In all my years of listening to music, I have purchased many a CD or album specifically for only one or two songs. “Thank you, Jes,” for compiling so many great tracks on your albums that allow us to listen to these perfectly mastered compilations without interruption! Metallica, Pearl Jam, Sade, Björk, U2, The Police, Sheryl Crow, The Cure, Prince, Tiësto, David Guetta, Grateful Dead, Tom Petty, and Michael Jackson are just a few artists that come to mind, who no doubt, have the skill to do the same.

Not so much that she sounds anything like any of these groups, but that her mastery of her “domain” is much like the command that each of these groups and individuals convey. Her music/voice is utilized by so many greats - see BT, Tiësto, Motorcycle, Airscape, and Armin Van Buuren…just to name a few. She will be the first one to tell you that she is simply a part of the equation, not just the answer (and I'd say a very critical part), thus providing yet another important detail to the makeup of a total superstar: modesty. Jes continues to morph into her own class of artists which is why I list her with the likes of the aforementioned legends.

High Glow is an amazing compilation of every single inch of this bombshell. Early on, the tracks consist more of your Top 40 variety - “Awaken”, “Closer,” and my Trojan horse pick for her next number one hit, “Fame.” “Halfway Gone,” “All Night,” and the title track “High Glow” show the soft side of Jes and her ability to skillfully perform those sonic electro ballads whilst reaching in and tugging on your heart with that delicate whispering hue that lingers on the closure of every line.

I will have to say that when I heard Jes was doing The Cure's “Lovesong” I was a bit nervous due to Robert Smith's always memorable performances and the magnitude of this single. It is very difficult to do what Jes does through her remake of this all-time classic. She gives the song all of its bravado while giving all of us a reason to dance. Basically, she nailed it on her video and remake. Just ask Robert Smith:

He is quoted as saying “A LOVELY VERSION…I HAD MY HANDS IN THE SKY... THANKS!" And I think we've all felt like belting out “Do You Love Me” the way she does on this track, thus delivering her trademark Queen of Electronica sound in true form. But it is the unmistakable funky, retro-Brit-style that pervades this entire album best delivered on the tracks “It's too Late,” “Same Mistake,” and “Unleash the Beat.” “Where You Are” reveals crisp guitar riffs coupled with a bass line that rocks my face! The solid bonus addition of “Years and Years” gives her dance-addict followers some more excellent retro-euro beats to get their groove on☺.

At the end of the day I rate this release a 9 out of 10 because I know that Jes will churn out yet another “must have” album soon and she would not admit nor condone a perfect rating! …Not yet. Enjoy!

Track list:
1 - Awaken
2 - Closer
3 - Such A Long Time
4 - Fame
5 - Halfway Gone
6 - Lovesong
7 - Do You Love Me
8 - High Glow
9 - It's Too Late
10 Where You Are
11 Same Mistake
12 Medicine
13 See Through
14 Unleash The Beat
15 All Night
16 Years And Years (Bonus Track)

Review In Courtesy Of Suzanne Buchanan