The Critics Corner | Albums

J.A.C.K. X-Factor girl group move in right direction with spectacular debut EP
Anna Calvi
Hayley Holmes Album name: Better Together (EP)
Label: Syco/Epic
Release date: October 22, 2013
My rating: 4.6 out of 5

Review written by: Luanne Lim
We’ve heard enough about boy bands, and it’s about time girl bands started getting some attention. And of course, there’s no one better at discovering new music groups then Simon Cowell. The man behind One Direction and Little Mix has struck teenage gold again with girl group, Fifth Harmony.

Comprised of Ally Brooke, Camilla Cabello, Dinah Jane Hansen, Lauren Jauregui and Normani Kordei, the group was pieced together on the second season of The X-Factor (USA). Though placing third in the competition, Fifth Harmony has the potential to make it big. Their debut EP, Better Together, features five tracks that showcase their growing talent and star power.

Featured on the EP is hit single “Miss Movin’ On.” The song, which was released as a single in July, became a summer hit. “Miss Movin’ On” joins the ranks of other woman-empowering songs like “Miss Independent” and “Wings.” Its message is quite obvious, and the beat is one that you can’t get out of your head. It’s as good as pop music gets.

Though “Miss Movin’ On” is the first single, the EP actually begins with a tune that’s a throwback to good ol’ 90s pop music. Titled “Don’t Wanna Dance Alone,” the first song has a disco-pop feel to it. The vocals on “Don’t Wanna Dance Alone” sound almost Mariah Carey like, with smooth fluctuations in pitch.

The title track “Better Together” has a bit more funk in its beat. Like the previous track, “Better Together” also has a Mariah Carey sound to it. I’m not quite sure if it’s the well-executed fluctuations from high to low notes or the rhythm and flow of the song, but these two tracks prove that this girl group definitely has vocal power.

The ballad and only slow song on the EP is “Who Are You.” Though not as pop and upbeat as the previous songs, “Who Are You” seems to have the girls’ voices sounding similar to yet another pop princess: Christina Aguilera. The gritty notes during the chorus and bridge are definitely Aguilerean, and these girls get major points for being able to nail those notes.

The last song “Leave My Heart out of This” goes full circle. It’s a solid track, equally as catchy and equally as upbeat as the others.

These five girls have talent as individuals, but as a group, they have the potential to be the next big female musical act. They work the pop scene, with their music being compared to other big name female artists, such as Demi Lovato, who they happen to be opening for on her Neon Lights Tour.

Better Together is a great sample of what Fifth Harmony is capable of doing. With catchy, pop-dance beats, incredible vocal ranges, and great control over their voices, the five-piece can only go up from here. The five song EP is only a sample of what these girls can do, and from what I’ve heard, Fifth Harmony is definitely a group to keep an eye out for.

Fifth Harmony Hey Harmonizers!  Your girls have a music vid on The Countdown...three ways to vote (use all!):  web, your smartphone and the power of Twitter!  Get the deets.
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