Emerging from the English-Indian underground, Sean's first album featured political content as well as emotional songwriting baring his personal insecurities and struggles, all of it drawing influence from the traditional pop music of India (such as Bhangra). Released 8 November 2004 in the U.K., January 2005 in Malaysia, and February 2005 in India on 2Point9 Records, Relentless Records, and Virgin Records, 'Me Against Myself' achieved highly supportive critical reviews, with Dan Gennoe of Yahoo! Music praising Sean's work as "an album of phenomenally accomplished R&B". His release was certified as multi-platinum in his native India and gold in the U.K. His three singles (composed with help from Sean's mentor Rishi Rich) also met with British chart success: "Dance With You" (#12), "Eyes On You" (#6), and "Stolen" (#4).
Sean's touring, as well as the success of his singles in clubs, led Tareck Ghoneim of Contactmusic.com to call Sean an "Asian sensation". Still, he had his eyes on breaking into the U.S. while also keeping his stride with the U.K. charts, and he wanted as well to incorporate more of a slick pop sound to his coming work. His sophomore release, 'My Own Way', featured him on the cover looking as dapper in his light brown suit as a master of business. Released 12 May 2008 on Jayded Records and 2Point9 Records, the work suffered from various leaks and also received some mixed reviews from critics.
Nonetheless, the album became commercially successful in the U.K., reaching #6 on the U.K. Albums Chart and #1 on the UK R&B Chart. It eventually became certified platinum. Lead single "Ride It" also garnered major airplay throughout Europe, featuring Sean remarking about "all about the games people play across the dance-floor on a night out". Momentum building, his third studio album, 'All or Nothing', came out 23 November 2009 with strong promotion in the U.S.
International top 40 singles "Down" and "Do You Remember" cemented Sean's status as a global superstar. With massive tours leading him from TV show to stadium across countries, "Down" (also known as "Down (Feat. Lil' Wayne)" and other titles due to Lil' Wayne's presence) in particular hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming later known as one of the iconic singles of 2009 in American memory. Other nation's listeners also gave his singles strong airplay.
The first official single from Jay Sean's fourth studio album, titled 'Worth It All', was "I'm All Yours", which he sent for airplay on April 18, 2012. The song featured rapper and entertainer Pitbull. Although not quite achiving as much success as he had hoped in the U.S., it became a major international hit, reaching the top 40 in both Germany and New Zealand, and it ended up being mutli-platinum certified in Australia.
When it comes to the business of being a singer there are artists, there are stars and there are phenomenons. Jay Sean is all of the above. The proof is in the press, the sales, the fans and above all, the music.
ALL OR NOTHING is both Jay Sean's first American release and first for Cash Money/Universal Republic Records. But while it's his debut over here, the 29-year-old Pop/R&B singer/songwriter/producer has been a major sensation and multi-platinum artist over there since 2004; releasing two smash albums, scoring two top ten singles, nominated for Britain's heralded MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award twice and building a worldwide, fervid fan-base that stretches from Russia to Australia to NYC.
In some ways ALL OR NOTHING is the best of both worlds. Featuring sizzling, brand new tracks like the lead off single "Down" (featuring label mate Lil' Wayne), ALL OR NOTHING also includes some of the songs that helped Jay Sean blow up around the rest of the world.
One of those songs is "Ride It" written "strictly on a vibe," built on a hypnotic, sinewy track, and delivered with Jay Sean's slick vocals. The video for "Ride It" clocked an astonishing 12 million hits on You Tube (20+ million hits across all online video channels) and captivated fans everywhere; including Cash/Money Records CEO and co-founder, Ronald "Slim" Williams who was turned on to Jay Sean's music by one of the singer's producers. Slim liked what he heard and proved it by making Jay Sean the first UK artist to join the Cash/Money family.
The match up of Nawlins swagger and UK Pop/R&B drives ALL OR NOTHING's first single "Down" ft/ Cash/Money soldier Lil' Wayne. Already taking radio by storm, "Down" resulted from a conversation that began about what's wrong in the world, and blossomed into a celebration of everything that's right - namely love.
Offers Jay Sean, "I'm a very positive, optimistic person and thought let me write a song about the idea that if you've got someone special in your life then nothing else really matters how you need to appreciate the little things. The title is a play on the word 'down.' That's why Lil' Wayne says, 'Are you down like the economy.' It's a fun, very easy track something to pump in your car."
Another mid tempo breeze born out of real life is "War." The message? "To battle with anybody, whether it's your girl, family or another country never solved anything," explains Jay Sean.
It is that mix of introspection and keenly crafted Pop/R&B songs that has brought Jay Sean from where he was to where he is.
Born and raised in London, England and of Indian/Punjabi heritage, Jay Sean started rapping at 12 and credits rap with helping him structure, produce and write songs. Inspired by R&B stars Jodeci, Brian McKnight, Joe, and Musiq Soulchild, Jay Sean started singing hooks and then stepped it up.
Amazingly, at the same time he was exploring his artistic side, Jay Sean was at med school; surely a steadier profession than "pop-star." Luckily Jay Sean's parents had his back.
"It wasn't as though they suddenly went 'you sing?' Jay Sean laughs. "They knew there might be a strong possibility I'd do music. They told me, 'The same way you apply yourself to your studies you have to work hard doing music.' That's always stayed with me."
Jay Sean's songs caught the attention of a producer putting together a groundbreaking project fusing traditional Punjabi music and contemporary Pop/R&B. As soon as the single dropped, Jay Sean became the face and voice of a new generation.
"It was so interesting that the kids who love listening to Pop/R&B and traditional Indian music said, 'What the hell is this, it's brand new.'"
Along with galvanizing a heretofore, untapped demographic, Jay Sean caught the ears of the industry, because as he explains, "The English labels knew I had this huge following.
His solo debut ME AGAINST MYSELF dropped in 2004 and exploded on the Internet. Jay Sean toured through Europe, South East Asia, as well as spot dates in the US. He even performed, with Akon, at the Ruler of Dubai's daughter's sweet sixteen. In India, this album outsold Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Madonna.
"I have a heavy fan-base in many countries including India. I'm in a minority culture but in many countries, there's still Indians there and they all knew me," says Jay Sean.
After dealing with creative issues and the desire to change his musical direction to straight-forward Pop/R&B, Jay Sean made the decision in 2008 to go for self.
"I realized I had a global fan base so why not make the music myself?"
Those instincts paid off and then some when MY OWN WAY, his first release on his own label, Jayded Records, out sold and then some Jay Sean's prior effort. The album peaked at #6 on the UK album chart.
All of which brings Jay Sean to ALL OR NOTHING and a future that is just beginning.
Speaking with a refreshing mix of humility and confidence, Jay Sean says, "I've got a different up-bringing and take on a music that you guys make so well and would like to think that I'm a fresh new face and voice. Hopefully American audiences will like it. People always like a change. That's what I have to offer."
See: www.jaysean.com
Jameson
Jay Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teasing and feeding me tales, numbing my brain
It's pulling me back to it
Am I that bastard that
Everyone's laughing at
When they see me trapped in your grasp
There ain't nothing that no one else can do
It's like I see a new me anytime I'm with you
You, you're gonna hurt me like
Oooooooh, sweet, sweet
You should've warned me baby
Oooooooh, sweet, sweet
Sweet Jameson
You love me in the evening
And hurt me in the morning
Then leave me without warning
Oh sweet Jameson
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
You was always my baby
You would come first
When I needed saving, Jamie
You were my world
I would drown in your love till it all becomes a blur
And I'd leave all my dignity there
Oh, what a site to see
I can't stand, but I won't fall
Just say I'm your only
Just say it once more
Just don't break my heart apart
But you, you're gonna hurt me like
Oooooooh, sweet, sweet
Could've warned me baby
Oooooooh, sweet, sweet
Sweet Jameson
You love me in the evening
And hurt me in the morning
Then leave me without warning
Oh sweet Jameson
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
Every night is the same old routine
Spray your favorite cologne
You say you like it on me
That's when I head to the spot
Take out a couple of G's
And now I feel like the man
They got they eyes on me
Don't even need to request
They already know what my question is
Imma say I'm impressed
They way you already undressed for me
Take a taste of you slowly
When I hold you next to me
When you touch my lips
It's like you take all the stress from me
Feel the warmth in my chest
I love it, let it all run through
It's like you know me best
And you're the one that I turn to
When my head starts spinning
Is when I come to my senses
Like who the fuck am I kidding
Every man in this building's saying
Sweet Jameson
You love me in the evening
And hurt me in the morning
Then leave me without warning
Oh sweet Jameson
You love me in the evening
And hurt me in the morning
Then leave me without warning
Oh sweet Jameson
You love me in the evening
And hurt me in the morning
Then leave me without warning
Oh sweet Jameson
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
Oooooooh sweet
In Jay Sean's song "Jameson," the artist talks about the toxic effect of alcohol, specifically Jameson whiskey, on his life. He describes Jameson as a "poison" that crawls under his veins, numbing his brain and pulling him towards it. Despite wanting to break free from its grasp, he acknowledges that it's like a magnet that draws him in, leaving him trapped and embarrassed. In the chorus, he talks about the sweet taste of the whiskey that he enjoys in the evening but is left hurt in the morning when it leaves him without warning.
Throughout the song, Jay Sean talks about his love-hate relationship with Jameson. He describes how when he's with it, he sees a new version of himself, but with painful consequences. Jameson represents a love interest or addiction, which appears sweet at first but ultimately hurts him. The singer also talks about his sense of invincibility while drinking and how it makes him feel like the man, but the hangovers and regrets in the morning provide a stark contrast to his behavior.
Overall, "Jameson" is a cautionary tale about addiction and the price paid for falling into its grasp. It is a powerful interpretation of the consequences of alcohol abuse and a reminder of the dangers of substances that can ruin lives.
Line by Line Meaning
What is this poison that's crawling under my veins
Jay is describing an addiction in his life that is slowly taking over and controlling him.
Teasing and feeding me tales, numbing my brain
The addiction is manipulating and deceiving him, making him feel good temporarily while causing long-term harm to his mental health.
It's pulling me back to it
Despite the harm it is causing, the addiction has a strong hold on him and is hard to resist.
Am I that bastard that Everyone's laughing at
Jay is feeling ashamed and embarrassed about his addiction, as he believes that others are judging him for it.
When they see me trapped in your grasp
Others can see that the addiction has a hold on him and is controlling his actions and decisions.
There ain't nothing that no one else can do
Jay acknowledges that he alone is responsible for his addiction and that others cannot fix it for him.
But you're gonna tear my heart apart
Jay recognizes that the addiction will hurt him emotionally and potentially damage his relationships.
It's like I see a new me anytime I'm with you
Despite the harm it is causing, Jay feels like a different, better version of himself when he succumbs to his addiction.
Sweet Jameson
Jay is specifically referring to alcohol as his addiction throughout the song, with Jameson being a type of whiskey.
You love me in the evening
Jay is referencing the positive feelings he experiences while drinking alcohol at night.
And hurt me in the morning
The negative effects of drinking, such as hangovers and regret, become apparent the next morning.
Then leave me without warning
The addiction is unpredictable and can cause Jay to make impulsive decisions without considering the consequences.
Every night is the same old routine
Jay is stuck in a cycle of addiction where he engages in the same habits and behaviors every night.
Spray your favorite cologne
Jay is taking care to present himself well while engaging in his addiction.
And now I feel like the man
Jay gains a false sense of confidence from his addiction, feeling like he is in control when it is actually the opposite.
It's like you know me best
Jay anthropomorphizes his addiction, attributing human-like qualities to it that make it seem like it knows him better than anyone else.
When my head starts spinning
Jay experiences negative physical effects from drinking, such as dizziness and disorientation.
Is when I come to my senses
Jay realizes the harm his addiction is causing when he experiences these negative effects.
Every man in this building's saying
Jay recognizes that he is not alone in his addiction, and that many others around him are facing similar issues.
Contributed by Lucy J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@edwardbrand6748
This song is not so popular because it's much ahead of its time,
People will realise one day how valuable these songs are 👍🏻
@acctahmed7055
I still listen to it.. 10.08.2023
@joelt92
This man deserves more views and a new MANAGER!
@katrina2k8
+joel thomas His manager is his wife lol.
@joelt92
+Samiya Yesmin Exactly!
@katrina2k8
joel thomas ahaha
@breezzyzychriss9778
damn right you are
@diyat5811
He's too underrated, it's unreal, ur right, he deserves more attention #SHEEZIESFORLIFE
@LillySingh
Dat acting doe! Awesome song and video Jay!
@venuzexalt
MHMM