Here at #TEAM21 we've always had a soft spot for Nia Nicholls since initially seeing her at Buckle & Boots many many years ago. Her latest single "Goldilocks" is perhaps a little contentious as it does require a little effort from the listener as only half listening and taking things out of context could lead you down totally the wrong path of what this song is actually saying.
The chorus has the lines
"Maybe if I lost a little weight
You'd want me for more than one night
Maybe if I suffered from a breakdown
I'd be just like the girls you like
Maybe if I become a contortionist
Or a hypnotic therapist
Either change myself or you
Oh Goldilocks could I ever be just right for you?"
At first glance it might seem that Nia is prepared to do anything to gain the affections of someone who clearly finds fault with her, yet that would be to totally misunderstand what the song is actually saying.
"Goldilocks" has a more keyboard based sound than perhaps we are used to from Nia, but it comes with some familiar traits, the quick fire, almost too many words in a line, delivery, the fourth wall asides, and an ever increasing confidence and inventiveness with what she can achieve in the studio with backing vocals.
The key to the song comes with the fiery bridge, where things are made clearer, scores are settled and those fearing that Nia was selling herself and womankind too cheaply can rest assured - she hasn't!.
"You'll probably grow old alone
No-one to call a home
I bet you won't even know until it's too late
I was too much for you fragile ego
Too little for your needs
So I will find someone
Who knows that I am great!
Oh Goldilocks it's YOU who need to change!
It is all a far cry from the opening verse with Nia declaring
"You're embarrassed to be seen with me romantically"
The final line confirms that Nia has got the situation in hand and sees it for what it is
"Oh Goldilocks - I'll never be just right for you"
Cleverly constructed using the children's story t make an adult point, with lots of musical hooks to latch on to, "Goldilocks" confirms Nia's ability to create a great pop song.