Album Review: Fifth Harmony - "Reflection"

Fifth Harmony has finally released their debut album "Reflection" and it is definitely an amazing first effort. The album proves to be eclectic, vocally and aesthetically pleasing, whilst being cohesive. That is quite a feat! I'm not always a fan of reality to studio singers but these girls have truly gelled together seamlessly since being thrown together on "The Voice". I actually WANTED to review their project. Amazing, huh?

Check out this track-by-track review of "Reflection":

1, "Top Down"
Nice opener. The elastic synth brings me joy. There are so many layers happening but nobody gets lost in the shuffle. I'm anxious for what's to come!

2. "BO$$"

The lead single for this project and worthy of the honor. This is all about EMPOWERMENT! I was definitely on my Michelle Obama listening to this. I mean, who wouldn't love a song about confidence, self respect, and independence?!? And the video is highkey everything. 

3. "Sledgehammer"

This is the EPITOME of a flawlessly executed pop song. It is utter PERFECTION. I have to admit this is the song that put them on my radar. I saw them perform it on GMA and I was like "YAAASSSSSSS! You better give me vocals AND face!" Another amazing video in their repertoire as well. 

4. "Worth It" (Feat. Kid Ink)

This track boasts a special appearance by Kid Ink, whose album "Full Speed", was also released today [Listen to it: here].The jazz vibes they keep giving me are everything that the musical GAWDS intended to be bestowed upon us. Like who came up with the idea for this horn?!? I LOVE IT! I was all like

5. "This Is How We Roll"
Am I the only one getting Ke$ha tease from this track? I mean it's not a bad thing. And although this track is weird it awkwardly fits in with the album without question. It's like pop rock and house music had a baby and "This Is How We Roll" was born.

6. "Everlasting Love"
The classic teeny bop romance song, tribute to the 90s. I mean, they gotta keep up with their fan base, right? It nice and lowkey sounds like an unused song from the "Yours Truly" vault of Ariana Grande.

7. "Like Mariah" (Feat. Tyga)
ALL HAIL MOTHA MARIAH!!! I didn't even have to listen to the song to know that as long as it was a tribute to the best to ever do it then...well...it's okay with me. I mean you have to pay homage to the greats. Although after listening to the track that wasn't really the direction I thought the song was headed in lol but it's executed nicely. For a minute there I thought I might have to take my earrings off if they had disrespected my MOTHA.

8. "Them Girls Be Like"
Another swagged out independent track for the ladies. It's a group full of ladies so what else can we expect? It's done well so I have no complaints. We ain't like them girls that do too much/If you thirsty, you can't sit with us and LMAO at hashtag we woke up like this too

9. "Reflection"
I'm suuuper critical of title tracks. Like you named this song after your album so it better be good. Even Helen Keller can see that this track was inspired by KING BEY. Not old school Bey, but the current ratchet persona that she purports as of late. It's no Beyonce but a valiant effort nonetheless.

10. "Suga Mama"
Is you gon' get a job/And make some of that green?/You tryna take me out/But you can't pay for me LMAO. TLC should be proud that their "No Scrubs" legacy lives on today. This is definitely a cute song.

11. "We Know"
This track truly allows each and every girl to shine and show her strengths. An amazing ballad is always welcome. The sample of Blackstreet takes me back to 'Soul Food' which definitely has me in my happy place.

12. "Going Nowhere"
Flict has produced yet another pop hit (He produced "Suga Mama") with "Going Nowhere". This is, for sure, a girl power album. I'm DEAD at them telling dude he isn't going anywhere. Bruh, the aggression, audacity, (and lowkey insanity). Sit yourself down, 'cause you know you're gonna stay/Boy, you better listen to the words I say/You ain't going nowhere/You ain't going nowhere/Boy, you better act like you got some sense/'Cause you got a dime, and that's money well spent/You ain't going nowhere/You ain't going nowhere

13. "Body Rock"
I just got "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" tease all up and through the beginning of this song! Made me want to go and see 'Dirty Dancing'. And maybe I'm the only one who hears it lol but I just got nostalgic AF.

14. "Brave, Honest, Beautiful" (Feat. Meghan Trainor)
This instrumental does nothing for me. It sounds incomplete. The lyrics are empowering though so they'll get an A for effort from me. Although I feel like they're dumbing down their vocals to match Meghan's...

As far as girl groups go, Fifth Harmony has my vote. It's not just a collection of pretty faces with no talent or one person that is talented and outshines the group. They collectively hold my attention and that is a major accomplishment for a group! I usually quickly pick out a fave (or 2) and kind of rock it out like that. Not this time. I loved all the voices. I listened to the album straight through and writing this review wasn't taxing. AMEN! I can't wait to see what's in the cards for them.

"Reflection" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie

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