November Favourites ❤

It's come to that time where I write a blogpost about what I've been loving this month.

November has been a really good month for me, I hope yours was good too.

I can't believe it's almost Christmas, this year has gone by so quickly.

Anyway, here are my November favourites.

Glory Days - Little Mix

Little Mix's latest album, Glory Days, might be their best yet. Since winning The X Factor in 2011, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards have all achieved phenomenal success with their songs, the majority of which are fun, energetic and upbeat. They've already spent three weeks at number one with Shoutout To My Ex, the first single from Glory Days. If you loved their single then there's no reason why you won't enjoy their fourth album. Like Shoutout To My Ex, most of the songs are upbeat anthems you can sing along to. The girls are also known for producing powerful and emotional ballads. On Glory Days, the stand out ballad is Nobody Like You and this is where the girls' vocals are at their strongest. If you enjoy listening to catchy pop tunes, I recommend listening to Nothing Else Matters, as it's a fun and optimistic song about being in love. I've written a review on Glory Days on my blog, if you'd like to read it, click here. 

Arrival 

In the past few years, we've had some of the most thought provoking science fiction films released including The Martian, Interstellar, Gravity and many more. Arrival is one of the highly anticipated films we've had this year and fortunately, it didn't disappoint and is just as good as the aforementioned films, maybe even better. Although an alien invasion does feature, the film isn't necessarily about the aliens themselves and focuses instead on Amy Adams' character, Louise Banks, who is a linguist and is recruited by the military to try and translate what the aliens are saying so the film is actually about communication. Earlier this year, we had the sequel to the 1996 action film, Independence Day, and I don't think you can even call it science fiction as there was no science in the film. The film focuses on trying to destroy the aliens that had invaded Earth rather than trying to figure out what they wanted. This is why I'm appreciative of films like Arrival as, when done properly, they can be thought provoking and gripping at the same time. Arrival is, not only the best science fiction film, but also one of the best films we've had this year. If you'd like to read my full review, click here.

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

Like Arrival, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them was also one of the most anticipated films this year because of its connections to the Harry Potter franchise. When the final film in the Potter franchise, Deathly Hallows Part 2, was released, many fans were devastated as they thought this was the end of the Wizarding World and it's unique and interesting characters. Fortunately, J.K. Rowling admitted she couldn't let go of that magical world she had created and, instead of writing another book, she wrote her first screenplay, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which was based on one of the textbooks that the students read at Hogwarts and is written by Newt Scamander, a magizoologist (someone who studies creatures). I'm happy that we got a film instead of book because I enjoyed watching the Wizarding World come to life once again via the silver screen. Eddie Redmayne was cast as the main character, Newt, and he portrays him perfectly. Too many films have brave and confident protagonists so it was refreshing to have a character who is shy, introverted and has a better relationship with his creatures than he does with fellow wizards and witches. Fantastic Beasts is set in New York in the 1920s (several decades before Harry Potter was even born) and features a great cast and some of the most unique creatures ever created on screen. I doubt fans of Harry Potter will be disappointed with this new addition to the popular franchise. If you would like to read my full review, click here.

The Big Bang Theory Season 10 (contains spoilers)

If you know me, you'll know that my favourite TV series is The Big Bang Theory and has been since I first began watching it in 2013 when season 7 had just begun. I loved how the characters were different to any I've seen in any sitcom before and were all likable in their own unique way. I find it hard to believe that this show is on its tenth season already and next year will mark ten years since the programme first began. The characters have developed so well and transitioned so much since the first season. For example, Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) is known for avoiding physical contact as much as possible and rarely hugs so it was a big surprise when he formed a relationship with Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik). It was even more of a shock when he kissed her in season 7 and had sex with her in season 9. It's something that no-one, not even the characters in the sitcom, expected Sheldon to do. This is why it's one of my favourite TV programmes. Every episode is different yet still manages to be just as funny as the previous episode. So far, I'm on episode nine of season 10 and I'm really enjoying it so far. The characters and their lives are still entertaining to watch. 

I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

It's hard to believe that I'm A Celebrity... has been running for fourteen years and is currently on its sixteenth series. For those of you who don't know, I'm A Celebrity is a gaming show in which celebrities live in jungle conditions with few creature comforts. In order to win food, celebrities must participate in various Bushtucker Trials. The trials consist of various games that feature many different creatures and insects, including snakes, spiders and many other creepy crawlies. They're also incredibly challenging. Viewers choose which celebrity they want to do the trial by voting via the official app. The show is presented by Ant and Dec, a Geordie duo who have been presenting for over twenty years. They bring comic relief by making sarcastic comments about the celebrities themselves and the tasks that they had to do. This is what makes them successful presenters as they're not afraid to be themselves. The main source of entertainment comes from watching the celebrities face their fears by doing the Bushtucker Trials. However, if a celebrity wants to give up during a task, they must call out 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here' (hence the title of the show). This series has been good so far and has a great group of celebrities including Scarlett Moffatt (best known for appearing in reality TV series, Gogglebox), Larry Lamb (best known for appearing in TV shows such as Gavin & Stacey and Eastenders), Carol Vorderman (who used to do the sums on Countdown) and many more. One thing that is important in these type of shows is chemistry and these campmates have all been getting along. I think this may be one of the best series yet. I've also been really enjoying Extra Camp which is the live aftershow presented by Vicky Pattison, Stacey Solomon, Joe Swash and Chris Ramsey. I've met both Vicky and Stacey and they really are two of the most down to Earth celebrities I've met and both of them have won this show in the past (Vicky in 2015 and Stacey in 2010). In the aftershow, the presenters go behind the scenes and even try the Bushtucker Trials that the celebrities have completed and they also talk to the campmates and various celebrities to get their opinion of the show. All four of the presenters have natural chemistry and are really funny together. This series of I'm A Celebrity... has been great so far and I can't wait to see which celebrity wins and becomes King/Queen of the Jungle. 

'Winters' Snow' by Carrie Hope Fletcher (contains spoilers)

In July, Carrie Hope Fletcher published her first novel, On The Other Side. The story focused on Evie, a woman who has recently passed away but wakes up in the lift in her old apartment building. Confused, Evie walks to her apartment door but finds it locked, however, her former landlord tells her that on the other side of her door is the entrance to heaven. Unfortunately, she can't get through because her soul is too heavy as it's holding three secrets. Evie soon learns that, in order to pass through the door, she must rid herself of the three secrets she's been carrying all her life. This was a really enjoyable story to read and was full of magic realism, romance and drama. It proved how talented Carrie was at writing. Winters' Snow is Carrie's first novella and focuses on Vincent Winters, who was Evie's boyfriend and the only person she ever loved. Of course, Vincent is saddened to hear about Evie's death and this short story focuses on his journey to finding her so they can live in heaven together. In his journey, he meets Evie's cruel and strict mother who we see another side to and his fellow friend, Sonny. It's a really sweet story and, if you enjoyed On The Other Side, I'd recommend reading this book too.

Those were my November Favourites.

Thank you so much for reading my blogpost,

I hope you enjoyed it. 

❤

Little Mix - Glory Days album review ❤

Since winning The X Factor almost five years ago, Little Mix have achieved phenomenal success. They've had four UK number one singles, nine UK top ten singles, they've spent a total of eight weeks at number one with their singles and so much more. 

They are, without a doubt, one of the biggest girl groups out there at the moment. It's only been a year since their previous album, Get Weird, yet all four of the girls have been working incredibly hard on their latest album, Glory Days. 

I can safely say that Glory Days is their best one yet. Like their previous albums, Get Weird, Salute and DNA, it's got a wide range of songs. From the female-empowering number one single, 'Shout Out To My Ex' to the pop anthem 'Nothing Else Matters' there's definitely something on here for everyone.

Without further ado, here's my review of Little Mix's latest album, Glory Days, track by track.

1. Shout Out To My Ex

This is Little Mix's first single from their fourth album and it was number one in the Official Charts for three weeks after they performed it live on The X Factor. It's no surprise that this was a huge hit. A lot of artists write about love and most songs about break ups are sad and they sing about how much they miss them and how they wish the relationship never ended. While this isn't always a bad thing, it can get a bit tiresome. Some relationships you're glad they ended and Little Mix prove this in Shout Out To My Ex which is empowering and is a feel good anthem. The girls certainly don't hold back as Perrie sings 'I hope she gettin' better sex / Hope she ain't faking it like I did, babe'. Many listeners have wondered if this lyric is about her relationship with former member of One Direction, Zayn Malik. The pair were together for four years and were engaged for two, however, their relationship ended last year. Perrie has neither confirmed nor denied this but it's still a sassy lyric that I'm sure a lot of people will be singing after a break-up. I'm so happy that the girls chose this as their first single from Glory Days as fans will get an idea of what's to come from their fourth album.

2. Touch

Touch is the complete opposite to Shout Out To My Ex and is about being in love and how 'just a touch of your love is enough to knock me off my feet'. This is the perfect song to listen to if you're in a relationship and/or in love. Despite a lot of their fans aging between 12-15, the girls don't shy away from saucy lyrics as they sing 'Fingers on my buttons and now you're playing'. However, I doubt Little Mix's young fans will notice this but I wouldn't recommend playing this song in front of them. This is one of my favourites on the album as it's really catchy and has a dance vibe to it. I can imagine a lot of people dancing to this in the club with their partners and friends. 

3. F.U.

For anyone that's been cheated on by their partner, this is the perfect song for you. Instead of wallowing in self pity, I would highly recommend listening to this track from Glory Days. The girls sing about how they waited for their partner to come home despite knowing they were with someone else. They don't hold back their anger as they sing 'You're dirty, disgusting' and 'Boy I hate you, really hate you'. However, despite this, their partner persuades them to continue their relationship with kisses and sweet words. This is one of the best on the album as, like Shout Out To My Ex, it's empowering and will give many people the confidence to leave their cheating partners whilst singing 'A, B, C, D, E, FU'. This track is one of the many reasons why Little Mix are one of the most inspiring artists in the music industry at the moment. They don't hold back from venting their feelings in their songs and giving their fans the confidence to be themselves. I think that, after listening to this song, many people won't be afraid of opening up about how they feel to their partners.

4. Oops (featuring Charlie Puth)

This song is for anyone who has ended a relationship thinking that they would be better off as friends but the feelings are still there. The girls sing about how they 'accidentally need you' because they are still in love with their partner. It's an infectious pop tune and the chorus is really catchy. Charlie Puth features on this track and, while it's not as good as Little Mix's collaboration with Jason Derulo on their single Secret Love Song, it's still a fun and entertaining song to listen to.

5. You Gotta Not

The intro to You Gotta Not may sound like one of Meghan Trainor's songs and that's no surprise considering she wrote this track. I'm not the biggest fan of Meghan because of her comments regarding her 'struggle' with anoxeria which is an eating disorder. Millions of people suffer from EDs and, when being interviewed, Meghan explained how she wasn't 'strong enough' to have an eating disorder and said that she tried to 'go anorexic for a few hours'. While I don't have an eating disorder, the comments still offended me and many others. Her songs aren't that great either as she body shames in her number one single 'All About That Bass' and is sexist in her song, 'Dear Future Husband'. I'm not going to lie, I was surprised when it was announced that Little Mix have recorded this song which was written by Meghan. The lyrics, unlike the girls' other songs, aren't empowering and actually shame males for different things including 'You love wearing tighty-whities (you gotta not!) as they only show off your muffin top'. This lyric implies that having a 'muffin top', which is a round belly, is a bad thing which it's not. This is why You Gotta Not is my least favourite track on the album as it shames men for many things. It's a shame that we still can't accept people for who they are and constantly shame people for different things. Unless you're a fan of Meghan Trainor's, I would advise giving this track a miss.

6. Down & Dirty

Down & Dirty is worth listening to just for Perrie's high note towards the end of the song. While every member of Little Mix can sing amazingly, Perrie's vocals stand out the most, especially in this song. Down & Dirty is probably one of their most racy songs yet. The song begins with Jesy singing 'I'm tasty, delicious, I'm rough round the edges / My mind is obsessive, my flex is agressive' which is really suggestive. I would say that this song is similar to A.D.I.D.A.S from their previous album, Get Weird, not in terms of sound but what the songs are about. Like Touch, I would avoid playing this in front of young children who might wonder what the song is about. This is another one of their songs that it's easy to dance to.

7. Power

This is one of my favourite songs on Glory Days because it's really empowering. I would recommend this song to anyone lacking in confidence, it'll give you that boost you need and you'll be singing 'I got the power' for a long time after listening to this song. Jade's vocals stand out in this song especially during the final verses. The chorus is powerful (pun not intended) and both the verse and bridge are just as equally as exciting as the chorus. This is definitely one of the tracks I'm looking forward to hearing Little Mix perform on their tour.

8. Your Love

Of course, it wouldn't be a Little Mix album without a ballad that shows off the girls' powerful voices. I doubt anyone, after listening to this song, will say that the girls can't sing. Despite this being a ballad, it also has a pop vibe to it. The girls sing about how a person's love makes them feel like 'Dirty dancing in the moonlight'. This is the perfect song for anyone who is in love. This song is further proof that Little Mix are at their best when singing about love. 

9. Nobody Like You

 Like the previous track, Your Love, Nobody Like You is a ballad. This is another one of their songs dealing with life post-breakup but, unlike Shout Out To My Ex, it's sad and emotional as the person is still in love with their ex. The lyrics are beautifully poetic especially the first line 'I'm alive, and living's just a beating heart'. If you've currently gone through a breakup and are in need of a good cry, I would recommend listening to this track. This is another one of their best songs as it shows how amazing the girls' vocals and songwriting skills are.

10. No More Sad Songs

For anyone who aren't fans of sad ballads, this is a song I would recommend to you. The lyrics are probably the best thing about this song, my favourite is 'Dancing with danger, talking to strangers / Don't care where I go, just can't be alone'.In terms of vocals, Jade really stands out in this track. I would like to see Little Mix release this as a single in the future.

11. Private Show

Private Show is another one of the songs on Glory Days that has explicit lyrics. It's full of energy and the sound reminds me of Britney Spears' single Circus, which is one of my favourite songs of hers and an early noughties hit, AM to PM by Christina Milian. I can imagine the girls choreography to this song being very energetic and exciting and I'm looking forward to watching them perform this on tour.

12. Nothing Else Matters

If I had to choose a favourite song on this album, it would be Nothing Else Matters. This is the definition of pop which is one of my favourite song genres. This song is about admitting all the highlights and flaws of their relationships and staying together. Many relationships end due to too many arguments, however, some of them remain united which is the premise of this song. Little Mix sing 'Nothing else matters like us / nothing else matters like love / I don't wanna fight, not tonight / Cause we're having fun now' which will show their fans how important it is to remain positive even during the hardest times of the relationship. It's an upbeat anthem that I'm sure a lot of fans will love. 

13. Beep Beep

Avoid playing Beep Beep in front of young children as this song is one of their most risque. This song is very similar to their track from Get Weird, A.D.I.D.A.S. Both songs are about wanting to be with someone desperately. This is one of the songs that features exclusively on the Deluxe Edition of Glory Days. I would say that, if you liked A.D.I.D.A.S and are a fan of infectious and upbeat pop tunes, I would recommend listening to this. 

14. Freak

Like F.U., this is a song that is aimed at fans whose partners have cheated on them. The girls all sing about how their partner won't 'get these kisses for free'. For anyone struggling to confront their partner, Freak is the best song for you. Unlike F.U., the girls refuse to forgive their partner and are willing to end the relationship. Too many people in relationships are forgiving of their partner and take them back, despite knowing they'll most likely hurt them again. Freak is one of the most energetic songs on the album and will give you the confidence you need to leave your partner.

Verdict

Little Mix have yet again released another album that I'm sure will be their most successful one yet. Almost every song is enjoyable and easy to sing along to. I doubt Mixers will be disappointed with Glory Days. Speaking of, the title, Glory Days, is perfect as I think that Little Mix are at their most succesful right now and these are definitely their 'Glory Days'.

If I had to pick three favourite songs from this album I would choose Nothing Else Matters, Touch and Nobody Like You.

A lot of artists tend to stick to the same sound and release albums that are more of the same but Little Mix prove that they're not afraid to change it up. These songs are completely different to any of the songs featured on their previous three albums. 

4/5

Thank you for reading my blogpost, I hope you enjoyed it.

❤