By Julia Chirls, Staff Writer||
Do you remember award-winning, teen heartthrob of the Jonas Brothers, now reinvented as solo artist, Nick Jonas? He released his second solo album, Nick Jonas, on November 10. After eight years in the music industry as a member of the teen pop band, Jonas has advanced on a career of his own, writing original music and touring worldwide.
Nick Jonas’ career began in 1999 when he starred in several Broadway shows. His singing talent was discovered after he wrote a song with his father in 2002, after which Columbia Records signed him to their label and released “Dear God” and “Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer).” A solo album entitled Nicholas Jonas soon followed. This album featured his two older brothers, Joe and Kevin, and just three years later, the trio formed the band the Jonas Brothers.
During their time as a trio, Nick, Joe, and Kevin were successful, winning 52 awards for their music and trekking around the world on nine concert tours until they separated in October 2013. In 2008, they were nominated for the Best New Artist award at the 51st Grammy Awards and won the award for New Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. To date, the Jonas Brothers have sold over 17 million albums worldwide.
After the Jonas Brothers parted ways, Nick joined Demi Lovato on her Neon Lights Tour, which ran from February to May of 2014. In an interview with Rolling Stone he said he was “overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting, and staging.” He joined Lovato in performing “Stop the World,” “Here We Go Again,” and “Catch Me.” In addition to his musical endeavors, he has appeared in several TV shows including “Navy St.” (renamed “Kingdom”) and “Hawaii Five-0.”
While Nick Jonas has matured as a person, singer, and artist, on Nick Jonas, there are still the distinct vocal elements that elevated him to fame ten years ago. His fans will appreciate that Jonas has maintained and incorporated his unique sound into his solo work. The music on this album, however, is styled very differently and, in this way, each of the 11 songs has a unique element to it.
Despite the short time Nick Jonas has been in stores and on iTunes, the album has already hit #6 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Jonas reached a milestone in his career when “Jealous,” the second single on the album, peaked at #10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the artist’s highest charting single to date. The song has a nice rhythm and tune that will replay in your head indefinitely. Along with another one of his most popular hits, “When You Look Me in the Eyes,” Jonas expresses his obsession with a girl and his desire to have her all to himself.
“Avalanche” is the 10th song on the Nick Jonas track list and the second most popular song on the album, according to iTunes. The track features Demi Lovato, particularly known for her show “Sonny With a Chance” as well as her five studio albums including Here We Go Again and Unbroken. “Avalanche” has a slower beat, and the female and male voices harmonize perfectly for an easy listen. Featuring Demi Lovato adds a softer tone where it was fitting.
Nick Jonas is a breakthrough in Jonas’ solo career that is well worth listening to. Don’t miss a chance to remember a small part of your past and share in this career milestone!
Sophomore Julia Chirls is a staff writer. Her email is jchirls@fandm.edu.