"Jessie" is a song by American singer-songwriter Joshua Kadison, released in April 1993 by SBK Records as the debut and lead single from the singer's first album, Painted Desert Serenade (1993).

"[4] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the singer "indulges in a worldly, intelligent brand of storytelling that aims to place him among late luminaries Jim Croce and Harry Chapin.

[6] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton commented, "Quite why everyone was so keen for this to be a hit I am unclear, its a pretty enough romantic ballad but nothing extremely exciting.

"[8] Alan Jones from Music Week described it as an "extremely attractive piano-led, mid-tempo ballad", noting that "along with a warm vocal style (two parts Billy Joel to one Jim Croce) Kadison has a fine melodic sense, and this lyrical song deserves to be heard.

"[9] John Kilgo from The Network Forty felt that a "soulful bluesy delivery exemplifies the main strength of newcomer Joshua Kadison, who reaches new heights with this electrifying piano ballad.

"[10] Gill Whyte from Smash Hits wrote, "It starts off with a lovelorn tinkly piano then in come the vocals... and he sounds exactly like Elton John!