By Album Review: Little Mix – Salute
Little Mix’s recent X-Factor performance was a defining moment for the Brit quartet. Unlike their first time back as “winners’ of the show last year, this was that juncture from a quite good pop group to bona fide pop superstars.
While their debut album had a couple of gems (‘DNA’ is one of the best pop songs in the last 12 months. Hands down.), it definitely felt like a quick product before interest began to wane. Then earlier this year, the first single from Salute, their second album, was released.
‘Move’ is one of those pop songs sans chorus, Ã la Girls Aloud’s ‘Biology’. It is simultaneously modern and nostalgic, referencing The Neptunes and indeed Pharrell’s more modern work. The structure of the song lends itself to the girls’ tight harmonies, while showcasing a mature, production-led sound. It is a risk that pays off.
The girls have moved in a more urban direction here; something they conscientiously decided while writing the record. The lack of Guetta-esque dance tracks is pleasing, giving songs like the female empowered title track, ‘Salute’, a welcome injection of spunky attitude.
The album is dripping with 90s and early 00s throwbacks. The production on ‘Mr Loverboy’ is reminiscent of Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins’ work, with cowbell in suit. There is also an element of the Spice Girls about the whole song, with popping bass and staccato pianos interjecting the girls’ strong harmonies.
On ‘About the Boy’, the girls sound like Mis-Teeq in the best way possible. Again, pianos feature heavily, while the chorus is so strong that it will wheedle its way into your head and stick. Subtle production elements give the song a rounded effect evocative of ‘Say You’ll Be There’ and ‘Scandalous’.
However, it is on ‘Boy’, a harmony driven, production-lite track where Little Mix really own their position as superstars. They bring Destiny’s Child realness, showcasing harmonies and vocals that Bey and the gang would be insanely jealous of. The girls demonstrate their vocal prowess effortlessly, reminding us exactly why they won The X-Factor. There is so much sass, so much ‘tude that it is hard not to point and snap your fingers in the air. This song has to be a single.
Even the ballads, usually my least favorite element of upbeat pop records, seem heartfelt. The usual self-empowering lyrics and clichÃs apply, with ‘Towers’ providing the huge epic balladry typical of One Republic. ‘These Four Walls’ is an honestly moving and delicate song, where the vocals have been reined in, showcasing the unique tone that each “Mixer” brings.
The quite obvious influences running through Salute are not a bad thing. In fact, the referential elements of the album display a girl group who knows what their musical heritage is, but most importantly, know how important it is for their development into something new.
Rather than hiding away from comparisons, Little Mix have embraced them, modernised them and made them better. The album’s nostalgia will please 90s kids, while introducing a younger generation to a simpler time in pop history. And, quite rightly so, Little Mix have filled the gaping hole left by Girls Aloud.
So, congrats girls, you are officially my favourite girl group!
– Alim Kheraj
