If 2026 has proven itself to be anything, it’s become the year of the girl group. The UK-based pop princesses of Say Now are no exception, especially with their latest release: “Hot & talking.”
From the massive success of groups like KATSEYE and FLO to the newfound rise of Say Now, girl groups are dominating the cultural landscape in a way that hasn’t been seen since the Fifth Harmony and Little Mix days. It’s easy to see why this resurgence is happening: in an era where female coalition and friendship is becoming more beloved and important than ever, listeners crave to see this reflected in their playlists.
As a group, Say Now are fairly new; active since 2023, they’ve quickly gained traction with their recent releases. Despite their newness, they’ve proven themselves to be well seasoned in superb vocals, addictive melodies, entertaining choreography and authentic group chemistry that’s magnetizing to listeners. “Hot & talking” is the cherry on top.
Similar to “Met my match,” the lead single to their newly announced EP Say what you see set to release on November 13, “Hot & talking” has a distinct sound pioneered by electropop elements — thanks to PinkPantheress, who the group recently enlisted to help produce and write. Her influence is distinctive here, yet the track remains fresh and exciting. It continues the work of forming a core sound for Say Now that is different from what audiences have heard before, yet familiar enough to quickly become an earworm.
“Hot & talking” is an audacious pop tune, bursting with conviction from the first lyric. Say Now know who they are, and if you don’t, they’re not afraid to tell you. As they sing, “Bet you think you got your own princess / Can’t you approach me? I know you won’t,” the song becomes a strong indication of the group’s mindset. It’s bold, yet the track carries a sweet and girly melody; Say Now blends the two together with ease, proving that femininity is not weakness but rather a source of strength and divinity. For listeners, it’s empowering to hear.
It’s a track that anyone could sing in their bathroom mirror for an instant boost of self confidence. They continue to flaunt this through the chorus, with the lyrics, “I’m in this mini dress, and I love what I’m seein’ / Nobody to impress, but they’re all thinkin’ / They have chances with me.” The call and response of the post chorus confirms this message: “Hot and tallkin’ / When I see you make eyes at me just / Keep on walkin’ / And I say it respectfully.” Say Now are not here to source their confidence or power from anyone but themselves. It’s an extremely important message for women to internalize in an era driven by external validation and reassurance.
The bridge of the track introduces a slower tune yet continues to demand attention with a playful sequence: “Let’s take it slow, I wanna make babies with you,” they harmonize, before continuing with “Okay that’s just a joke, it’s fun to lie when you’re just / Hot and talkin’, hot and talkin’.” Even at their most assertive, their banter never wavers. Instead, it only substantiates their poise.
The music videos for both “Met my match” and “Hot & talking” hold distinct aesthetics. Inspired by the 2013 Tumblr era, this new image of Say Now is delicately feminine — and still, the music exudes a confidence not quite seen before from them. Adorned with pastel pinks, floral patterns, bows and frilly dresses, it’s a callback to the fashion and style that raised many Gen Z girls. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and while there’s been an excess of nostalgic callbacks in the past year, Say Now executes it flawlessly by turning the old into the new. The only thing they’re missing is flower crowns.
“Hot & talking” is a testament to the artistic growth of the group and the message they wish to convey to audiences everywhere. While they’ve always been a brilliant trio, they lacked a cohesive aesthetic between releases to build a consistent artistic image and sound — as up and coming artists, world building is essential for building a brand. This time, they’ve stuck the landing with ease, and with a stroke of self assurance not seen before. Say Now has finally found their footing, and they’ve hit the ground running.
