Jade Thirlwall’s Solo Debut: A Journey of Transformation

Jade Thirlwall has officially made her foray into a solo career with the release of her debut single, ‘Angel of My Dreams.’ After Little Mix announced a break following their 2022 tour, the anticipation surrounding Thirlwall’s solo project has grown immensely, with fans waiting patiently for her first taste of independent artistry.

As the last member of the renowned girl group to step into the limelight on her own, Jade expressed a mixture of excitement and relief upon releasing the song. She acknowledges the pressure her followers placed on her with their expectations, but assures them that the wait was worthwhile. ‘I’ve been writing for two and a half years now for this project,’ she revealed. ‘I think I needed that time to evolve as my own artist outside of Little Mix.’

Little Mix, formed on the UK’s musical competition ‘The X Factor‘ in 2011, comprised Jade, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson, who departed the group in 2020. Reflecting on her initial audition, Thirlwall recalled feeling disheartened when judge Kelly Rowland suggested she join a girl group instead of pursuing a solo career. ‘I think the reason why I reacted like that was because the girl groups at that time were sexy and glamorous, while I was just a nerdy girl with braces,’ she said.

Over the years, Jade learned to embrace her identity while navigating the trials of the music industry, including periods of bullying during her school years. ‘I know back then I could never have done it on my own. I needed to go through my adult life and my womanhood with those girls around me to get me through that,’ she reflected.

In her debut track, Jade dives into the harsher aspects of the music business, singing lines that encapsulate her experiences. ‘You only care about money,’ she states in the song, which also features a noteworthy sample of Sandie Shaw’s ‘Puppet on a String,’ the UK’s first-ever winning Eurovision entry from 1967.

The decision to incorporate Shaw’s classic was intentional, as Jade sought to use it as a means of challenging the long-held narratives around girl groups being ‘manufactured’ or ‘puppets.’ ‘We had a very clear vision of who we wanted to be,’ she emphasized. ‘When you come from those shows, you constantly fight those labels.’

Having achieved significant success through Little Mix, boasting billions of streams and multiple Brit Awards, Jade now has the opportunity to showcase her individuality as a solo artist. Despite being the final member to embark on a solo path, she does not feel overwhelmed by comparisons. ‘If I’d released sooner, I might have felt a bit more pressure, but I’m proud of my artistry,’ she stated confidently, highlighting the differences in their musical expressions.

With ‘Angel of My Dreams’ now in the world, Jade aims to ‘come out with a bang.’ The accompanying music video, directed by Aube Perrie, who has previously collaborated with top names like Harry Styles and Megan Thee Stallion, tells the story of Jade’s rise to fame. It draws inspiration from a variety of cinematic references, including ‘The Fifth Element’ and ‘Showgirls.’

The video beautifully captures Thirlwall’s humble beginnings, showcasing childhood home movies alongside scenes shot in a London high street that mirrors her roots in South Shields, a location significant to her journey. ‘I wanted it to feel really British, and it reminded me of South Shields high street. I couldn’t ship everyone up North, so we did it in London,’ explained Jade.

Upon announcing the single on social media, Jade expressed her nervousness and joy at the release, describing it as a ‘love/hate letter to the music industry.’ The reception from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her talent and looking forward to more of her future work. Comments on various platforms reflect a sense of anticipation for her upcoming projects, citing the creativity and originality of her debut as fresh and exciting.

However, not all feedback has been entirely positive. A few critics voiced displeasure with the track, suggesting it didn’t resonate with them. Yet, the general sentiment among listeners indicates a strong support for Jade’s new journey as she carves out her space in an ever-evolving industry.

As Jade begins to finalize her album, she reassures fans that they can expect ‘the unexpected.’ Armed with a nearly complete body of work, she is eager to introduce everyone to what she has dubbed the ‘Jade world.’ For her followers, this debut single marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her musical career.