Track Review: Ciara, “Jump”

In the time since 2019’s Beauty Marks, Ciara had another child and signed a new deal with Uptown and Republic Records. Now, the “Level Up” singer is back with her new single “Jump.”

Produced by Theron Thomas, Sam Sumser, Sean Small, and Ciara herself, “Jump” is a dance song that doesn’t bother trying to disguise itself. The best thing about Ciara’s dance anthems is that they’re always unabashedly fun. She’s not trying to make it more than it is, she’s just inviting us to dance alongside her through whatever utopia or dystopia owns the moment. The skittish, frenetic production is the perfect canvas for her to assemble her dance legion (“East side, jump, West side, jump / We gon' set this thing off right / North side, jump, South side, jump”), and shift between sultry verses and a high-energy hook. “It get loud when I make the thang jump / It's a party when I make the thang jump, jump, jump,” she chants.

Ciara’s dance tracks are quintessential because she’s able to perform through each track with the same conviction and intensity with which she dances. From the delightfully corny “Just understand me, player“ intro to the way her tone evolves from teasing to commanding, Ciara’s vocal performance is what sells the track. Moreover, rising hip-hop group Coast Contra matches her energy well and adds a gruffer edge to the song’s glossy booty-popping sheen. Like “Level Up” and “Get Up” before it, “Jump” is an irresistible banger that’ll get you moving whether you want to or not.

Score: 60