Jessica Brett – I’m Not Bitter (2025)
With a reputation for bold, confident, highly infectious performances, singer-songwriter Jessica Brett is a refreshing breath in a sometimes-stagnating pop music scene. Yet, you don’t have to be in the crowd at her shows because she easily transcends the boundaries of gig and studio sessions with deft ease. When you’re listening to Jessica Brett on Spotify (or any other streaming service of your choice), you hear the sophistication of the recorded single; however, a lingering tone brings the power of performance to your ears. Today, we take a gander at her most recent single, ‘I’m Not Bitter’.
Following her well-received singles ‘Rom-Com’ and ‘Hotter Than Hell’, Brett subdues the feistiness of the tracks in ‘I’m Not Bitter’. Interestingly, while the new single might not be as upbeat and danceable as previous material, it retains that feistiness in its soothing, mellifluous ballad. Produced with Alex O’Keeffe, ‘I’m Not Bitter’ uses the simplicity of a sparse piano and vocals melody to build a bubble of beauty. With a basic piano leading the way, the single not only proves the intensity of a “no bells and whistles” approach, but also showcases how powerful this organic, barebones sound can be – melodically and emotionally.
While Brett can get you on your feet, pumping your fist along to her pop anthems, ‘I’m Not Bitter’ showcases her true skill as a vocalist. As with Christina Perri’s ‘Jar Of Hearts’ or Alicia Keys’ ‘I Ain’t Got You’, Brett embraces a stripped-back soundscape while bringing a haunting sentimentality to the song. It’s as if that silence and quiet attitude are louder than the greatest shouts of an angsty rock band. Rich and bold, but still vulnerable and meek, Brett’s vocals weave about your heart, slithers into your brain, gives you chills, and ultimately leaves you breathless.
Melodically, the tune delicately unpicks the raw essence of human experiences with intricate precision, but there is also a free-flowing rush of emotion. Penned during a time when Brett “…struggled to put her emotions into words”, ‘I’m Not Bitter’ breathes vulnerability – and you can really feel it. Yet, it is also a song of transition, resilience and empowerment as it looks at the process of moving on from a relationship to greater things.
Find out more about Jessica Brett on her Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
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