Tobias Jesso Jr songwriter known for shaping major pop hits is now back with a new album that brings him into the spotlight again. For the past ten years, he has worked quietly in the background, creating songs for some of the world’s biggest stars. Now he has returned with Shine, a short and warm album built on simple piano lines, clear feelings, and open stories from his own life. His first album, released in 2015, made him a fresh voice in music. It was gentle, soft, and full of old-style charm. Many listeners loved the calm sound. But the fast rise also brought heavy pressure. He felt unsure about being a public figure and struggled during live shows. He found himself playing a role that did not feel true. The tension grew stronger, and he chose to step away from touring and from the idea of being a full-time performer. With time, he moved behind the scenes. This change turned him into one of the most in-demand writers in pop music. He worked on songs for Adele, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, and other major names. He also won an award for songwriter of the year. His style is simple and emotional, which helped him build trust with artists who wanted honest songs. Even with such success, he did not plan to return with another solo album. But a breakup earlier this year pushed him toward writing for himself again. The feelings were raw and strong. For the first time in many years, he felt that the words he wrote did not belong in a session with other artists. They felt too close and too personal. He began saving these thoughts for something of his own. In May, he took six quiet weeks away from his usual work schedule. During that time, he created the core of Shine. The new songs came from new ideas and old notes he had saved over the past decade. The first completed song was a sharp look at the end of his relationship. It set the tone for the rest of the album and showed him that he still had his own voice. The album deals with more than love and loss. It also looks at family, change, and fear. His mother’s health, his role as a father, and the start of a new chapter all shape the sound. The music stays simple. It is built only on vocals and piano, which makes every word feel close and clear. Some songs had unusual beginnings. One track formed after a talk with a Los Angeles reader who told him something big was missing from the album. Soon after, he sat at his piano and wrote a loud and tense song that became one of the most striking pieces on Shine. He still wonders if it came from inspiration or from suggestion, but he is proud of how strong it feels. His work with stars also played a part in shaping the album. He spent time writing with Justin Bieber, who he calls bold and fearless. Watching Bieber sing freely changed how he viewed his own limits. It made him see that honest expression can come from anyone, no matter how famous they become. This idea helped him push past old fears while making Shine. Still, he remains careful about the current pop world. He believes that too much music now chases trends and fast success. He prefers to work with artists who want to build something real. He likes singers who have strong ideas and know what they want to say. He finds energy in writing with people who value honest craft over quick hits. Even with a new album out, he does not plan to stop his behind-the-scenes work. Soon, he will split his time between Los Angeles and a farm in Australia to stay close to his young son. The move feels large and uncertain, but he is ready for the change. Shine marks a new moment in his life and shows that even after years in the background, the Tobias Jesso Jr songwriter voice still feels warm, open, and true.