Rick Springfield: ‘Jessie’s Girl 2’

What is Jessie’s Girl 2 About?

“Jessie’s Girl 2” by Coheed and Cambria is a continuation of the 1981 hit song about pining for a friend’s girlfriend. In the 2020 song, Jessie’s Girl, who at one time was worthy of a love song, is now “out of her mind.” The narrator of “Jessie’s Girl 2” regrets that they chased after her, noting that Jessie didn’t seem to mind being dumped by her and that should’ve been a clue that she wasn’t all that she seemed.

Did Rick Springfield, annoyed that for 40 years he’s been asked who the real Jessie’s Girl is even though he doesn’t know her, relish in the sequel revealing she’s a bit of a mess? Kind of a “quit asking me about her” put into lyrical form? Or, more likely, a song about a nice woman in the suburbs just doesn’t have a lot of musical pizzazz.

Did We Want a Sequel to Jessie’s Girl?

“Jessie’s Girl” is, to me, one of the best pop songs, ever. EVER. Not in the ‘80s. Not by a hunky heartthrob. No qualifications, no disclaimers. One of the best ever in the history of pop music. Read all about the story behind Jessie’s Girl here.

So… you can imagine what I thought when I heard there was going to be a “Jessie’s Girl 2.”

Wha?!

Coheed and Cambria, a band I hadn’t heard of which isn’t surprising because I am, quite literally, an ‘80s girl, released “Jessie’s Girl 2.” How dare they!

Ok, ok, maybe I should listen to it first before I make any judgements. But did you read the part about how much I love “Jessie’s Girl?”

Check out the video for “Jessie’s Girl 2” and then let’s discuss:

“Jessie’s Girl 2” the Song

I went into this prepared to not like it. I am very protective of “Jessie’s Girl” and don’t take lightly someone using that to write a song. Sure, Rick Springfield is featured in “Jessie’s Girl 2” so I should trust his judgement. But, still.

My thoughts on the song…

How incredibly fun and cool and an homage to the ‘80s and yessss I am into it.

I don’t know Coheed and Cambria to be aware if this is their style of music, or if they were overly inspired by Rick’s sound. But they did a great job and good work guys!

“Jessie’s Girl 2” the Video

Some things that are obvious as we watch the video: Rick looks great and not like a man IN HIS 70s. Yeah, he’s 71. What are your secrets Rick???

It’s kinda funny they make Jessie’s Girl a thief. She was a heartbreaker and now he finds out she’s lame. That’s fair.

They appear to have brought back the original Jessie’s Girl from the 1981 video to show up at the very end, and steal something.

As a HUGE fan of the original “Jessie’s Girl” I can say that it’s great Coheed and Cambria want to write a song honoring the timeless classic, it in no way takes away from the original, and shines a light on the genius that is “Jessie’s Girl.”

What did you think?