What makes Last Year Was Complicated by Nick Jonas notable?

The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Jonas's success as a solo act. It was well-received for its mature themes and production quality, which contributed to shaping contemporary pop and R&B music trends during the mid-2010s. Released on June 10, 2016, Last Year Was Complicated is Nick Jonas's second solo studio album, following his self-titled debut in 2014. At this point in his career, Jonas had established himself as a prominent solo artist after transitioning from his Jonas Brothers fame, aiming to further develop his musical identity and sound.

Who is Last Year Was Complicated for?

Last Year Was Complicated works well if you're into steady mid-tempo listening experience, introspective moments of reflection and smooth flow for casual vibes.

How many songs are on Last Year Was Complicated?

Last Year Was Complicated has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Last Year Was Complicated

Nick Jonas · 2016

42 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of R&B grooves and pop melodies that explore themes of love and heartbreak with an introspective edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Close — This track features a collaborative effort with Tove Lo, blending their voices in a way that captures vulnerability while exploring intimacy and emotional distance.
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Chainsaw — With its dark undertones and raw lyrics, Chainsaw stands out for its metaphorical exploration of heartache and self-destruction, showcasing Jonas's growth as a songwriter.
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Good Girls — This track highlights an upbeat tempo combined with playful lyrics about attraction, demonstrating Jonas's ability to balance fun with deeper emotional themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends R&B and pop with polished production but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its contemporaries.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo listening experience
introspective moments of reflection
smooth flow for casual vibes
emotional exploration through lyrics

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Jonas's success as a solo act after his debut.
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released on June 10, 2016, Last Year Was Complicated is Nick Jonas's second solo studio album, following his self-titled debut in 2014. At this point in his career, Jonas had established himself as a prominent solo artist after transitioning from his Jonas Brothers fame, aiming to further develop his musical identity and sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Jonas· Charlie Puth· Shawn Mendes