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; little mix "get weird" album review

                  It took such an unfortunate amount of time before I finally looked into Little Mix. I always knew who they were (RIP Zerrie), could point out each girl by name, and can still recite all the words to "Wings" after not having heard it in ages. To tell you the truth, I still don't know what finally got me into them mid-2014, but a huge regret of mine is not getting into them sooner. It started with their sophomore album Salute, and I fell in love with tracks like "Towers," "Little Me," "Move," and, of course, the title track "Salute." From there, I finally got a hold of their first album D.N.A. and it's been a properly fantastic relationship ever since.

                  When "Black Magic" was released as Get Weird's first single, I didn't jump at the chance to listen to it. It was out for several days before I finally found the time, and let me tell you that it was a religious experience. It was so different from their last album. And like, I adored the last album, but "Black Magic" was already better. The 80's pop influences and just...God, I can still recall that moment I heard it for the first time. Still grateful I was alone. Every single promotional track released from this album after that was even more magical. Despite knowing Perrie, Jade, Jesy, and Leigh-Anne were about to put out a game-changer of an album after "Black Magic," I became somehow even more positive as the days dragged on.

                  And now, we're finally here. Apart from "Black Magic," "Love Me Like You," "Hair," "Weird People," and "Grown," every track review you're about to read is based on my first listening experience. If my opinions change after several listens, I'll come back through and add edits so that you'll all be aware.

                  Here we go:

01: BLACK MAGIC – 9.5/10

                  Every single part of this track shines. In the girls' previous albums, there are occasional moments I could point to where the production or the way their voices were recorded was just so unflattering, and this is no longer a problem on this album. We can see that right away with "Black Magic." And, I mean, you've already heard the song and you already love it. It's pretty self-explanatory. This is a hit. The only reason I didn't give it a 10/10 rating is because somehow, impossibly, their second single topped it. Read on below. Favorite lyrics: Boy you belong to me / I got the recipe / and it's called black magic

02: LOVE ME LIKE YOU – 10/10

                   GOD I love this song. I actually just wrote a paper on it for a 400-level college course. I didn't think defeating "Black Magic" as the catchiest song in the universe would be possible, but alas. I've never been more willing to be proven wrong. While their first single was heavily influenced by the very best of 80's pop, their second is influenced by arguably the greatest era of music: Motown. The sha-la-la-la's will genuinely make a home in your head and you won't be rid of them for months. And again with the vocals; from the strong falsettos in the verses to the beautiful harmonies throughout the chorus, I swear I've died a thousand times already because of this song. Also, dare I ask, has Little Mix finally crossed into PG-13 territory? About time. (I wasn't going to add this, but might as well: my roommate and I do a mean duet to this during car rides, if anyone cared. I figured out the harmonies. It's always incredible.) Favorite lyrics: L-O-V-E / Love the way you give it to me / When you're with me / boy I want it everyday

03: WEIRD PEOPLE – 10/10

                   The first time I heard this song, I was blown away. This feels like the finale song to some campy 80's dance musical movie, and guys, I love campy 80's dance musical movies (ask anybody I know). I also hate dancing (ironic), but I swear there has never been another song that has ever made me want to get up and actually dance in a very Taylor Swift-esque manner (except for maybe "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins). I'm just so here for "Weird People." The melody, the random bass guy, the lyrics, the beat, the vocals, I just... I fully understand why this is Jade's favorite track because it should probably be everyone's. Favorite lyrics: Don't let them other suckers hate on you