Little Mix’s Salute

— M. H. With a name like Salute, it’s no surprise Little Mix’s second album starts and ends with a sense of militancy.

The Beyonce- inspired title track is akin to a call to arms, urging women everywhere to come together. With sergeant- like chants of “attention” — as well as a megaphone declaration that the “war has begun” — against dream- like vocal runs, this song sets a pace that’s impossible to ignore. The closing track, A Different Beat, utilises a marching band drumbeat throughout to create a sense of urgency and power.

The group throws it back to the ‘ 90s throughout the 12 tracks. Mr Loverboy has a funky edge to it and is reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s hits, while About the Boy stands out for Edward’s piercing high note — followed by her comical sigh — midway through.

Boy is one of the riskiest yet strongest songs on the album, with the girls relying almost solely on the layering of their voices in a near-acapella style; this one would feel right at home on a Destiny’s Child reunion tour set- list.

The album has a disarmingly vulnerable side, with a bleak honesty shining through. These Four Walls is distinct for its hushed, almost tearful delivery of the despondent lyric, hair- raising vocals and a chilling crescendo of sound that leads to a group-sung finale. Good Enough and Towers give off a similarly expressive vibe, while their song Little Me stands out as an emotional and orchestral open letter of support to their younger selves.