I loved watching Fifth Harmony form on the US version of X-Factor. From their first auditions as solo acts, to their formation as a girl group and finally their third place finish, I was watching and supporting them. Their performance of "Anything Could Happen" was a defining moment for the girls and proved they had a future. Now with the release of their debut album "Reflection", the evolution continues. And continues in the right direction.
Let's get this out there to start with, this is a bloody good album. A very strong debut from five very talented young women. I was not as sold when they released the "Better Together" E.P , but from the release of this album's first single, "Bo$$", it was clear the girls meant business. They have surrounded themselves with amazing songwriters and producers such as Dr Luke, Julian Bunetta and current it girl, Megan Trainor and their vocals are sounding wonderful together.
There are no bad songs on this album, they all are strong, but naturally there are some tracks which really shine (more on those later). The 90's sound is back in a big way, and this album is a celebration of that. The girls with vocal sounds and themes are sounding like early Destiny's Child - another reason to celebrate. I was expecting to like this album, but I was blown away by how much I actually did like it!
Let's talk about the singles. First single "Bo$$" is a great intro to the album. This fierce sounding track is all about empowerment with it's tribal beats, flawless vocals and brilliant lyrics. It's a call to arms for women, and every time I hear it I walk around for ages just singing "Michelle Obama". It should have been a bigger hit!
Single number two, "Sledgehammer" is my favourite on the album. This is more pop than a lot of the album, which borders on urban and R&B. Co-written by Megan Trainor, this is catchy pop at it's best. Heavily influenced by the synth, this track is infectious. I dare you not to have "If you could feel my pulse right now, it would feel just like a sledgehammer" stuck in your head after a few listens. Early on in X-Factor they were criticised for singing together and not harmonising, well here their harmonies are flawless. Just like "Bo$$", this should have been a bigger hit!
Third and current single, "Worth It" is another great track, and is beautifully different to the previous two singles. Featuring Kid Ink, this saxophone driven track is a little reminiscent of Ariana Grande's monster track, "Problem". This is a sassy little track where the girls declare they are worthy of all the attention. With attitude a plenty, this is another track that should be a hit. Would someone please let them have a massive hit?!
As I stated, the rest of the album is also strong. The best non-single is "Like a Mariah" which should be single number four. Sampling Mariah's, "Always Be My Baby" and with a rap by Tyga, this a special track. The 90's beat is amazing and the vocals are spot on. The Dr Luke produced "This Is How We Roll" is a great party anthem that really highlights the amazing vocals of these five ladies. Other highlights include opener "Top Down", a cruisy and instantly likable track, the message driven title track "Reflection", stunning ballad "We Know" and the great dance track "Body Rock" with its exceptional verses and dirty beat.
This is a stunning debut. Pop music is a truly underrated art form and this album should receive more attention. I am now squarely in the column of Fifth Harmony fans. Loving these girls!
I hate to finish this blog with a negative, but I was very disappointed it was difficult to find this album here in Australia. I went to the Elizabeth St store of JB Hi Fi in the Melbourne CBD a day after the album's release. They didn't have it, they only received one copy of the album and it had already been sold - very disappointing!
What's your favourite track on "Reflection"? Tell me in the comments section below.
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