| Evolution | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 5 November 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2012 | |||
| Genre | R&B [1] | |||
| Label | RCA | |||
| Producer | ||||
| JLS chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Evolution | ||||
| ||||
Evolution is the fourth studio album by British boy band JLS. The album was released on 5 November 2012 through RCA Records. The album marks a new change in direction for the band, described as "a throwback to the '90s new jack swing/R&B-influenced music". [3] The album was preceded by the single "Hottest Girl in the World", released on 21 October 2012.
In March 2012, Oritsé Williams revealed that JLS had decided to work with top American producers for their fourth record, so they can give their fans a "great album". He claimed that "We're furthering our sound in that way." [4] "We've been in the studio with people like Darkchild, and we've kind of gone back to new jack swing, and R&B on the album." He also revealed that they were working with "Mr. Bangladesh, who is known for his hip hop. We wanted to write with new people. We've got to give the fans a great album and we try to be the best we can." In April 2012, the band revealed that they were "going to Scandinavia and America over the next few weeks to put pen to paper." [5] They also announced that the goal with the album was "to take us international."
In August 2012, the group revealed that the album would be titled Evolution, and would be released on 5 November 2012. [6] Humes later stated the thinking behind the title was based on the fact that the group "wanted to come back with something that was different and that would give people something to talk about". [7] On 3 September 2012, they announced that "Hottest Girl in the World" would serve as the lead single from the album, with a release date of 21 October 2012. [8] On 21 August, the band began filming a music video for "Hottest Girl in the World". [9] [10] On the direction of the album. Aston Merrygold said; "We didn't go by any kind of guidelines or anything like that, we just made what felt right and we're really excited about it." [11] On 11 September, the band unveiled the artwork for the album. [12] The band also confirmed that a deluxe version of the album will be available, that will feature bonus and previously unreleased tracks. [13] On 6 September, "Hottest Girl in the World" premiered on BBC Radio 1. [14] The album features collaborations with both Bebe O'Hare and Tiffany Foxx, two independent artists who are well known on the underground circuit in the United States. Humes said of Tiffany Foxx's appearance: "Tiffany helped us with a spectacular take of Dessert. She cracked the vocals. We would love to see the version with her released as a single." In promotion of the album, the band performed "Hottest Girl in the World" on The X Factor on 21 October 2012, and premiered "Hold Me Down" on the edition of The Xtra Factor that followed. They also performed the track on Alan Carr: Chatty Man on 26 October 2012.
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 5.6/10 [15] |
| Metacritic | 54/100 [16] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| 4Music | Positive [17] |
| AllMusic |    [1] |
| AMAZEPOP | Positive [18] |
| Daily Express | [19] |
| Digital Spy | [20] |
| Flavour Magazine | Positive [21] |
| The Guardian | [22] |
| The Independent | [23] [24] |
| Maximum POP! | Positive [25] |
| musicOMH | [26] |
| Sugarscape |  [27] |
Upon release, Evolution received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. At review aggregate site Metacritic, it has an average score of 54 out of 100, based on five reviews, indicating "mixed to average" reviews. [16] Shaun Kitchener of AMAZEPOP gave it a positive review, comparing it favourably to JLS's previous album Jukebox (2011). He said: "...it makes the group feel fresh again, like they're back at the forefront of the British boyband movement. They’re sensibly taking a step away from the half-cooked urbanised electro-pop that filled their last couple of albums; leaving the guitar-driven bubblegum choruses to One Direction and letting The Wanted get on with their own brand of club-ready ladpop." "Gotta Try It", "Hold Me Down" and "Give Me Life" were named the best tracks, with the latter being compared to Chris Brown. [18] Kate Lucey of Sugarscape believed that JLS had "...upped their game for Evolution; released R&B, urban flavoured pop, and mastered it". She called it "their best record yet" and gave it a perfect 10/10 rating. [27] Maximum Pop said: "All in all, a pretty solid album from Marvin & Co, as well as showing a significant progression of their overall musical style – they’ve moved from their pop leanings and have fully embraced their role as an R&B group, something that’ll help them separate from the growing pack of boybands out there, particularly against One Direction’s guitar-based power pop and The Wanted’s more clubby, experimental records. It’s an ‘Evolution’ alright, and we’re definitely along for the ride." [25]
Writing for 4Music, Chris Younie was highly positive in his review: "We've always known [JLS] were suave and sophisticated, but this has never been more evident than on this latest album. The boys are back and they're cooler, crisper and cleverer than ever before. We approve." [17] Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the album 3/5 stars. Regarding "Hottest Girl in the World", he said "...it was a relief to hear the group ditch their tired R&B-dance hybrids to serve up a cool slice of Justin Timberlake-styled pop. Their new attitude showed everyone that JLS are not shy about shaking off their boyish charm and transform into a charismatic manband." He was critical of other tracks "I Like It" and "Gotta Try It", but admitted that "Nevertheless, the result is an improvement on 2011's Jukebox and proves that JLS still have some mileage in them yet." [20] In a review for AllMusic, Matt Collar said: "The fourth album from 2008 X Factor runner-up JLS, 2012's Evolution features more of the British boy band's slick, dance-oriented R&B. This time, JLS have teamed up with big-name producers Mr. Bangladesh (Usher, T-Pain) and Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber). The result is a synth-heavy album that evinces a kind of updated take on the '90s new jack swing influence that first inspired the group." [1]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) [28] | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Dessert" | Aston Merrygold • Marvin Humes • Oritse Williams • JB Gill • Shondrae Crawford • Dwayne Abernathy • Sean Fenton • Keith Sweat • Roy Murray | Mr. Bangladesh • Dem Jointz | 3:35 |
| 2. | "Hottest Girl in the World" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Abernathy • Ali Tennant | Mr. Bangladesh • Dem Jointz • James Reynolds • MNEK | 3:37 |
| 3. | "Have Your Way" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Andrew Harr • Jermaine Jackson • Kevin "KC" Cossom • Jon-David Anderson • David Anderson | The Runners • Jon-David Anderson • David Anderson | 3:30 |
| 4. | "Hold Me Down" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Rodney Jerkins • Wayne Hector • Eric Bellinger | Darkchild • Hollywood Hotsauce | 3:30 |
| 5. | "I Like It" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Andreas Romdhane • Josef Larossi • Ina Wroldsen | TMS | 3:40 |
| 6. | "All The Way" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Crawford • Abernathy • Armando Buelna • Mark Guinto • Rose Benson • William Reyes | Mr. Bangladesh | 4:24 |
| 7. | "Give Me Life" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Jarrad Rogers • Emmanuel Orelaja • Jay Warner | Jarrad Rogers | 3:07 |
| 8. | "Don't Know That" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Jerkins • Hector | Darkchild • Hollywood Hotsauce | 3:56 |
| 9. | "Troublemaker" (featuring Bebe O'Hare) | Tennant • Peter Gordeno • Mike "Scribz" Riley • Brittany Davis | Midi Mafia • James F. Reynolds | 2:58 |
| 10. | "Gotta Try It" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Crawford • Abernathy | Mr. Bangladesh • Dem Jointz | 3:50 |
| 11. | "Homeless Heart" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Tennant • Tim McEwan | DEEKAY | 3:58 |
| 12. | "Heartrock" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Lars Halvor Jensen | DEEKAY | 3:05 |
| 13. | "Single No More" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Jensen • Tennant • Johannes Jørgensen | DEEKAY | 4:06 |
| 14. | "Talk It Out" | Merrygold • Humes • Williams • Gill • Bellinger • Erika Nuri • Harmony Samuels | Harmony Samuels | 3:43 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15. | "Hottest Girl in the World" (Wideboys Remix) | Williams, Humes, Gill, Merrygold, Crawford, Abernathy, Tennant | Mr. Bangladesh, Dem Jointz (co.), James Reynolds (add.), MNEK (add.), The Wideboys (remix) | 5:08 |
| 16. | "Dessert" (featuring Tiffany Foxx) | JLS, Crawford, Abernathy, Fenton | Mr. Bangladesh, Dem Jointz (co.) | 4:18 |
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
Certifications
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Country | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 3 November 2012 | CD, digital download | RCA Records, Sony Music |
| United Kingdom | 5 November 2012 |
Wayne Anthony Hector is a British songwriter who is best known for his work with pop artists such as Nicki Minaj, One Direction, the Wanted, Toše Proeski and Olly Murs. He co-wrote seven of Westlife's number one singles, including "World of Our Own" and "Flying Without Wings".
JLS are an English boy band consisting of members Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill; Williams formed the band. They initially signed with Tracklacers production company New Track City and were the runners-up of the fifth series of the ITV reality talent show The X Factor in 2008, coming in second to Alexandra Burke. After their appearance on The X Factor, JLS signed to Epic Records. Their first two singles "Beat Again" and "Everybody in Love" were both number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Marvin Richard James Humes is an English singer-songwriter, disc jockey, radio host, television presenter, and former actor. Before rising to prominence as a member of the British boy band JLS, he had an acting role in Holby City. As part of JLS, he achieved five number-one singles on the UK Singles Charts and a number-one album on the UK Albums Charts. As of December 2013, they have sold over 10 million records worldwide.
The discography of English boy band JLS comprises five studio albums, one greatest hits album and sixteen singles.
Paloma Faith Blomfield is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. After signing with Epic Records in 2008, Faith released her debut studio album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? (2009), which produced the UK top-twenty singles "Stone Cold Sober" and "New York", and earned Faith her first BRIT Award nomination in 2010. Her second studio album, Fall to Grace (2012), charted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, earned her two Brit Award nominations, and spawned her first UK top-ten single, "Picking Up the Pieces" and the top-twenty cover version of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart".
Outta This World is the second studio album from English boy band and The X Factor runners-up JLS. It was released in Ireland on 19 November 2010 and in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2010. The album received negative to mixed reviews from music critics. It debuted at number two in the UK, and at number four in Ireland, selling 152,000 copies in its first week in the UK. Since its release, the album has sold over 650,000 copies.
"She Makes Me Wanna" is a single by British boyband JLS, from their third studio album Jukebox (2011). The song was released as the album's lead single on 22 July 2011 by Epic Records. It features vocals from American recording artist Dev. The song was written by JLS, BeatGeek, Jimmy Joker, and Teddy Sky, and produced by BeatGeek, Jimmy Joker, Teddy Sky. JLS said that they hoped the song would bring them "international success".
Jukebox is the third studio album by English boy band JLS, released on 11 November 2011 through Epic Records. The album's release was preceded by the lead single "She Makes Me Wanna", which debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in July 2011, and the second single, "Take a Chance on Me", released on 4 November 2011. The single charted at number two in the British charts. The album was issued in four exclusive different editions through music retailer HMV, each containing a slipcase portraying a different member of the band on the artwork.
"Take a Chance on Me" is a song by English boy band JLS from their third studio album, Jukebox. It was released as the album's second single on 4 November 2011. The ballad was written by Emile Ghantous, Frankie Bautista, Nasri Atweh and Nick Turpin, and it was produced by Nasri Atweh and Emile Ghantous. The song debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, selling 67,850 copies in its first week.
"Black Heart" is a song by British girl group Stooshe, taken from their debut album London with the Lights On (2013). Produced and written by Future Cut in collaboration with Jo Perry and Shaznay Lewis, it was released as the album's second official single by Warner Music UK from 15 June 2012. "Black Heart" is a ballad with a "Motown-esque" feel about it. Group member Courtney Rumbold revealed the song showcases Stooshe's different range, tones and styles. The lyrics to "Black Heart" talk of the issues of being in a relationship with a cheating lover. The cover art for "Black Heart" was released on 17 May. It depicts the girls in illustrated outfits and Jenny Mensah of 4Music called it "loud, bright and colourful".
"Trouble" is a song recorded by British recording artist Leona Lewis and American entertainer Childish Gambino for Lewis' third studio album, Glassheart (2012). Inspired by Lewis' break-up with childhood sweetheart Lou Al-Chamaa, "Trouble" is a mid-tempo R&B and trip hop ballad, with a piano and strings-driven melody. It was written by a British writing collective consisting of Lewis, Donald Glover, Hugo Chegwin, Harry Craze, Shahid Khan, James Murray, Mustafa Omer, Emeli Sandé and Fraser T Smith. Production came courtesy of Khan under his production name of Naughty Boy and Smith, along with co-producer Chris Loco and additional producer Jahlil Beats. Music critics noted that the urban production marked a new direction for Lewis, particularly by featuring Gambino during the song's middle eight breakdown with a poetic rap verse. A version excluding Gambino is also included on Glassheart.
Hottest Girl in the World is a song by English boy band JLS, released as the official lead, and second overall, single from the group's fourth studio album, Evolution. The track was released on 21 October 2012. The track is a preview of the band's new-style material, which focuses on stronger harmonies and stripped back British R&B. The song was written by the band, along with Dwayne Abernathy, Ali Tennant and Bangladesh, the latter of whom produced the track.
Centre Stage is the debut studio album from British pop singer Kimberley Walsh, released on 4 February 2013 through Decca Records. The album is Walsh's first solo music release outside of British girl group Girls Aloud after working in acting, television presenting, and theatre. It consists of covers of songs from popular musical theatre and musical films, a passion which Walsh has wished to pursue since she was just three years old, as well as two brand new songs. Centre Stage also features duets with fellow performers Louise Dearman and Ronan Keating.
Goodbye – The Greatest Hits is the first greatest hits album, and fifth album overall, to be released by British boy band JLS. It was released in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2013, via RCA Records. The album contained a total of twelve tracks, including all of the band's singles, plus a new single "Billion Lights", which was released ten days prior to the album on 8 November 2013. The deluxe edition of the album featured a bonus DVD with all of the band's music videos. The super deluxe edition contained a disc of all of the band's B-sides, as well as remixes. This version was made available through the band's official webstore. The album resulted in "The Greatest Hits" tour which took place in December 2013.
Word of Mouth is the third studio album by English-Irish boy band the Wanted. The album was released worldwide via Island Records on 4 November 2013. The album was preceded by the release of six singles: "Chasing the Sun", "I Found You", "Walks Like Rihanna", "We Own the Night", "Show Me Love (America)" and "Glow in the Dark", the latter of which was released two weeks prior to the album. It was the last studio album to feature singer Tom Parker before his death in March 2022.
Freedom is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, and was released on 2 December 2013 in the United Kingdom, a day after the release of the album's lead single "I Hope". The album received positive reviews from critics, praising her vocals and movement away from her soul-influenced debut album, Heaven, into a more R&B, club-orientated sound. The album also attained moderate commercial success in the UK, where it became her second top ten album and achieved a silver certification from the BPI after just 3 weeks since its release date, followed by a Gold certification on 27 December 2013. The album was released through a joint deal between Syco Music and RCA Records.
Union J is the self-titled debut studio album by English boy band Union J. It was released in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2013 through RCA Records, and debuted at number six on the UK Albums Chart.
"Billion Lights" is a song by British boy band JLS. The song is the only single from their greatest hits album, and fifth album overall, Goodbye – The Greatest Hits (2013). It was released on 17 November 2013, the day before the album, as JLS's second single before their split.
Salute is the second studio album by British girl group Little Mix, released on 8 November 2013 through Syco Music and Columbia Records. The album was mostly co-written by Little Mix, who stated that they were more involved in the development of this album compared to their debut album DNA. The album was preceded by the lead single "Move", and included two further singles, "Little Me", and "Salute". It is also one of two studio albums by the group to not feature any collaborations.
"Salute" is a song recorded by British girl group Little Mix for their second studio album of the same name (2013). It was released on 3 May 2014 as the album's third and final single. It was co-written by the group alongside TMS and Maegan Cottone, and produced by TMS. Lyrically, "Salute" is described as a girl-power song, with military metaphors and war sirens, drawing comparisons to Destiny's Child and Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)".
