Binary Thesis: "Breezeblocks" and "I Wanna Be Yours"

Arctic Monkeys' "AM" album artwork

       Though both Alt-J's "Breezeblocks" and Arctic Monkeys' "I Wanna Be Yours" convey the speaker's longing to be in a relationship with the one they admire, Alt-J employs youthful allusions from the children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" to portray infinite love towards the straying partner while Arctic Monkeys utilizes a multitude of personification to display the immense affection the speaker possesses to the he woman adores.

Alt-J's "An Awesome Wave" album artwork

Album Review: Salute

       After their 1^st successful album release of “DNA” in 2013, Little Mix are back it. Composed of the vocal powers from Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thrilwall, and Perrie Edwards, this girl band was the first group to win the U.K. series of “X-Factor”. Working with stars like Tulisa Contostavlos, their mentor on X-Factor, Missy Elliot, and T-Boz from TLC, Little Mix have certainly showcased their talent within their tracks. Their music goes far beyond the traditional bubblegum pop sound that most singing bands give off as girls include a mature R&B flare to their 2^nd debut album, “Salute”.  Their fans, “mixers”, respond well to Salute's main theme, girl power, a vital message today’s 21^st century needs to receive.

       Coming off the prosperity of their 1^st single, "Wings", Little Mix’s second album had high expectations. Their 15 song album is quite diverse, incorporating stripped down performances, ballads, and upbeat pop songs, all of which exhibit the group’s immense vocal range. The title song, Salute starts off their album with lyrics reflecting women’s power, as they urge their fans to “stand up and salute” through a pop and R&B styled song.  Move, the 1^st single released off the album is a step up from Wings. While still providing the upbeat style that appeals to many of their fans, the girls, especially with Edwards’ vocal control, showcase their talents thoroughly. The girls kick it old school in Mr.Loverboy, which maintains a vintage sound with their special twist on it, keeping it fresh and modern to their listeners. Salute’s fast tempo songs do not disappoint the listener as the girls consistently manage a crisp, mature sound throughout.

       Although Little Mix excels with the output of their faster songs, their slower songs still portray their talents in singing and lyricism. In Little Me, Pinnock, Nelson, Thirlwall, and Edwards comfort their fans by writing a song that displays the struggles that many teenage girls deal with. They continue to assure them that being themselves is the best thing they can do. Their abilities are further exposed in the unplugged version of  Little Me as their advanced harmonies are crystal clear. Salute’s feature ballad, These Four Walls, is a respite on the album from their many faster, upbeat songs. It deals with the  life of a teenage girl who has lost hope within herself. These themes have been responded well by their fans because of how relatable they are. In their slower songs Little Mix fully provide the listener with their raw talent.

       Little Mix’s sophomore album, “Salute”, does not fall short of expectations left from DNA. Integrating a balanced mix of fast and slow songs, the girls discuss topics relevant to today’s society, always reminding their fans that they are perfect the way they are. Displaying tremendously important messages to their fans while still portraying their vocal and lyrical talents, Little Mix successfully created an album that will be on repeat for hours.