JADE 'THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!' REVIEW

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After years as one-fourth of one of the UK’s most successful girl groups, JADE steps into her solo spotlight with THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, a debut that’s as chaotic, glamorous, and emotionally layered as its title suggests. Far from playing it safe, JADE embraces risk; swerving between hyper-stylised pop spectacle and moments of disarming vulnerability.

The album kicks off with the explosive Angel Of My Dreams, the track that lit the fuse for her solo career. It’s maximalist, sharp-edged, theatrical and sets the tone for a body of work that refuses to sit still. The same boldness pulses through IT girl and Plastic Box, where glossy production and sharp lyrics collide. Elsewhere, Fantasy and FUFN bring club-ready energy and glittering hooks, leaning into the kind of unapologetic pop JADE clearly revels in.

But THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! isn’t all neon and noise. Beneath the glitter lies real introspection. On Unconditional, JADE taps into personal pain with emotional clarity, offering a sensual slow-burn that’s both vulnerable and self-assured. Self Saboteur is one of the album’s most confessional moments, a pulsing electro-ballad that explores self-doubt with aching honesty. 

Midnight Cowboy takes a more playful detour, blending spaghetti western strings with a strut-worthy beat that’s made for late-night dramatics. Natural At Disaster delivers biting, poetic lyrics wrapped in lavish production, serving as a a deliciously theatrical exploration of romantic chaos. Headache, a bold and sonically aggressive track, leans fully into electro-pop maximalism, showcasing JADE’s willingness to experiment, even when the results are polarising. Meanwhile Silent Disco closes the album on a haunting, almost cinematic note, quietly affirming her ability to switch gears without losing impact.

The production team, featuring Mike Sabath, Lostboy, RAYE, Cirkut and more, provides a dynamic sonic backdrop, but JADE is never overshadowed. Her voice, both literal and artistic, cuts through with conviction. She’s not just playing pop star; she’s shaping what pop can be when it’s allowed to be weird, personal, and theatrical all at once.

There are moments where the album’s ambition slightly outpaces its cohesion. Certain songs feel like ideas more than fully-formed statements. But those moments feel like the growing pains of an artist actively expanding her range.

Joy and effort radiate through the album. It’s messy in a way that feels human, bold in a way that feels earned. More than a debut, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! is a declaration that JADE is ushering in the future of pop music.

THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! is out now.