Jessica Winter’s ‘My First Album’: A Deep Dive

July 10, 20253 min read

Portsmouth’s underground queer pop visionary, Jessica Winter, bursts onto the scene with her debut album, ‘My First Album’. It opens with an eerie flair reminiscent of a David Bowie western, swiftly transitioning into a whirlwind of playful electronica that feels at home in both a barnyard and a cathedral. While Winter has always danced along the edges of pop, her latest effort explores uncharted territories of creativity that even seasoned fans will find mesmerizing. The inaugural track, ‘Nirvana’, sets the tone for this glam-pop journey focused on pure enjoyment and an invitation to embrace the wonderfully odd.

Following her third EP, ‘Limerance’, released in 2023, which was an extravagant ode to love and established her reputation, Winter draws from a rich tapestry of influences ranging from Elton John to Kraftwerk. This time, she reveals more of herself beyond the pop persona: a thirty-something navigating the complexities of anxiety and heartbreak.

‘My First Album’ feels like an emotional diary entry, unapologetically exposing the chaotic and unresolved aspects of Winter’s psyche. Yet, it manages to remain vibrant and fun. Winter set out to explore the contrasts in her music, aiming to “see how sad [she] can make something sound” while still evoking feelings of euphoria.

The lead single, ‘L.O.V.E.’, encapsulates the gripping nature of love addiction, set against an anthemic backdrop. Following this, ‘Feels Good (For Tonight)’ channels a cathartic energy infused with bright nu-disco vibes, offering a refreshing contrast to the more intense nature of ‘Nirvana’. The track ‘Worst Person In The World’ showcases her signature surreal vocals with lines like, “I’ll always be the worst person in the world,” blending themes of insecurity and romantic yearning in one charming package.

With a vivid blend of nostalgic queer pop elements, Winter’s debut becomes a stylish homage to beloved millennial favorites, constantly subverting expectations. Tracks like ‘All I Ever Really Wanted’ shimmer with electroclash sensibility, while ‘Wannabe’ leans into an alt-rock vibe reminiscent of 4 Non Blondes. ‘Aftersun’ brings a tropical euro-disco flair, and ‘Big Star’ channels a power-pop aesthetic that echoes beloved acts like Scissor Sisters and MIKA, securing her place in the realm of flamboyant queer pop.

‘My First Album’ serves as an emotive and unique expression, capturing the essence of anxiety entwined with hopefulness. Winter illustrates that embracing one’s true self can lead to personal liberation, conveyed through confident and vibrant pop melodies. In the reflective moment of ‘Big Star’, she muses, “Something could happen / And someday I’ll be a somebody; then I’ll be happy / ‘Cause it all wasn’t just a dream.”