Many girl groups have tried their hand at replicating the formula that Destiny’s Child once perfected: undeniable chemistry, angelic harmonies, and music that effortlessly supports both. While others have come close, none have garnered the group’s same profound cultural impact and recognition. Narrating the album’s intro, Cynthia Erivo makes it strikingly clear that FLO has done their homework. “And thus, in the fateful year of 2019, a pact was formed,” she says. “Our girls found each other, and meticulously prepared a feast for our ears.” 

From the moment that “AAA” begins, it’s clear that the group is primed to deliver on that promised feast. The intro’s potent feminine energy reverberates, demanding immediate attention. A fierce sexual energy, echoing the spirit of TLC, dominates, backed by harmonies that nod to Brandy, a clear influence on the group. The track is followed by “In My Bag,” a playful empowerment anthem featuring American rapper GloRilla. Marked by horns and cheeky lyrics, a radiation of confidence that rarely presents itself on a debut album is comfortably situated, a surefire indicator of the group’s inevitable leap into A-list territory.

FLO’s allure lies in their ability to channel their influences while still creating a sonic identity that is unmistakably theirs. “Soft,” a reimagined homage to Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place,” channels the sensuality that defined Jackson’s work, while the nostalgic pull of “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” is so strong, you’ll find yourself wondering if Timbaland himself was involved in the track’s production. Other standouts include “I’m Just A Girl,” an unexpected electric-guitar-heavy banger packed with fury and edge, “Bending My Rules,” a glossy, mid-tempo soul ballad, and “How Does It Feel,” a throbby, experimental cut with the punchiest hook of the record.

In an era where singles are often tailored for viral moments and algorithmic success, it’s refreshing to hear a group not only craft tracks that stand on their own, but also assemble an album that feels like a complete artistic statement. FLO has created something that transcends the TikTok-driven, playlist-centric culture of today, offering an album that feels intentional, fully realized, and undeniably cohesive. Singlehandedly proving that the art of the album is still very much alive, FLO is a textbook example showing that when the right chemistry is in place, the result can be pure magic.