1. 'Salute':
This girl power anthem has the spirit of Beyoncé dominating HARD. An air raid siren introduces the track, while it champions for female empowerment, unity and solidarity. Over bass thumping, military beats, the girls encourage their female listeners to join their army. Entails a killer chorus that is infectiously contagious. ATTENTION!
Rating: 3.5/5
2. 'Move':
With its funky overtones and feel-good vibe, this sounds a bit Daft Punk-ish but it's so groovy and does it's job. There's no coherent melody but at least it's not a generic track and their true vocals shine. A well deserved #3 debuting.
Rating: 3/5
3: 'Little Me':
A stirring midtempo ballad with R&B overtones. Samples Faure's 'Pavane', where they sing about what they would tell their younger selves if they had the chance to go back. Similar premise to 'Change Your Life', which serves as an album highlight!
Rating: 4/5
4. 'Nothing Feels Like You':
Producer MNEK describes it as having a big pop chorus, as well as sounding like "radio meets Lion King in Brixton". He's right. The carnival-inspired instrumentation, tribal drums, infectious claps and huge Lion King-inspired melody is pure euphoria. If you enjoyed Beyoncé's 'End Of Time', then you will certainly love this, mark my words. Absolute banger.
Rating: 3.5/5
5. 'Towers':
An eloquent vocal over soft piano lines. This pop ballad is based on pain of lost love and the heartbreak that follows. Serves as nice album filler but nothing more than that apparently.
Rating: 3/5
6. 'Competition':
Loud, brassy and funky number about ladies giving her man some rivalry in their relationship. It's the type of song that will have you dancing your tail end off, even if you don't dance! The production is an absolute beast! One of my favourite songs on the album.
Rating: 4.5/5
7. 'These Four Walls':
Emotional ballad built on an understated and simple piano-driven melody. Soft and vulnerable vocals express longing not to be left alone. The songs appeal is in its simple and understated musical arrangement, personalised lyrics and crisp harmonies. Reminiscent to Rihanna's 'Stay', and could very well be a hit.
Rating: 3/5
8. 'About The Boy':
This bouncy pop scorcher was produced by TMS and made infectious by its funky guitar riffs and urban flair. It tells the story of a girl so sprung on an irresistible boy that it doesn't even matter if she's being played. Great vocals, especially on Perry's end!
Rating: 4/5
9. 'Boy':
Oldschool Destiny's Child influences run throughout this song. It's very 'Say My Name'-ish and straight up Stateside R&B. Features a gorgeous acapella and displays those very tight harmonies yet again. They just can't go wrong with this one. Fantastic.
Rating: 5/5
10. 'Good Enough':
More heartbreak sappiness on this piano-driven ballad. An ex is chastised for leaving them behind and not appreciating their true worth when they were together. Teary, but very relatable.
Rating: 3/5
11. 'Mr Loverboy':
Produced by Ryan Williamson, this 90s feel good sounding song is reminiscent to Janet Jackson's classic work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It's a wonderful summery fusion of funk, pop and R&B, and gushes over a man that blows their mind. Hot stuff!
Rating: 4/5
12. 'A Different Beat':
The girls live it up and march to the beat of their own drum on this military-style anthem. Over a marching band, they chant and celebrate what they represent. A great way to close off the album.
Rating: 3.5/5
Sidenote:
This was a review for the standard edition. The deluxe consists of 16 tracks altogether.
Conclusion:
A very cohesive urban-pop offering that pays homages to the 90s girl band sound. I heard a little bit of everything from Destiny's Child and Blaque to En Vogue and more. Jade is a self-admitted Beyoncé stan and that actually comes out in the music. Overall, this was a stunning sophomore album from them. It's an absolute pleasure to see how much they've evolved musically and vocally. Well done girls!
Overall rating: 4/5