This is what Nick Jonas had to tell New York Times about the influences on his album:
“I was listening to was Robert Randolph & the Family Band, “Colorblind,” which I think is an awesome record. The Kings of Leon record was hitting right then. Also, a record called “The Outsiders” [by Needtobreathe], which is similar to Kings of Leon but more Southern rock. Jonny Lang. [John] Mayer of course. Stevie. Then lyrically, Johnny Cash was a big one. And Elvis Costello for his use of metaphors, telling what’s going on in his life without telling it all, which I think is a gift.”
Costello for his metaphors -oh, wow, now I get it.