More about: Little Mix

On their sixth album Confetti, Little Mix delve into a new era that’s refreshing in its liberating creativity yet familiar with the quartet’s signature dance-pop sound. 

Having signed to RCA after years on Simon Cowell's Syco label, Little Mix come into their own as bearers of girl power while still having fun with sugary-sweet vibe that fits perfectly with the name of the album. 

Opening with anthemic lead single 'Break Up Song' before moving into the summery feel of 'Holiday' the album sets itself up as a simultaneous throwback to their bubblegum pop era and a flash-forward to a more potent, grown up lyrical arc. 

Where Confetti pushes production boundaries on the dancehall beats of 'Gloves Up' and the poignant exploration of 'Nothing But My Feelings', the foursome also appear to be at peace with the powerful pop sound that launched them to fame as witnessed by brilliant cuts such as 'Happiness' and 'Not A Pop Song'. 

The former, in particular, is undeniably one of Little Mix’s best offerings to date as it delves into the beginning of adulthood with no frills attached. In contrast, they manage to still hold onto a semblance of youthful insecurity and jealousy as evidenced on the track 'A Mess (Happy 4 U)'.

With a long list of well-established collaborators such as MNEK, Goldfingers and co-writing trio TMS among others, some of Confetti's songs do tend to lean into a cookie-cutter, harmonised pop-factory sound. They may not be groundbreaking but tracks such as 'Sweet Melody' and their sweet love letter to fans on piano-ballad offering 'My Love Won't Let You Down' make Confetti an enjoyable listen nevertheless. 

It’s on 'Not A Pop Song' that Little Mix pull out all the stops as they make it known to the world that they aren’t a guilty pleasure - and definitely not the factory-ready pop act that Simon crafted them to be. If nothing else makes it clear, the line “we don't do what Simon says" leaves little to hypothesise upon. The album’s and the act’s boldest offering both lyrically and sonically, it’s the track that indicates the true beginning of a new dawn for Britain’s biggest girl band.

Reminiscing on the past, soaking in the present and contemplating the future, the thirteen-track production is as thoughtful as it is carefree. Overall, Confetti is an entertaining yet poignant offering that’s both mainstream pop and something beyond - without trying too hard. 

Confetti is out now on RCA/Sony.

More about: Little Mix