Joe Jonas is stepping back into the solo arena with “Music For People Who Believe In Love,” his brand-new album and first solo project in nearly 14 years. Best known as one-third of the Jonas Brothers (and the frontman of funk-pop band DNCE), Joe has poured his heart into this record – and it shows. Released May 23 via Republic Records, the album is being described as Jonas’ most personal and heartfelt work to date, inspired by the whirlwind of changes in his life. Across its 14 tracks, Music For People Who Believe In Love lives up to its title: it’s an open-armed celebration of love, hope, and growth, filtered through Joe’s eyes. The sound is a vibrant pop mix with some surprising flavors, from shimmery alt-pop and funky rock grooves to even a touch of ’90s country influence. In short, this isn’t the teen idol of 2011’s Fastlife – it’s a more mature Joe, with new stories to tell.
Jonas has been candid about the journey leading to this album. These songs were born out of deeply personal experiences – getting married and becoming a father, navigating a very public divorce, and ultimately finding gratitude through it all. Because the subject matter felt so intimate, Joe says he realized they wouldn’t quite fit on a Jonas Brothers or DNCE record. So, with the blessing of brothers Kevin and Nick, he ventured out solo to give them their own space. “This album speaks to the experiences of being a father, being a friend to oneself and others, and the happiness I’ve found in doing what I love,” Joe explained in an interview, underscoring how much of himself he poured into the project. He’s also called it the “most personal music” he’s ever made – a big statement from someone who’s been releasing hits since his teens. Still, he’s careful to note that even though the lyrics are rooted in his life, he’s not throwing shade at anyone; instead, the focus is on self-reflection and healing. The result is an album that balances honesty and optimism in equal measure.
Musically, Music For People Who Believe In Love is just as collaborative and adventurous as you might expect from Joe. He teamed up with a host of talented friends behind the scenes – from indie icon Feist to hit songwriter Savan Kotecha and producer Jason Evigan – to shape the record’s eclectic sound. He also invited a diverse cast of guest artists to contribute vocals, bringing fresh textures to the songs. Listeners will hear everyone from country phenom Sierra Ferrell to French pop star Louane, Brazilian singer Luísa Sonza, and even Joe’s younger brother Frankie Jonas making cameo appearances. This mix of collaborators across genres gives the album a rich, unpredictable flavor, as if Joe is joyfully exploring every musical lane that interests him. There are plenty of highlights: the breezy, romantic “Honey Blonde” (co-written with members of indie-pop band MUNA) enchants with a lush hook, while the anthemic single “Work It Out” brims with gratitude and an infectious beat. Fans who loved the pre-release tracks “What This Could Be” and “Heart by Heart” will find they were just the beginning – deeper cuts like “My Own Best Friend” (a soulful, whistling-tinged ode to self-love) and “Hey Beautiful” (a tender lullaby Joe wrote for his daughters) reveal the album’s emotional core.
To launch the project, Joe has been on a promotional blitz that doubles as a love-fest with fans: performing the soaring “Heart by Heart” live on The Voice finale, jamming through intimate club shows with surprise guest collaborators, and sitting down for candid interviews about this new chapter in his career. Through it all, his excitement is palpable. Music For People Who Believe In Love is more than just a collection of love songs – it feels like a mission statement for Joe Jonas at this stage in his life. It’s vulnerable yet upbeat, polished pop with a personal touch. Longtime fans will appreciate the nods to Jonas’s roots (yes, there’s plenty of swoon-worthy melody and harmony), but they’ll also get to know Joe the individual a lot better. In embracing his own voice and stories, Joe Jonas has crafted an album that invites everyone who still believes in love to sing along and share in the feel-good inspiration.
