In 2015, Tobias Jesso Jr. released his debut album Goon with a great deal of critical and promotional clamor. He then quickly disappeared from the spotlight in favor of a fruitful behind-the-scenes career that led him to win the first ever Grammy for Songwriter Of The Year, among other highlights. Jesso returned after 10 years this fall with his second album, s h i n e. And now he’s out there promoting it a bit.
Tuesday night, Jesso played Jimmy Kimmel Live. It was not just his first late-night TV performance since a Roots-backed Tonight Show appearance in February 2015 — it was his first public performance of any kind in a decade. The new album offers no shortage of piano ballads to choose from, but Jesso opted to perform lead single “I Love You,” the one with the crazy drums at the end. That makes sense. The chorus sticks with you, and those drums really go crazy.
Kane Ritchotte was behind the kit last night, pounding the shit out of those things. Watch him join forces with Jesso below.
s h i n e is out now on R&R. Jesso is once again up for Songwriter Of The Year at the 2026 Grammys.
