JADE, a.k.a. Jade Thirlwall of the multi-platinum, BRIT Award-winning pop sensation Little Mix, has released her highly anticipated debut solo single, “Angel of My Dreams.” JADE describes her vision for the track as a “relentless, massive pop punch to the face,” aiming to leave listeners stunned and eager to hear it again.
Co-written by JADE in LA with Steph Jones (Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”), Pablo Bowman (Calvin Harris’ “Miracle”), and producer Mike Sabath (RAYE), “Angel of My Dreams” is a high-energy, shape-shifting anthem that delves into her complex relationship with the pop industry she’s been a part of since 2011.
“I didn’t want to play it safe with my first single,” JADE asserts. “It was crucial for me to set the tone for who I am as an artist on my own terms. I want people to hear it and think, ‘What the heck is this song?’ My biggest fear is for someone to hear my song and simply say, ‘That’s nice.’”
The track is brought to life with an eye-popping video that amplifies the song’s playful storytelling into a vibrant spectacle. Directed by Aube Perrie (Harry Styles, Megan Thee Stallion) and shot over four days (“the budget was budgeting,” JADE jokes), the video draws inspiration from The Fifth Element, Showgirls, and Black Swan. It features multiple versions of JADE competing for the spotlight.
“There are 11 different looks in the video!” JADE reveals. “The concept is a rags-to-riches story, which was quite emotional for me. One scene shows me busking outside a Sainsbury’s Local, which reminded me of when I used to sing Christmas songs outside my local store when I was 16.”
The journey to “Angel of My Dreams” began when Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022. JADE embarked on her solo career, collaborating with artists like MNEK, Cirkut, Lostboy, RAYE, Lauren Aquilina, and Dave Hamelin, in addition to Mike, Steph, and Pablo. The track, featuring a cheeky sample of Sandie Shaw’s 1967 hit “Puppet on a String,” was chosen as the lead single. Lyrically, JADE reflects on the dual nature of her experiences in the industry, embracing both its highs and lows.
“It’s about my obsession with the industry,” JADE explains. “The lyrics include lines like ‘love when you call me a star,’ but also touch on the darker aspects of the business. It’s not as glamorous as it seems.” The sample, which JADE had wanted to use for years, was a deliberate choice. “At the start of our careers, you might feel like a puppet, but it’s not entirely true—we wrote a lot of our own songs and were behind much of what we put out. I wanted to reflect that duality.”
“Angel of My Dreams” represents JADE’s bold entrance into the pop world, embodying what she describes as “Big Pop Girl Energy.” “This new wave of pop stars giving everything they’ve got is incredibly exciting,” she says. “The timing for my music couldn’t be better. I’m immensely proud of it and ready for the fans to finally hear it.”
