As far as X Factor winners go, Little Mix have become one of the series' more successful champions. Their very good debut album DNA has charted all over the globe and they are idolised by teen girls from Newcastle to New York.
So why does it feel like the group have yet to really make their stamp in pop? While their debut contained a number of extremely good anthems, the image and production became a little sugary for older audiences to digest at times, meaning they were unable to clinch a wider appeal.
It's something that is firmly rectified on their second set Salute with glorious results. We may have been left a tad confused after first listening to lead single 'Move' with its rattling beats and off-kilter chorus, but like all good pop songs, after a couple of spins its melody and intricate production detail sank its grip firmly into our ears. It sets Little Mix's new direction up nicely - not only in terms of razor-sharp R&B production, but giving the group their own lane in music.
The Blitzkreig siren and fierce attitude on female empowerment call-out 'Salute' is primed for an arena tour intro, while 'Nothing Feels Like You' bathes in a carnival-worthy chorus ready to travel the world. As far as street-smart '90s throwbacks go, 'Competition' is alight with effortless sassiness, while 'Boy' boasts a 54-second-long intro of tightly packed harmonies that Destiny's Child would stop and take notice of.
The record thrives on Little Mix's input, with the four-piece sounding comfortable throughout. It's clear they haven't just been handed a list of songs, but rather they have offered up a list of ideas that parade their tastes, talent and personalities.
Each of these aspects are highlighted tremendously on the album's ballads. 'These Four Walls' is loaded with more emotion than an episode of Surprise Surprise, while 'Good Enough' is a piano-led slowie that hears the girls trembling in anger after being rejected by a grade-A prat.
However, it's on 'Little Me' where Little Mix really shine as they advise their younger incarnations to "speak up" and "shout out". It's a perfect example of how the group have grown both musically and in confidence, paving the way for them to step out on to that world stage once again and really make their mark.
Tracks to download: 'Move', 'Little Me', 'Salute', 'Boy', 'Nothing Feels Like You', 'Competition', 'Good Enough'
If you like this, you'll like: Destiny's Child, Mis-Teeq, Timbaland
Watch the music video for Little Mix's 'Move' below:
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