The idea of Leigh-Anne going solo following Little Mix’s hiatus always excited me. There’s just always been something about her that has hinted at a fierceness her own material could embody, and she has certainly not disappointed with her debut single. “Don’t Say Love” is the official first glimpse of what is to come from the British pop star, and it exudes a confidence and maturity that already cements a longevity as a solo artist. 

Found somewhere between a mature RNB sound, and the latter moody electronic-pop music Little Mix were making at the end of their tenure, “Don’t Say Love” feels like a perfect beginning for Leigh-Anne. It feels nostalgic and reminiscent of late 90’s girl groups like Sugababes and early 2000’s pop/RNB faves like Amerie and Cassie, but is pulled together by a fresh 2023 electronic-pop twist. It’s definitely a UK centric track, but also holds global breakthrough potential. 

With every listen this song finds a way to continually grow on you. It’s one of the stronger post-hiatus solo debut’s next to Normani’s “Motivation” and Harry Styles’ “Sign Of The Times”, and something tells me she is just going to keep on serving.