Jackie Thomas is the self-titled debut studio album by Jackie Thomas, the winner of the first New Zealand series of The X Factor, released through Sony Music New Zealand on 9 August 2013.[1] It debuted at number one in the New Zealand album charts and was certified Gold.[2] The album's lead single "It's Worth It" preceded the album's release.
Background
The album was recorded days after Thomas became the winner of the first New Zealand series of The X Factor.[3] The album comprises 12 tracks, 11 of which are cover versions of songs that Thomas originally performed in the live shows of The X Factor. It features her highly praised audition song "Skinny Love".[4] The lead single "It's Worth It" is the album's one original song.[5]
Singles
Following Thomas' win on the first series of The X Factor (New Zealand) on 22 July 2013, her winner's single "It's Worth It" was released for digital download and on CD, and served as the lead single from the album.[6] The song debuted at number one and was certified Platinum.[7] Album track "Skinny Love" also charted at 23.[8]
In his review in the New Zealand Herald'sTimeOut entertainment supplement, music writer Scott Kara described the album as appealing to fans of Jackie Thomas, but noted that, "although Thomas has a great voice, her performances are tentative". Kara singled out the versions of "Skinny Love" and "Dreams" as album highlights.[5]