British artist Jessie Ware has become a staple in the 2020’s renaissance (Beyoncé pun not intended) of disco/house music. In preparation for the release of her sixth studio album, “Superbloom” coming out April 10 of this year, Ware has released the second single, the sensual and undeniably earwormy “Ride.” With sounds from the work of Karma Kid and legendary electronic music producer Stuart Price (well known for his work with huge artists like Madonna and having a big part in the production of Dua Lipa’s hugely successful “Future Nostalgia”), this track was bound to keep the gays on the dancefloor till the bar closes.
Jessie Ware has been making music for almost 15 years, with her debut “Devotion” hitting shelves in 2012. The R&B influence on her earlier work is undeniable, and the soulful and sultry production made her gain popularity over the decade. Since then, though, she has made a name for herself in the dance music/disco scene since releasing the widely praised “What’s Your Pleasure?” in 2020. Marking a shift away from her usual sound, this album made Ware a name to watch out for in the U.S. music market. Since then, the music she’s been releasing can best be described as “discotheque-chic,” with 2023’s “That! Feels Good!” having that same sound. It seems she’s continuing this on her latest album release, with the first single of the cycle, “I Could Get Used To This” having her now signature dance sound. For “Ride,” however, she seems to embrace a newer disco-western vibe.
For being a singer-songwriter from the U.K., this track sees Ware exploring her cowboy proclivities. The obvious metaphor of meeting a hot stranger in a club to riding a horse like a cowgirl is definitely not an unpopular comparison in culture, but the groovy and exciting synths mixed with pseudo-whisper vocals make the listener forget that. It’s an undeniable dance hit; lyrically bare, but not one word wasted. Opening with “I’m bad, beautiful, Hold my hips, watch me move,” she keeps the lyrics and call backs minimal, letting the instrumental do the work, only singing when needed. It feels very reminiscent and takes obvious inspiration from disco classics like “Le Freak” by Chic. She taps into a seductive state, voicing, “Hey, what’s your name? (What’s your name?), I’ll give you anytime of day,” in the pre-chorus leading to a sensual explosion of a chorus.
Deceptively simple, listeners should be excited for what’s to come on “Superbloom.” In a music era filled with nostalgia and constantly referencing sounds of the past, Ware’s shift to disco influence feels authentic and true to the genre. She’s not quite copying disco of the 70s, but bringing its sounds and themes of radical inclusion and acceptance into a 2020s world that could use some of that right now.
Featured Photo Credit: Jessie Ware | YouTube
