The Bare Naked Statues have a winner, albeit a flawed one, with Jessie J’s Who You Are. Listen to the opening few seconds and bask in the smooth “ooh”s from the backs and the sultry low runs from soloist Jim Kane. It’s a contemplative opening that fits the lyrics perfectly (“Stare at my reflection in the mirror / Why am I doing this to myself?”). The magic dissipates briefly going into the first chorus, but whether this is the fault of Tom Anderson’s arrangement (too busy) or Plaid Productions’ mix (too loud) is up for debate.  

All is right with the world in short order, however, as Alex Bolano’s vp kicks in and this track really takes off in the second verse. Here’s Mr. Kane again, now showing off his impressive two-octave range; he’s even better up high. Mr. Anderson returns to form in the bridge with an awesome R&B vibe, culminating in the coolest of cool chords at 2:36 that gives me chills every time. The third chorus, so different from the two that preceded it, also gives us another great moment at 3:17.

In short, BNS has plenty of variety in a track that we are sure to hear a lot of this year. And I can’t wait to hear more.