5 Reasons Every Feminist Needs To Listen To Fifth Harmony's New Album '5/27'
The all-girl band's new album exudes confidence and empowerment.
After the success of their single "Work From Home" and their powerful performance at the Billboard Music Awards, Fifth Harmony released its highly-anticipated second album, "7/27" (named after the day the band formed). And YES, it's everything we've been dreaming about and more.
When it comes to all-girl groups, people often dismiss their impact on music. While a few girl groups have commanded respect—think Spice Girls, TLC and Destiny's Child—most of them are compared to the over-produced bubblegum pop teenyboppers listen to. It can feel like an embarrassing "guilty pleasure" to like them, but that shouldn't be the case at all—especially when it comes to a girl band like Fifth Harmony.
When I first heard of Fifth Harmony, I thought Ew, another girl group? How tacky. But after I found myself humming along to their radio hits, listening to their flawless a capella and even nailing tricky R&B covers, I realized this is a group that deserves to be in the spotlight. Their new album especially proves that. Between each catchy hit and cool collaboration, "7/27" is much more than just another girl band pop album—it's the fiercely feminist album you need to be listening to, and here are five reasons why.
1. They're supportive of each other but also confident, independent women
The album's first track "That's My Girl" is all about elevating your BFF's self-esteem when she's going through a hard time. With lyrics like, "Destiny said it, you got to get up and get it/Get mad independent and don't you ever forget it/Got some dirt on your shoulder/Then let me brush it off for ya/If you're feeling me, put your five high/That's my girl," it's a reminder that your female friendships are some of the most important relationships—because they're always there to remind you that you have the power to do anything.
2. It promotes positive self-esteem
The whole album is sprinkled with messages promoting a healthy self-image, taking control for yourself and being confident. On "This Is the Life" they sing about the importance of setting goals: "Ever since I'm young I'm tryna get it right/Every year I'm working toward a goal/Don't sleep 'til we see the daylight/Living big, going up on the rope."
The last track on the album "No Way" also has one of the most empowering messages with its lyric: "We ignore those with opinion of hate" aka BYE HATERZ.
3. It empowers women to own their sexuality
Just like Ariana Grande's incredibly feminist new album, 5H celebrates women accepting and embracing their sexuality. Their sexy jam "All in My Head (Flex)" is one of the best songs on the album that shows women having power in the bedroom: "Come and climb in my bed/Don't be shy, do your thing" they sing. "Not That Kinda Girl" also shows that sometimes we just want to have sex with a hot guy and not feel ashamed for that. "Boy, I wanna like you/But it's better if you just don't speak."
4. They don't let men walk all over them
The throwback-style jam "Not That Kind of Girl" (featuring Missy Elliot!) is full of just the right amount of sass to remind us of female power. "Why you looking like I'm that kinda girl?/Just cause I'm hot don't mean that I'm that girl/If you want me, don't treat me like I'm her/Don't get fucked up, I'm not that kinda girl," they sing.
On "I Lied," there's heartbreak involved but they're not letting it bring them down, which is apparent with lyrics: "It'd be foolish if they thought they could get me back/See the truth is you can't lose what you never had."
5. They're not afraid to be vulnerable and understand the challenges women go through
Between all of their sass and confidence, one of the best things about the album is how deeply personal it is. The girl group understands the struggle women face when falling in and out of love when you open your heart to someone.
In "Dope," they touch on the gray area of relationships. Instead of "I love you" they sing, "I don't know what else to say, but you're pretty (expletive) dope, just so you know."
"Scared Of Happy" is another emotional truth-bomb that most of us can relate to. The lyrics reflect the honest fear of being in a relationship. "I'm afraid of nothing, I'm afraid of no one/Used to be fearless, why am I scared of happy?"
Well done, Fifth Harmony—you really hit home with the feels in the most badass, feminist way yet.