The Student News Site of Westfield High School

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The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

5H is ‘Bo$$’

by Erin Hart 
Popular girl group Fifth Harmony released its debut studio album, Reflection, on Feb. 3, following its third place finish on The X Factor’s Season Two. Reflection shines with the help of the girls’ loyal fan base.
The first single, “Bo$$,” premiered July 7, and the second single, “Sledgehammer,” was released Oct. 28. Both served as previews of the confidence and girl-power that is evident in each track.

The album reflects a classic pop sound with songs such as “Top Down,” “This is How We Roll” and “Body Rock.” Some songs lack lyrical depth and rely heavily on repetitive lines, but these tracks are sure to get the party started with their fun, elec- tronic beats.

Three songs on the album feature other artists: “Like Mari ah” features Tyga, “Worth It” receives help from Kid Ink and in “Brave, Honest, Beautiful,” 5H collaborates with Meghan Trainor.

Although the greater portion of the record contains upbeat tempos and catchy choruses, the group’s vocal skills are show- cased in the ballad “We Know.” The track shows that the girls are no fools to the players’ game with the lyrics, “I know it probably worked for you/ last time/ but them other girls told me how you play your game.” With this track, 5H makes it clear that boys are no match for strong girls who stick together.

Similarly, tracks like “Suga Momma,” “Worth it” and “Re- flection” are brimming with the girl-power message that the group stands for. In the song “Reflection,” the girls embrace their own beauty rather than that of their male counterparts, with lyrics “Think I’m in love, ‘cause you so sexy/ Boy, I ain’t talkin’ bout you, I’m talking to my own reflection.”

There are many pop-culture references featured in tracks such as “Bo$$,” “Like Mariah” and “Brave, Honest, Beauti- ful.” For example, “Like Mariah” samples the classic riff from Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.” The track also plays off her song “Touch My Body” with lyrics, “When you touch my body, got me singing like Mariah.” In addition, the lyrics in these tracks allude to popular female celebrities like Beyoncé, Madonna and Michelle Obama, encouraging young girls to feel just as self-assured and empowered as their role models.

Complementing the album’s feel-good vibes, its underlying message of female power is important to perpetuate in the mu sic industry. Undoubtedly, the girls showed who’s “Bo$$.”

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