The follow-up to 2012's DNA is a confident mix of RnB pop anthems, radio hits and heartfelt ballads. To my ears, it's one the best pop records of 2013.

Perrie, Jade, Leigh-Anne and Jesy sat down with me last week in a London studio, on album release day, to discuss an album which they describe as the record they've waited two years to make.

Jade told me "We're all so proud of this record. We feel like Little Mix have arrived as this is the album we've been waiting to release as this is the real us..we've found who we are."

With echoes of TLC, Destiny's Child and All Saints punctuating the overall "Salute" sound, it's obvious that the band wanted to go back to their roots.

Jade confirmed " We feel that the vocal harmony sound has been missing and we really wanted to bring it back. And we really feel with this album that we've matured more and we developed as performers, as songwriters and our harmonies. Everything had stepped up a gear and this is definitely the Little Mix sound. I'm so proud of what we've done and we can't wait for our fans to hear it."

And with tracks like Nothing Feels Like You, Competition and About the Boy, Little Mix continue to demonstrate their songwriting credentials. Perrie explained "We take writing seriously and we're all so passionate about it. A lot of people don't think we write our own stuff which is so darn annoying but we really do. With this album we didn't have much time to record as we were travelling worldwide but because we're a lot more experienced, the songwriting, the recording and the harmonies are all much stronger.."

And with the girls dropping big hints for a 2014 tour and a confirmed performance at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball next month, it's obvious that "Salute" is an album that needs to be performed live.
From the stunning a cappella intro of "Boy," to the affirming lyric of "Little Me" and the driving energy of the amazing title track; Little Mix are ready to get back on stage and do exactly what they do best..

"We have so many ideas for the tour. We already know how we want Salute to start. We're always thinking ahead.."

I'll see you front row then. I salute you ladies..

Hear my interview with Little Mix here...