2019 single by Little Mix
"Bounce Back" is a song by British girl group Little Mix. It was released on 14 June 2019, and was the group's first single to be released with RCA Records UK, after parting ways with Syco Music. The single was produced by Swiff D, alongside the production duo Stargate, who also co-wrote the track with Jude Demorest, Jocelyn Donald, Normani, and Beresford Romeo. The song is included on the Japanese and expanded editions of Little Mix's sixth studio album, Confetti, as a bonus track.
Bounce Back samples "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" by Soul II Soul.[4] Described as a Hip hop and Trap-pop track with elements of R&B and 1980s, music, with inspiration from the New Orleans, Bounce music. The single peaked at number ten on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Little Mix's 10th top ten hit in the country.[4] It charted in thirteen other countries including Australia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. It has been certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and certified gold in Brazil. In 2021, the group's looks from the song's music video were used for recreation as wax figures at Madame Tussauds to celebrate the group's ten-year anniversary.
Critical reception
Rob Copsey of Official Charts wrote "It’s a clever sample rather than a lazy re-tread, blending modern trap-pop with ‘90s hip-hop scratching and horns. while it doesn’t exactly break new ground for Little Mix, there’s an air of renewed confidence about the whole thing that makes it feel fresh and undeniably fun."[8] John Philip of Billboard, “Bounce Back” is a high-energy, 80’s reminiscent tune inspired by New Orleans bounce music. The hook features a sample from Soul II Soul’s 1989 smash, “Back to Life.” The quartet sing with soaring harmonies".[9]
Claire Shaffer of Rolling Stone said "The song takes inspiration from the New Orleans bounce music. “Bounce Back,” produced by Stargate, pays tribute to the song, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer."[10] Madeline Roth of MTV said "Bounce Back" makes excellent use of Soul II Soul's classic R&B smash. Little Mix's take on it is fresh, fierce, and flirty.[11]
Year-end lists
Music video
The video opens with a young girl playing with her dollhouse as the group is inside it, posing in the style of Mannequin Challenge to a musical box tone. As they all sing the intro the camera is going into the doll house while cutting accordingly to the beat, between the group and the models. The camera then cuts to a scene where the group is portrayed on wig head stands while singing and wearing colourful wigs. The group is then seen wearing cheetah-print outfits as each sings their verse. As the bridge of the song takes place, the camera cuts to a street outside a house which is projected on with waterfalls as the group is all wearing denim while singing and dancing.[13][14][15][16][17]
The group aproduced several alternate versions of the video, including a "vertical" version and an LGBTQ+ Pride version featuring drag performers dressed up as members of the group performing alongside them.[18] The video was in partnership with Akt, a British charity organization providing “safe homes and better futures” for homeless LGBTQ youth.[19] In 2021, the group's looks from the song's music video were used for their recreation as wax figures at Madame Tussauds to celebrate the group's ten-year anniversary.[20]
Track listing
Digital download and streaming[28]
- "Bounce Back" – 2:40
Digital download and streaming – M-22 remix[29]
- "Bounce Back" (M-22 remix) – 3:23
Digital download and streaming – Riton remix[30]
- "Bounce Back" (Riton remix) – 4:37
Streaming – Bounce Back – EP[31]
- "Bounce Back" – 2:42
- "Bounce Back" (Riton remix) – 4:39
- "Bounce Back" (M-22 remix) – 3:23
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[3]
