There comes a time in every young girl group’s life when the girls begin to get a little bit older, a little bit wiser — and a little bit more urban.
This is Fifth Harmony‘s moment.
After making their grand debut with power-pop anthems like “Miss Movin’ On,” the Radio Disney-approved “Me & My Girls” and “Don’t Wanna Dance Alone” on their Better Together EP last year, the girls-turned-young-ladies of X Factor USA‘s Fifth Harmony (formerly 1432, formerly LYLAS) are back with a fairly dramatic sonic and visual reinvention this year — and it all begins with “BO$$.”
The Song Title
You’ll note here that there are not one, but two dollar signs in the place of letters in the title, “BO$$.” This is also known as a Reverse Ke$ha-Turned-Kesha Rose Makeover.
The Beat
Wallpaper.-produced finger snaps and horn blasts, mainly.
Sonic/Thematic Influences
JoJo‘s “My Time Is Money,” Little Mix‘s “Wings,” Danity Kane‘s “Show Stopper” and Destiny’s Child‘s “Independent Women Part 1.”
The Cast
“BO$$” is a veritable “Who’s Who” of money-makers and boss types, including Kanye West, Oprah and Michelle Obama.
A Win For The White House
It’s a big day for the First Lady, specifically: She’s mentioned no less than 13 times.
A Loss For Volvo Enthusiasts
Conversely, it’s not looking good for the people at Volvo: “I’m a Maybach and you’s a Volvo.” Automotive shade for days.
Cool, Trendy Fun
Do the phrases “Do you got a bae or nah?” or “Hit dat nae nae!” mean anything to you? If not, you’re officially old. But fear not! The 5H girls have got you covered with some cool, hot and urban phrases to impress your friends on FacePlace or Twatter.
“Swipe my card, then I do the nae nae“: I’m about to purchase expensive wares, then do a popular Vine dance.
“I want a Kanye-ye, not a Ray J“: I want to be with someone who resembles the husband of inexplicably famous person Kim Kardashian, not her sex tape partner.
“I ain’t thirsting for no bae!“: I’m not interested in wearing your letterman jacket to the formal, Johnny.
The pre-chorus.
“You say that you a baller and I see you tryna holler, but that ain’t how I was brought up – Next!/Working for my money, ’cause that’s what my momma taught me so your ass better show me some respect.” Note: This is the actual best part of the song. Also, “ass”!
The chorus.
“Bo$$! Michelle Obama/Purse so heavy, getting Oprah dollars. Bo$$!” Note: This is also a good part.
Reading Is Fundamental
“C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T, that’s me, I’m confident!” From Fergie to Gwen Stefani, spelling has always proven to be a win for all — and this is surely no exception.
The bridge.
“Uh huh, uh huh.” M-I-N-I D-A-N-C-E B-R-E-A-K. Hair flips and hip thrusts are crucial at this point, or else they might as well call the whole thing off.
In conclusion…
Oh, what a difference a year makes: “BO$$” is a fun, breezy and youthful (AND DON’T FORGET URBAN) blast of horn-heavy female empowerment — it’s cheeky, cheesy and fierce all at the same time — and perhaps their best shot at Top 40 radio play to date.
But beyond that, it’s also the song that bridges the gap between the bubblegum pop of Fifth Harmony in 2013 with the newly grown girls of 2014. Get ready for Fifth Harmony 2.0 — or is that technically Tenth Harmony? Regardless, it’s all happening.
“Bo$$” was released on July 7. (iTunes)