Jess Glynne returns with Friend of Mine: Exclusive First Listen

Produced by British DJ Sub Focus, Friend of Mine sees Jess return to her roots

To this day, Jess Glynne boasts more Official Number 1 singles than any other British solo female artist in history. From debut Clean Bandit collab Rather Be to I'll Be There, the London-born singer-songwriter currently has seven to her name; more than the Spice Girls' Geri Halliwell-Horner, Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding, to name but three.

Now, Jess returns with the latest taste of her upcoming third studio album. Friend of Mine follows recent singles Silly Me and What Do You Do?, and sees her team up with co-writers Jin Jin, Ollie Green and Sub Focus (who's also on production duties). Oh, and she's given us a sneaky First Listen. Cheers, Jess.

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Once again exploring her drum and bass-inspired roots, Friend of Mine is your archetypal Jess track; but elevated.

Navigating a long-standing friendship entering tumultuous territory, Jess asks: "Darling, even after all this time, will you still be a friend of mine?

"We said some things and we crossed that line, but will you still be a friend of mine?"

"One word, one fight, took a wrong turn on the wrong night. I hope you're doing alright, 'cause I know what it feels like."

While Friend of Mine is lyrically raw, the juxtaposition of its euphoric production ensures it's still a certified banger.

MORE: Jess Glynne gets candid on 'vulnerable' new album

Chatting about the track, Jess says: "This song is about honesty and forgiveness. All friendships and relationships have their ups and downs, life isn’t perfect. Hopefully people can hear their own stories in the lyrics and it brings them hope. I wrote Friend of Mine with one of my closest friends and collaborators, Jin Jin.

"We have worked together so much over the years but this was a real moment for us. It was my first time working with Sub Focus and Ollie Green, and it felt really special walking into a room with such open, safe souls."

Teasing her upcoming studio LP, Jess recently told Official Charts: "This album’s done, it’s just about ready now. It’s not the final, final version, but we’re here, we’re good.

"I’ve evolved as a human and as an artist. Five years is a long time, I’ve grown as a woman; I’m very different now in my mindset and self-security. I’m a little bit more emotionally intelligent. It doesn’t sound like my [previous] two records; it’s definitely more emotional."

Read our full interview with Jess Glynne here.

Jess Glynne's Friend of Mine is released Friday October 20 via EMI.