Urban-Pop outfit Little Mix made X Factor UK history this week when they became the first ever group to win the ITV talent-search.

In true and slightly mundane fashion, as winner’s the show, the ladies (aged 18-20) have released a cover version of an “inspirational” cut – and this time it’s Damien Rice’s ‘Cannonball’ which gets the “winner’s song” treatment.

You saw the Jesy, Jade, Leigh-Ann, and Perrie, serve up a commendable live showing on Sunday’s finale, how does the studio / single mix measure up? Judge for yourself after the jump…

While each of the ladies turn in solid vocal performances (particularly 18 year old blonde, Perrie), with a group as “current” as this quad, surely now’d be the time to freshen up the dreary trajectory which sees dryness like this released as their first effort. Indeed, given the overwhelming support, they’re likely to be a label priority – meaning all stops, in the way of producers and features, will be pulled out to ensure their debut album is a winner. As such, fast forward 12 months, and this’ll no doubt stick out like a sore thumb.

Still, as the likes of Alexandra, Leona, and the few other relevant acts from the show have shown, it’s all about playing the game.

Your thoughts?