Album Review | Neon Jungle 'Welcome To The Jungle'

I have been supporting these four girl ever since I met them last summer while interning at Sony Music and, over the past 12 months, have watched them conquer the Top 40 UK, sign a modelling deal and perform in America.
Finally, Neon Jungle have dropped their debut album (released Monday 28th July), Welcome To The Jungle, and I have one of the first track-by-track reviews.

1. Braveheart

Probably the most popular and successful song on the album as their second single to date, and rightfully so, as this is a really catchy and fun club song. You can't help but get up and dance when the beat drops. They cross over from pop to dance and electro in this track, and made a good choice making this their album opener.

2. Welcome To The Jungle

The title track and another well-known single that will have you on your feet all over again. This is an ideal song for festivals with another steady build up and a strong electro beat drop every chorus.

3. Trouble

Neon Jungle's debut single and a forgotten treasure that brings me back to the summer of 2013 when these fresh-faced teens were just starting to make a name for themselves. This song is full of attitude and personality, just like the girls, and suggests that they are not your typical child-friendly girl group.

4. Louder

Their most recent single, Louder, showcased another side to the quartet as a vocal group with power and depth. Although this is a ballad, the girls seem to have the ability to get you singing along and you'll be belting along to this in your car in no time.

5. Can't Stop The Love (feat. Snob Scrilla)

This song, thematically, is really positive and makes a nice change from the often predictable and unoriginal lyrics pop groups usually churn out. Although the production is lacking, the song is still enjoyable and really highlights the girls powerhouse vocals, especially Shereen's moment towards the end. 

I honestly feel that this should have been a single instead of Louder because it sets them apart from competitors like The Saturdays and Little Mix and the message conveyed in the song is truly needed right now.

6. Bad Man

Definitely my favourite track on the album. Yes, the lyrics aren't exactly poetry and the song sounds familiar, but it is such a fun track and irresistibly addictive. However, it does need to be a little longer and the abrupt ending was almost anti-climatic.

7. Sleepless In London

Funny how my favourite track is followed by my least favourite which brings down my overall enjoyment of the first half of the album. Sleepless In London is pointless and instantly forgettable; the album could really do without this song which is a shame because the opening vocals are stunning.

8. Waiting Game

I am a bit disappointed that on a ten track album that has been in the workings for over a year, they opted to include a cover. However, I do love this Banks song and the girls' vocals on it are perfection. They capture the vulnerability and emotion in every lyric, proving that they are more than just a pop girl group and leaving a lasting, haunting impression. Asami, for me, really stands out on this song as the verses are perfect for her vocal style and range. 

But it still should have just been a hidden track or a bonus.

9. So Alive

Another highlight of the album and one of the few songs with strong production to match the quality of the vocals. It opens a lot stronger than it ends but I still really enjoyed it and the chorus is a real moment on the album.

10. Fool Me

Fool Me is a pretty ballad with the most beautiful vocals from Asami, Jess, Shereen and Amira, giving them all a chance to shine individually. Unlike most of the other songs on the album, the lyrics are quite moving and powerful and the message is relatable.

 It is a great album closer but leaves you wanting more, as every song feels like it is less than three minutes long which isn't really standard in 2014.

and for those of you who want the deluxe edition...

11. Future X Girl
Sounds like a song written for The Saturdays and that isn't necessarily a bad thing because they make catchy pop music. But, if Neon Jungle want to establish themselves as a different type of girl group, they should really avoid songs like this. Having said that, this is a decent song and suited as a bonus.

12. London Rain
A second song about London but luckily this one is far better and should honestly switch places with Sleepless In London. It would have made a perfect closing song for the album as a melodic ballad with a depth to the lyrics and lovely vocals.

Best songs: Bad Man, Braveheart, Can't Stop The Love

Rating: 2.5/5 - It is a strong debut for a girl group. Each song presents a different style, every girl has strong vocals and there are some excellent dance numbers in there. Even though I did enjoy every song bar two, the album is far too short. Ten songs is never enough time to establish a real connection with an album or even to fully explore the individual characters of each group member, especially when the first four songs have already been released as singles. Also, the production let's the whole thing down because it highlights the fact that this is a new and manufactured girl group who don't have access to all the top producers of today.

Neon Jungle do show a lot of promise and there is potential for this album to do well given the successes of their releases so far. I am sure the girls will have another chance to wow us all with their second album.