Global pop superstar JADE, the former Little Mix powerhouse, continues to set the standard for a sensational solo debut with the release of her deluxe album, 'That's Showbiz Baby! The Encore'. Released on Friday, December 5, the extended edition follows her outstanding debut, which achieved the biggest opening week for a first album of 2025 on the Official UK Albums Chart and topped the Official Record Store Chart back in September.
While most artists offer a brief final bow, JADE delivers an ambitious second act, adding eight new songs that feel less like mere 'bonus tracks' and more like a refined, coherent continuation of her artistic vision. The original record, a maximalist showcase of collaborations with A-list producers and writers including Mike Sabath, Lostboy, Cirkut, RAYE, and Pablo Bowman—featuring smash hits like 'Angel Of My Dreams', 'IT girl', and 'Fantasy'—was highly praised yet occasionally uneven. 'The Encore', however, smooths out the creases, cementing JADE’s growing mastery of her own musical identity.
This new disc is drenched in a rich, nostalgic palette of early-2000s pop and clubland energy, purposefully swerving away from fleeting microtrends. Lead single 'Church' is a striking example, a powerful LGBTQIA+ anthem built on a fresh mix of sultry, stripped-back verses and explosive, danceable beats. JADE described the track as a "love letter to those fans," explaining, "I wanted ‘Church’ to feel like a love letter to those fans. It’s no secret that I have a predominantly LGBTQIA+ fan base. ‘Church’ is like ‘Angel [Of My Dreams],’ it’s telling a story of my journey within that space.” This dedication is underlined by a highly praised cover of Madonna's classic, 'Frozen', also included on the tracklist.
But beneath the glossy, upbeat production lies a refreshing emotional honesty. Tracks like the socially conscious anthem 'This Is What We Dance For' and the stripped-back closer 'Tar' delve into JADE's internal struggles, with raw, relatable lyrics about anxiety and negative thoughts. On the dance floor banger, 'This Is What We Dance For', she sings: “My brain’s been misbehavin’/Anxiety’s fuckin’ crazy,” highlighting how the energy of the club becomes a sanctuary. By confronting conditions that affect us all with such bluntness, JADE only deepens the connection with her audience.
Crucially, the B-side features no outside vocalists, a poignant choice after years of sharing the stage. This decision showcases JADE's versatile vocal range and allows her to fully occupy the spotlight as the sole voice of the project. 'The Encore' is a dynamic and confident second chapter, proving that the 'Angel Of The North' is not just finding her solo footing but truly hitting her stride as an undeniable pop superstar.
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