FACT: When it comes to girl groups, there’s a major gap in the musicsphere.
Aside from intentional acts like Girls Generation and 2NE1, we basically only have Little Mix and Fifth Harmony, who are currently the only successful U.S-formed girl group we have. And whether you love them or not, Fifth Harmony have had a pretty stellar run in a short time: Their single “Worth It” is certified 3× platinum and their latest “Work From Home,” is the first girl group song to break into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in EIGHT years. (The last one: “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls, which hit No. 9 in July 2008.)
As they gear up for the release of their second studio album 7/27 (which hits stores on May 27), the ladies – Camila Cabello, Dinah Hansen, Lauren Jauregui, Normani Kordei and Ally Brooke – grace the cover of Billboard and open up about mastering the group dynamic, their highs, lows and everything in between.
On knowing the group can’t last forever: “It has been an incredible journey, and it’ll continue as long as it can, but this will be that chapter that got us wherever we needed to go. We’re learning the business, meeting people we need to know, getting knowledgeable about our craft. This is basically us being in college for our majors.”
Camila on suffering from anxiety: “I was having terrible anxiety, nonstop. My heart would beat really fast the whole day. Two hours after I woke up, I’d need a nap because my body was so hyperactive. It was so eff — sorry, but it was so f***** up. I was scared of what would happen to me, of the things my brain might tell me. I realized the stuff I thought was important isn’t worth my health. Now I write in a diary every day, work out and meditate.”
Lauren on falling for the illusion of fame: “They sell you this present of rainbows and butterflies, and as a 16-year-old that’s what I bought. It’s why I did X Factor and why I ended up in a group. But then you’re working so hard, so young. [Meanwhile] my friends are in college, telling me about their days and what they’re studying. You’re having to put on a smile on a red carpet. It’s like, ‘Who am I? Am I for myself or for this?”
Alongside their Billboard cover this week, Fifth Harmony have shared another glimpse into their anticipated sophomore in the form of: “Write On Me,” a deliciously sweet pop number all about that special someone making their mark on you. “Write on me/ Color outside the lines/ Love the way you tat me up/ Baby take your time/ Write on me/ Give me some wings, I’ll fly/ Love the way you tat me up/ I’ll never change my mind,” the sing on the infectious chorus, laced with shimmering synths and signature Kygo-esque flutes.
Easily the most mature thing we’ve heard form the LP so far – I N T O I T!
Pre-order Fifth Harmony’s new album 7/27 on iTunes / Apple Music and get “Write On Me” instantly!
