Not even a year ago, British girl group Little Mix were just sharing lead single “Woman Like Me” ahead of their fifth studio album LM5. The hip-hop/R&B-influenced pop effort boldly touched on topics of female empowerment and identity, though with a strange mix of genre exploration, it was not too difficult to listen to the album once and then disregard. Surprising for a Little Mix release.
Fast forward only seven months and the pop quartet are already promoting the presumed lead effort off an upcoming sixth album.
“Bounce Back”, built around a chorus that samples "Back to Life" by Soul II Soul, is a high energy, booty call ode where each member knows their exact self-worth. The confidence exuding from each allows them to control the narrative and trajectory of a potential relationship, not wanting to wait around for a man to make the first move.
“Bounce Back” finds the women in seduction mode throughout, singing about carnal desires and allowing worthy suitors to do what they want with their bodies. Similar to the message of “Do What U Want” by Lady Gaga, though Little Mix are surrendering control, it is their choice, no one else’s. The female empowerment messaging of their preceding album seeps into this summer-ready banger.
Similar to previous Little Mix releases, the artists ensure their controlled, pristine vocals are at the forefront, despite hectic production courtesy of StarGate vying for attention. Though the effort clocks in at under three minutes, handclaps, a brass instrumental breakdown, and trap music inspiration all find a way to make their presence know.
“He say that I'm the girl up in his dreams, hot boy, better give me what I need, wear me on his body like a throwback, and he better not move when I throw it back,” they playfully warn on the second verse.
When compared to preceding work, the new “Bounce Back” comes off sounding as a sort of Glory Days/LM5 hybrid. The maturity and sexual liberation are paired with infectious beats and an instantly catchy hook that could dominate airwaves if Little Mix were given the radio attention they deserve. We've said it before, but this release could really be the ever-illusive one.
Along with the official single release, Little Mix also share the track's accompanying music video. Serving Bratz doll realness, the women allow their sass and attitude take front-and-center in the colorful, twerk-tastic visual.
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