Triumphantly emerging from a rocky split with their former label Syco and X Factor overlord Simon Cowell, which went down a matter of days before the release of 2018’s scattershot ‘LM5’, Little Mix’s sixth LP is a hard-won victory lap. Across 13 sleek tracks they show ‘Confetti’ to be something worth celebrating: a solid, playful dance-pop album that excavates what it means for the quartet to finally be in control.
Early single Not A Pop Song functions as a proud reclamation. “I don't do what Simon says / Get the message 'cause it's read,” runs its magnetic pre-chorus. “Be a puppet on a string / Works for you but that isn't me.” Delivered in a striking tone that swoops over a slinky rush of electro beats, their confidence seems boundless and unapologetic.
And this cathartic energy rarely falters throughout. Reflecting on a relationship turned sour, the incandescent Break Up Song elevates the group’s irresistible four-part harmonies to fresh heights over an instrumental that toys with synth textures lifted from the inspirational power ballads of the 1980s.
The minimalist R&B-driven cut A Mess (Happy 4 U), meanwhile, straddles the space between forgiveness and healing.
The hurt reaches a powerful crescendo on the surprisingly gritty Sweet Melody, which boasts a mighty club drop and one of the finest lyrics of 2020: “He would lie, he would cheat, over syncopated beats.” You can practically hear their eyes rolling.
Yet the record’s key selling point, as with much of Little Mix’s back catalogue, is its profusion of hooks, something that is felt most keenly on the mega-hit Holiday, a military-grade cocktail of sugar-laden vocals and addictive drum pad percussion.
But underneath its glimmering surface, ‘Confetti’ is the sound of this tenacious band finding themselves again after years of collective rehabilitation (Jesy Nelson’s Odd One Out documentary is essential viewing) and messy, protracted label difficulties. When they lay it bare on the lilting, earnest Happiness—“And I swear I'm never gonna lose me again.”—you believe them.
Little Mix Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed April 28 2021 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Thu April 29 2021 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Sat May 01 2021 - BELFAST SSE Arena Belfast
Sun May 02 2021 - BELFAST SSE Arena Belfast
Tue May 04 2021 - LIVERPOOL M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
Wed May 05 2021 - SHEFFIELD FlyDSA Arena Sheffield
Fri May 07 2021 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Utilita Arena Newcastle
Sat May 08 2021 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Utilita Arena Newcastle
Mon May 10 2021 - CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Tue May 11 2021 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Thu May 13 2021 - LONDON O2
Fri May 14 2021 - LONDON O2
Sat May 15 2021 - LONDON O2
Mon May 17 2021 - NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Tue May 18 2021 - NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Thu May 20 2021 - BIRMINGHAM Resorts World Arena
Fri May 21 2021 - BIRMINGHAM Resorts World Arena
Sat May 22 2021 - BIRMINGHAM Resorts World Arena
Mon May 24 2021 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Tue May 25 2021 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Wed May 26 2021 - LIVERPOOL M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
Fri May 28 2021 - MANCHESTER AO Arena
Sat May 29 2021 - MANCHESTER AO Arena
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