Jess Ball, an up-and-coming artist, has dropped a new single you can relate to if you’ve ever felt a long-distance friendship’s emotional trials and tribulations. “That Way” is a pop-filled anthem that hits hard with its universal lyrics. Under the London-based project Melody Music, the record is a pivotal moment in Jess’s musical timeline, as it gives a taste of the bittersweet journey of seeing a close friend follow their dream.
With its infectious melody, “That Way” draws you in from the opening notes, a lighthearted pop sound that conceals the emotional core that delivers the song’s home run. The song deals with the bittersweet feelings of yearning and jealousy one experiences when one’s best friend moves away to fulfill one’s dreams. Jess’s incisive humor sparkles in every line, as she deftly walks that tightrope of celebrating someone else’s success and wallowing in envy. It’s nimbly done with grace and a hint of sarcasm, which makes it even more authentic.
On this track, Jess Ball is gentle but not euphemistic about the haze of pure emotion accompanying witnessing someone you care about moving on still. She talks about it with humor and acceptance. With an inescapable hook, the chorus opens up to a singalong to that painful kind of send-off that also helps you grow. It’s a celebration of pride and heartbreak, the emotional roller coaster that ultimately leaves you with hope.
“That Way” is a good reminder that there’s always room for love and support. Even in times of uncertainty and sadness, Jess’s story comes through with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to think about a friend who has made that jump toward something else and not feel some of that complicated mix of emotions.
As Jess Ball’s artistry continues to blossom, “That Way” confirms that she is more than a skilled singer-songwriter but an artist who crafts anthems out of life’s most relatable moments that linger in your mind long after the songs run their course.
Connect with Jess Ball on Instagram – @jessballl
