a whole new way!
Thank you Jessie J., Ro James, Kiana Ledé, the band, and anyone behind the scenes! That was a show I will never forget.
What's your most memorable concert?
