Music For People Who Believe in Love by Joe Jonas, is a great album. It’s a truly hidden gem and a leap and bounds improvement over his mostly lackluster solo debut Fast Life in 2011. Over a decade later, the frontman of the sibling band Jonas Brothers has more life experience, not only as a vocalist, but as a husband and father, all things that we learn about on Music for People Who Believe in Love. Starting his career with his brothers Nick and Kevin in 2005 as a trio of New Jersey brothers who would eventually achieve fame through the Disney Channel, the band, for obvious reasons, doesn’t always get the credit they deserve. However after listening to Music…, we see that it is Joe that truly shines as a talent vocalist.
Opening with the short intro track “Woven,” featuring DOMi and DJ Beck, the song is largely a throwaway, and it is “Work It Out,” the album’s next tune where the album truly begins. Released as the LP’s lead single, it demonstrates Joe’s vocal prowess, while showing where he lands today musically. “Heart By Heart” is acoustic tinged track which features a stripped back Jonas that illustrates his range, a characteristic that comes out in live shows. Accompanied by a storytelling music video, the song remains with anyone listening for a long time. While we get a window into Jonas’ broken marriage to Games of Thrones actress Sophie Turner (the pair have since divorced,) we also experience how Jonas’ life has changed post-divorce.
“My Own Best Friend” is an acoustic track that once again highlights Joe’s vocals and storytelling, as he sings about having faith in oneself. Longtime fans will love this side of Joe, and newcomers will appreciate the track for its beautiful simplicity. Next up, we have the bright sounds of “Velvet Sunshine,” where Jonas teams up with his youngest brother Franklin, who has had his own modest success in the music industry, alongside his famous siblings. The song is sure to make its rounds on Spotify playlists and introduce Franklin to those of us who were wondering what the youngest Jonas sibling had been up too. Now, we know, and his talent is on par with his brothers.
“Hey Beautiful,” begins to close out Music… and Jonas’ collaboration with vocalist Louane and pop trio Tiny Habits is a collaboration we didn’t know we needed. Beautifully sung and played, everything on “Hey Beautiful” works, making it sound like it was effortless to write. While it’s unknown why Jonas arranged the order of the tracks the way he did, “Hey Beautiful” shifts the focus of Jonas’ new outlook on life to his two young daughters, Delphine and Willa, as he sings about their relationship. It reminds us that sometimes an artist’s best work can emerge not from heartbreak, but from love.
“Constellation,” concludes Music for People Who Believe in Love, and while it’s another somber listen, it doesn’t quite hit like the rest of the album. In his Spotify description for the album, Jonas mentions working with a director who had taped the phrase “what do you want them to feel?” when conveying your art to your audience. After listening, Jonas wants to take us on his journey and recognize the new artist that he is today. The kid of his Fast Life days is gone, and a father and ex-husband replace him. Music For People Who Believe in Love is a job well done.
