★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
One of the most buzzed about acts in the pop genre is no other than UK native Neon Jungle, comprised of four extremely talented young ladies, who show the age of the powerful girl group is not over just yet. After showcasing a new, fresh sound, the group releases their hotly anticipated debut album, Welcome to the Jungle, to surprisingly mixed reception from critics.
Preceded by unique dance/pop anthems including "Braveheart" and "Trouble", Neon Jungle were quickly on every blogger's radar for all the right reasons. With intriguing and distinctive vocal performances from all members paired with addictive beats and production, the group have found a Top 40 worthy formula more people need to take notice of.
The ten-track album comes out swinging with the one-two punch that is "Braveheart", the track that immediately turned heads. Released as the effort's second single, the pulsating, bass heavy, club offering highlights edgy performances, a catchy beat, and yes, some ridiculous lyrics in the rap verses. The track got everyone talking, became the group's highest charting single to date and will remain a pop gem for years to come.
"Welcome to the Jungle" comes down to powerful vocal performances from all four ladies and one hell of an infectious beat. With a fresh reggae/EDM-influenced vibe, Neon Jungle deliver some fast-paced rap verses about making a kitty cat purr and putting your hands on their bodies before the dance breakdown. "Tonight I'll hunt you down, boy can you make me growl," the girls seductively sing, triggering many alarms and causing an immediate rush to the nearest dance floor.
For their debut offering, the girls chose to release "Trouble", an Icona Pop-sounding, electropop song that is fast-paced and built around the welcomed repetition of an infectious, memorable and aggressive chorus. Though the track carries a pleasant overdose of spunk and energy, the finished product just did not leave a lasting impression like its successors. Did not seem like the perfect choice for a debut.
On the group's first proper ballad, the beautiful "Louder", the tune sets itself apart from the dance heavy nature of the group's three previous efforts. Instead, this time around, the production of the track is toned down to allow the girls' vocals to truly shine and make an impact. The tone is softer, shows a slightly more vulnerable side to their usual tough exterior and becomes a hit that artists like Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry wish they would have recorded.
When it comes to the first song not heard prior to the album's release, "Can't Stop The Love" does not disappoint. The track becomes the official summer jam of the effort, with its bright production and the hand clap-filled hook. "No bullet no gun, can stop the love, can stop the love," the girls sing on the uplifting, joyous track. Though the additional rap verse from Snob Scrilla ruins the magic, the end result is pretty fantastic.
Neon Jungle radiates the energy and fierce sound found during Rihanna's Talk That Talk era on "Bad Man", an aggressive, hip-hop laced track with more attitude showed from the girls than the rest of the track list combined. The song is a little something urban, a little something seductive and edgy, but powerful nonetheless. It may not be the most impressive cut off the effort, but the track is fun and sassy. Good enough.
It may be in the midst of unfortunate controversy, however, Neon Jungle's cover of BANKS' "Waiting Game" is still as tragically haunting as the original. Production is scaled back, defeated vocals are brought to the forefront for an important moment on the album. There is no heavy bass, there is no catchy hook, just raw emotions experienced during a complicated relationship highlighted by top notch songwriting.
"So Alive" is a quirky, ballad-like pop effort supported by a strong, soaring chorus and surprising Japanese backing vocals. Written by the talented Charli XCX, currently enjoying her "Boom Clap" fame, the song is a heavenly production, ready to transport the listener with its joyous vibe. The song showcases the group's ever-expanding range and their courage to venture outside of the recently stale pop box.
The standard edition of the new album closes out with "Fool Me", a mainstream pop ballad that soars to new heights when the radio-ready chorus comes through the speakers. "I don't want to learn my lesson, so I'll keep on making the same mistakes," the girls sing on the empowering and glorious effort. For a closing track, the song does not have enough conviction, but there is no denying that is a lovely, heartfelt midtempo ballad with great vocal delivery.
For the deluxe edition, a few covers and acoustic versions are included, as well as two original pieces. "Future X Girl" is a strong, guitar-driven piece of revengeful pop with some similarities to the work of Ke$ha that should have been given a spot on the standard edition. "London Rain" is another amazing R&B-influenced creation with enough pop inspiration to fit in with Top 40 radio. Vocals are perfection, the beats are great without overshadowing.
Welcome to the Jungle is a loud, clear and fierce statement from a group of girls who actually sound like a cohesive act. The four girls each show promise with a welcomed, fresh attitude and impressive vocal performances throughout the short debut album. From unique EDM stompers to softer, personal ballads, Neon Jungle have created their own addictive formula in order to compete with the rest of the pop heavyweights. The new album may sound like a collection of singles, but when each song is as powerful and memorable as the previous, why is that a bad thing? Listeners will get a sense for each girl and get enjoyable, upbeat music in return.
Tracks to Hear: "Braveheart", "Welcome to the Jungle", "Louder" and "Sleepless in London"
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