In a year marked by personal challenges and public vulnerability, Jessie J’s new single, ‘Believe in Magic’, arrives not just as a song, but as a statement of resilience. Released on 29 August, the track is a powerful testament to this singer-songwriter’s enduring spirit. Co-written with Jesse Boykins III, the lyrics feel more personal to the artist than ever before, touching on themes of grief, growth, and finding hope in life’s unpredictable moments.
This single also follows her previous track, ‘Living My Best Life’, released on 16 May. Both songs explore a similar thematic vein of finding joy and purpose amidst life’s challenges. While ‘Living My Best Life’ serves as an upbeat anthem about embracing the present, ‘Believe in Magic’ delves deeper, offering a more sombre yet ultimately defiant reflection on resilience. These two tracks, along with her earlier single ‘No Secrets’, are confirmed to be part of a new yet-to-be-titled album. Right before the release of ‘No Secrets’, Jessie J announced in an Instagram post that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and noting that the lyrics “hit harder now” given her current journey.
Lyrically, the song is a compelling blend of the mundane and the magical. Jessie J grounds the listener with relatable frustrations—”Tapped out, roll my eyes in the morning / Tired of the details, tired of the talking”—before elevating the message to a more profound, philosophical place. The chorus, with its defiant declaration, “If I die today, wanna know that I made it,” reveals a powerful sense of urgency and purpose. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to shed cynicism and embrace the small joys that “fix a broken heart.” The central message is an empowering one: true fulfilment comes from believing in the life you can create, no matter the circumstances.
The song builds on Jessie J’s signature pop sound while embracing a fresh, more reflective tone. It’s a track that feels both intimate and anthemic, blending honest, raw lyricism with a production style that swells with emotion. The decision to release a visualizer created just days before her breast cancer surgery, rather than waiting for a full music video, adds another layer of authenticity to the release. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t always wait for a perfect moment, and that sometimes, the most powerful art is born out of adapting and carrying on.
‘Believe in Magic’ is a beautiful and inspiring piece of work that reaffirms Jessie J’s status as a formidable and courageous artist. It is a song that carries the weight of her personal journey while still soaring with a universal message of hope.
Words by C. Sharmishtha
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