Last Year Was Complicated
Untitled | |
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Last Year Was Complicated is the third solo album by American singer Nick Jonas. It was released on June 10, 2016, by Island and Safehouse Records. The album features collaborations with Tove Lo, Ty Dolla $ign, Big Sean and Daniella Mason. The album's lead single, "Close", was released on March 25, 2016.
Background
"When I first started making I thought I knew what it would be about… Then I had a breakup. It then became very clear what this thing would be about… And that I would need to dig really deep… Shit is too real sometimes… Reliving some of these real life experiences through this music is hard."
—Nick Jonas, on the recording of album.[1]
On August 5, 2015, Jonas debuted and performed a new song, "Under You", at the iHeartRadio Music Summit.[2] In February 2016, Jonas covered the February/March 2016 edition of Complex magazine he mentioned the songs "Chainsaw" and "Don't Make Me Choose", and also revealed a surprising collaboration with Purity Ring’s Corin Roddick.[3] That same month, it was revealed that singer Ty Dolla $ign had a feature on the record and that there was also a female singer on the record which name he didn't reveal. He also revealed that he worked again with Jason Evigan and Sir Nolan.[4]
On March 24, 2016, Jonas announced the album's title, release date and tracklist through a series of tweets.[5] Jonas revealed that work on the album took him a year and a half, tweeting: "Shit is too real sometimes... Reliving some of these real life experiences through this music is hard".[6] During a radio interview with Carson Daly, Jonas noted that the album was supposed to be named Unhinged like the song on the record. However, after a conversation with rapper Jay Z, Jonas changed the title to Last Year Was Complicated.[7]
Promotion
Two songs of the record ("Don't Make Me Choose" and "Under You") were performed on several dates of his Nick Jonas: Live in Concert tour.[8] Jonas is set to promote the record on the Future Now Tour alongside Demi Lovato.[9] On the evening of March 24, 2016, Jonas previewed four tracks from Last Year Was Complicated during a listening party, held for the press and television bookers.[10] Jonas performed the songs "Champagne Problems" and "Close" (with Tove Lo) live on Saturday Night Live on April 16, 2016.[11][12] On April 24, 2016, Jonas performed the songs "Bacon", "Close" and "Voodoo" during his set at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. He announced also that there will be a music video of "Voodoo".[13]
During the taping of CMT Crossroads he performed the songs "Chainsaw" with Thomas Rhett and "Close" with Thomas Rhett and Danielle Bradbery.[14] He and Tove Lo are set to perform the song live on May 22, 2016 at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.[15] On April 28, Both of them performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[16] He performed a solo version of the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 9, 2016.[17] Jonas is set to perform at the 2016 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards.[18] On June 10th he performed the songs Jealous, Close, Champagne Problems and Bacon live on Today.[19]
Singles
On March 24, 2016, "Close" was announced as the album's lead single. Released the following day, the song features guest vocalist, Swedish singer, Tove Lo.[10]
"Chainsaw" was released as the second single on May 13, 2016 along with the video. The teaser of the video was released on May 9, 2016.[20][21] The video was released on May 13, 2016, and was directed by Luke Monaghan.[22]
Promotional singles
"Champagne Problems" was released as the first promotional single on April 8, 2016.[23]
"Bacon", featuring Ty Dolla $ign, was released as the second promotional single on June 3, 2016.[24] A music video of the song was released on Tidal on June 6, 2016, with a 30-second teaser available to non-subscribers.[25]
Critical reception
Aggregate scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 68/100[26] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Consequence of Sound | C–[28] |
Entertainment Weekly | B+[29] |
Idolator | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Guardian | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Pitchfork | 6.3/10[32] |
Rolling Stone | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Slant Magazine | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Spin | 7/10[35] |
USA Today | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Last Year Was Complicated received positive reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic claimed that the album "feels assured in a way its eponymous 2014 predecessor did not," noting that "the entirety of 'Last Year Was Complicated' walks a fine line between immaculately produced pop confection and personal confession: it may not be heartbreaking but it feels as if it comes from the heart."[27] In his review for Entertainment Weekly, Nolan Feeney declared that it "grows into the neon pop-R&B sound of 2014’s Nick Jonas while adopting a show-don’t-tell approach to maturity on [its] songs."[29] Keith Harris wrote for Rolling Stone that Jonas is "personable and versatile" on the record, while praising his "supple falsetto" for "sounding wounded or seductive as required, allows him to stake out his own patch of territory on the border between pop and R&B."[33] Sam C. Mac of Slant Magazine noted that despite the break-up themes, "'Last Year Was Complicated' offers an even more vibrant collection of colorful, propulsive beats than 'Nick Jonas' did." However, he observed that "as a singer, Jonas isn't always willing to evolve with his music."[34] Harriet Gibsone of The Guardian highlighted that "There are many quirks to this glossy, compelling record, but [...] it’s not savvy or strange enough to stand out."[31]
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Voodoo" |
| Evigan | 3:10 |
2. | "Champagne Problems" |
| Evigan | 3:12 |
3. | "Close" (featuring Tove Lo) | Mattman & Robin[38] | 3:54 | |
4. | "Chainsaw" |
| Sir Nolan | 3:19 |
5. | "Touch" |
| Mattman & Robin | 3:02 |
6. | "Bacon" (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) |
| Sir Nolan | 3:02 |
7. | "Good Girls" (featuring Big Sean) |
| Evigan | 3:56 |
8. | "The Difference" |
| Evigan | 3:41 |
9. | "Don't Make Me Choose" |
| Sir Nolan | 3:35 |
10. | "Under You" |
|
| 3:17 |
11. | "Unhinged" |
| Sir Nolan | 3:52 |
12. | "Comfortable" |
|
| 4:34 |
Total length: | 42:34 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Testify" |
| LDN Noise | 3:15 |
14. | "When We Get Home" (featuring Daniella Mason) |
| Jonas | 3:04 |
15. | "That's What They All Say" |
|
| 3:03 |
16. | "Jealous" |
| Sir Nolan | 3:43 |
17. | "Chains" |
|
| 3:23 |
18. | "Levels" |
| 2:47 | |
Total length: | 61:49 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
13. | "Testify" |
| LDN Noise | 3:15 |
14. | "When We Get Home" (featuring Daniella Mason) |
| Jonas | 3:04 |
15. | "That's What They All Say" |
|
| 3:03 |
Total length: | 51:56 |
- Notes
- ^[a] signifies a vocal producer.
Charts
Chart (2016) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australian Albums (ARIA)[41] | 13 |
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[42] | 61 |
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[43] | 70 |
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[44] | 63 |
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[45] | 88 |
Irish Albums (IRMA)[46] | 26 |
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[47] | 8 |
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[48] | 27 |
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[49] | 45 |
UK Albums (OCC)[50] | 25 |
Release history
Country | Date | Version | Format | Label | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Worldwide | June 10, 2016 |
|
Island |
References
- ^ Daw, Robbie (March 24, 2016). "Nick Jonas' New Album Last Year Was Complicated Out In June: See The Tracklist". Idolator. United States: SpinMedia. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
{{cite web}}
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at position 1 (help) - ^ Daw, Robbie (August 5, 2015). "Nick Jonas Premieres New Song "Under You": Watch A Clip". Idolator. United States: SpinMedia. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
{{cite web}}
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at position 1 (help) - ^ "Nick Jonas (2016 Cover Story)". Complex. United States: Complex Media Inc. February 2, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
- ^ Oberg, Emily (February 23, 2016). "Nick Jonas Teaches Us How to Box and Talk to Girls in Get Sweaty with Emily Oberg". Complex. United States: Complex Media Inc. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
- ^ Menyes, Carolyn (March 24, 2016). "Nick Jonas' Personal New Album Last Year Was Complicated Gets Tracklist, Release Date". United States: Music Times. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
- ^ "Nick Jonas Enlists Big Sean, Ty Dolla $ign & Allen Iverson for New Album". Rap-Up. United States: Townsquare Music. March 24, 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
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at position 1 (help) - ^ Carroll, Sarah (March 25, 2016). "Nick Jonas Reveals Jay Z Helped Name His Album". Radio.com. United States: CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
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at position 1 (help) - ^ Baker, Chris (September 7, 2015). "Nick Jonas is all grown up, sort of (Chevy Court review)". The Post-Standard. United States. Advance Publications. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
- ^ Stutz, Colin (October 26, 2015). "Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas Preview Future Now Tour: Watch the Live Stream Here". Billboard. United States. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Stutz, Colin (March 25, 2016). "Nick Jonas Reveals New Album Title & Shares 'Close' Video With Tove Lo". Billboard. United States. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
- ^ "Nick Jonas dishes on his album, Miley Cyrus and hall passes in Reddit AMA". USA TODAY. April 1, 2016.
- ^ "Nick Jonas Joined By Tove Lo On 'Saturday Night Live': Watch". Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com.
- ^ "Nick Jonas full of surprises at 2016 New Orleans Jazz Fest". NOLA.com.
- ^ "ET Canada". etcanada.
- ^ "Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and Tove Lo Added As Performers at 2016 Billboard Music Awards". Billboard.
- ^ "Jimmy Kimmel Live Schedule for Week of 4/25/2016". ABC.
- ^ "Nick Jonas Performs 'Levels'". ellentube.
- ^ Etan Vlessing (April 8, 2016). "Nick Jonas to Perform at 2016 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ http://www.today.com/popculture/nick-jonas-rocks-today-complicated-concert-plaza-t97581
- ^ Ella Ceron. "Nick Jonas Chainsaw Music Video — Singer's New Music Video Features a Former Co-Star - Teen Vogue". Teen Vogue.
- ^ http://www.islandrecords.com/news/nick-jonas-releases-teaser-for-chainsaw/
- ^ Patricia Garcia. "Nick Jonas Premieres His New Video for "Chainsaw" - Vogue". Vogue.
- ^ "Nick Jonas Teases 'Champagne Problems' from New Album 'Last Year Was Complicated' [LISTEN]". Music Times.
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7393476/nick-jonas-bacon-ty-dolla-sign-listen
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7393703/nick-jonas-bacon-ty-dolla-sign-video
- ^ "Critic Reviews for Last Year Was Complicated". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ a b Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Last Year Was Complicated - Nick Jonas - AllMusic". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
- ^ http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/06/album-review-nick-jonas-last-year-was-complicated/
- ^ a b Feeney, Nolan (June 13, 2016). "Nick Jonas' 'Last Year Was Complicated': EW Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ Sonis, Rachel (June 10, 2016). "Nick Jonas' 'Last Year Was Complicated': Album Review". Idolator. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ a b Gibsone, Harriet (June 9, 2016). "Nick Jonas: Last Year Was Complicated review – single, sad and highly sexed pop". The Guardian. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22040-last-year-was-complicated/
- ^ a b Harris, Keith (June 10, 2016). "Nick Jonas's New Album: Last Year Was Complicated". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
- ^ a b C. Mac, Sam (June 13, 2016). "Nick Jonas: Last Year Was Complicated | Album Review | Slant Magazine". Slant Magazine. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
{{cite web}}
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at position 1 (help) - ^ http://www.spin.com/2016/06/review-nick-jonas-last-year-was-complicated/
- ^ McDermott, Maeve (June 10, 2016). "Nick Jonas' 'Last Year Was Complicated:' 5 songs you need to hear". USA Today. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "iTunes Store (US) - Music - Nick Jonas - Last Year Was Complicated". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved May 2, 2016.
- ^ "Nick Jonas Releases New Song Close (feat. Tove Lo)". E! Online. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
- ^ a b "iTunes Store (UK) - Music - Nick Jonas - Last Year Was Complicated (Deluxe Edition)". iTunes Store (UK). Retrieved May 2, 2016.
- ^ "Nick Jonas - Last Year Was Complicated (Target Exclusive) : Target". Target. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
- ^ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Nick Jonas – Last Year Was Complicated" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Nick Jonas – Last Year Was Complicated" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Nick Jonas – Last Year Was Complicated" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Nick Jonas – Last Year Was Complicated" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 24, 2016". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
- ^ "VG-lista - Nick Jonas". VG-lista. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- ^ "Sverigetopplistan - Sveriges Officiella Topplista". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved June 17, 2016. Click on "Veckans albumlista".
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- ^ "Last Year Was Complicated by Nick Jonas on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
- ^ "'Last Year Was Complicated (Deluxe Edition)' van Nick Jonas in iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
- ^ "Last Year Was Complicated (Del. Ltd.)". bol.com. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
- ^ "Last Year Was Complicated (Deluxe Edition) by Nick Jonas on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved March 29, 2016.