Following the departure of Jesy Nelson in December 2020, Little Mix released their highly anticipated compilation album, “Between Us,” on Nov. 12. The album has a total of 26 songs overall, with five new ones. The album also includes features from Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo, Anne-Marie, Saweetie, and other artists.

The band, with members Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, originally started in 2011 on the British talent show, “The X-Factor.” Little Mix released their first album, “DNA,” in 2012, beginning their musical career. 

“Between Us” features five brand new songs: “Cut You Off,” “No,”“Trash,” “Love (Sweet Love),” and “Between Us.”

The album switches between fast melodies you can dance to (“Wasabi” and “Woman Like Me”), to soft, heart-wrenching ballads (“Secret Love Song” and “Between Us”). It’s a bit weird to see the switch in vocals from early albums like “DNA” and “Salute,” to more mature vocals in “Confetti.” Songs including Jesy Nelson on the album, due to her departure, especially stand out. 

A common theme in past Little Mix albums is love songs and breakup songs, and that theme is carried throughout “Between Us,” especially in the new songs. “No,” the third song featured, currently has more than 10,000 listens on Spotify. It is an angry breakup song, perfectly fitting with past fan favorites.

Since Nelson’s departure, she has released the single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. Jesy had a huge impact on the band, and it’s easy to see how much she’s influenced the band in new songs. 

The album is a nice yearbook of all the hits Little Mix has released over the years, and it’s sweet to hear the change in the tone of songs since 2011. Overall, “Between Us” is a lovely way to pay tribute to memories. 

Since the release of  “Between Us,” the band has stated they are going on a hiatus after their spring 2022 tour. They clarified they are not breaking up, but taking a break.