Album- Ten
Artist- Girls Aloud
Arising from the power of reality TV talent shows as the
winners of Popstars the Rivals, Girls Aloud were a group that we formed in
front of the public and could easily have had minor success. But sometimes such
shows do really produce some stars, and so is the case for Girls Aloud, who
have scored 20 consecutive top ten hits and have had five platinum selling
studio albums and a million selling greatest hit record. This second greatest
hits album, used to mark their tenth anniversary, features four new tracks, and
also truly marks the end of an era, as the group have now said that they have
disbanded for good now after a previous three year hiatus. In listening to this
record I aim to see if the group are really worth the success that they have
had, whether the songs are truly as good as we would believe, and whether the
new tracks are any good (and perhaps a sign that they should continue).
Track 1- Something
New
Opening with a track such as this seems appropriate not only
in terms of its bold sound but how the title very much ties in with how the
group are giving us new music for their tenth anniversary. An up tempo dance
pop number that has a touch of rock music and has a very positive and up-beat
attitude, the track is very much a girl power anthem, as members Cheryl Cole
and Nadine Coyle rap about telling the girls to “go-go-go” as they are going to
“run this show”. The chorus is deliciously addictive in its pop simplicity as
the girls sing about wanting something new whilst simply just wishing to dance
and talk. Vocally the track is a little strange in terms of the rap style that
is employed in the verses, but the chorus is really powerful and catchy as
their vocals really come together as a group. Member Sarah Harding also
provides some power to the bridge through her simple but strong line “take a
walk on the wild side of life”. Production wise long-time collaborators
Xenomania make another tune that is a little bit odd in structure but still
sounds really great and very well rounded, with the final heavy drum bass of
the bridge really making for a strong finish as the girls sing of being “the
leaders of the pack” and if you’re not joining in the dance fun by that point
then that is just sad.
4/5
Track 2- The Promise
(Radio Edit)
The lead single from their last proper studio album “Out of
Control” showed that they were still the leading pop girl group as they
produced such a delicious pop hit that was instantly catchy. The track is very
catchy in terms of how it has a contemporary feel but prominently features a
throwback, 60’s sound with a touch of 70’s disco. Lyrically the track is simply
structured around a catchy chorus as the girls individually express their
journey of finding love, whilst the chorus is all about how they said they
wouldn’t fall in love and made a promise to themselves, but now that promise is
fading in the wake of this guy who has come into their lives. The track just
has a really bouncy and light quality that is helped by the girls vibrant and
light personalities, with each member really getting their moment in this track
and all coming together nicely in the chorus, with the final section’s key
change making for a powerful finish. The kind of big band production has that
immediate attention grabbing edge, and really this all-round a simple pop song
that has come together in all its components to create a delicious slice of pop
you can’t help but love, and so deserved it’s number one position.
5/5
Track 3- The Loving
Kind (Radio Edit
Co-written by the Pet Shop Boys, the third track was the
second single from the groups last proper studio album Out of Control, and is a
synth pop ballad that lyrically finds the group producing a simple but elegant
account of a relationship that seems destined on its way too crumble. Lyrically
the track is melancholic in tone and has that definite ballad tone, and this is
also powered by the girls light and ethereal vocal tones that emphasising the
fragility of their emotions and the sadness at the end of this relationship.
However the synth based production works well in terms of adding a small touch
of optimism to the track, and keeping the song in a could be on the dance
floor, very remix able state that is catchy and radio friendly. The lyrics are
a bit over repetitive, and because of the tracks sentiment the tune lacks the
spark that some of the other songs that the girls have created have, but this
is still a nice pop tune that shows a softer side and worked nicely at the time
in contrast to the lead single and booming state of The Promise.
3/5
Track 4- Untouchable
(Radio Mix)
After reaching number 11 in the charts, the third single
from their last proper studio album was the one that broke their consecutive
string of top ten hits. Which is a shame, because this isn’t by any means the
worst Girls Aloud track, and there has almost certainly been tracks that should
have not got a top ten position by other artists. However, in the wake of the
previous track, it seems you can easily understand why the track didn’t make
the top ten. This is because although the songs lyrical qualities are
different, the ballad tone of the track feels too familiar after that previous
number, and so it may have been a simple case of a lack of variety in the tone
of the singles. However, this track is a little bit superior than the previous
song, as the trance inspired ballad has more of a powerful tone and feels like
the individual components blend together better. The lyrical concept is quite
simple, with each girl having their individual moments in which they sing the praises
of this man and how they feel so great with his love and the power that lies
within their relationship. The song works really well vocally as we get the
sense of the group melding together as a group, but there is also a sense of
each person having their own individuality. Described by member Sarah Harding
as having a “chilled, Ibiza feel”, the Xenomania production is really nice,
having simple dance energy that is light and allows you to kind of just drift
off with the girls, with the guitar riffs interspersed in various sections of
the track having a cool, catchy feel.
3.5/5
Track 5- Sexy No No
No…
An electro punk track that was released as the lead single
from the album Tangled Up, this track is lyrically all about the girls feelings
towards this guy and how they want some loving from this man. However, rather
than being flirtatious, the lyrics focus on how they are trying a different
approach, being sexy by backing off. The songs structure is not the typical
verse chorus verse structure of normal pop songs but instead acts as mashing
together of different songs, with a chorus, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus,
middle eight, verse structure. The structure adds a quirky, catchy quality to
the track, and is further helped by the catchiness of the vocals, opening with
a vocodered vocal from Cheryl Cole that immediately grabs your attention, and
then featuring individual vocals from each member with tones that are powerful
and command your attention in the same way, albeit less processed. The
production is also another powerful, attention grabbing quality with its multi
layered guitar riffs and strong break beat alongside the euphoric harmonies of
the girls.
3.5/5
Track 6- Call the
Shots
Tangled Up’s second single is another more moderate tempo
affair that is Euro pop inspired and has an infectious melody alongside the
potent lyrical content. These lyrics focus on the end of a relationship, in
which the band brings a sense of closure to the relationship, whilst focusing
on how this guy seems to want all the cards in the relationship. The chorus is
beautifully metaphorical but simple and has an instantly catchy quality, which
is elevated by the smooth vocals of the singers who blend together really well
in the harmonies whilst each bringing their own, lush light tones in various
moments, with Nicola Roberts being the best in terms of the delicacy of her
vocal in the middle section that makes for a strong finish. Unlike some of
their other tracks, this tune follows a simple verse chorus verse form, and works
really well in this simplistic state, with the shimmery electro pop dance beats
having a lovely tone that reverberates and has this endless appeal.
4.5/5
Track 7- Can’t Speak
French (Radio Edit)
From the shimmering, slow nature of the previous track we
enter into a bit more of an up tempo state with this track that was Tangled
Up’s third single and probably one of those Girl Aloud songs that sits
comfortably into the realm of a guilty pleasure, as it has a silly pop edge and
is very much on the surface lyrically, as the girls play the roles of women who
are a bit glum as they are really trying to impress this guy, and there is a
bit of barrier, with the girls having to work through the music. It’s such a
silly concept, but when backed by such a strong and catchy hook driven chorus,
you can easily get caught up in the frivolous nature. The harmonies are strong
as usua, and every member of the group brings a cool sensuality to the song
that is appealing and fun. And once again we find the group in a state of no
tradition, as the track is structured as verse, bridge, chorus, middle section,
instrumental and then a final chorus, But it’s once again a weird structure
that still totalyy works, and the production is also really catchy with its
mixing of a jazz guitar and swing beat against a kind of 1980’s synthesiser,
making for a sound that, like the lyrics say, is indeed funky.
4/5
Track 8- Something
Kinda Ooooh
Composed for the group’s first greatest hits collection back
in 2006, this track is an alternative dance pop tune that was inspired by the
1980’s and finds the girls once again trying to get you on the dance floor. The
lyrics focus upon this idea of the girls having this rush of feeling that is something
a little strange and just makes them really want this guy. It’s a silly lyrical
concept that is given power through the catchy chorus and the sensuality of the
girls vocal performance, which in the verses show off their individuality
nicely and then blend together in the chorus for an addictive listen. The
stomping electro rhythms of the production make for a sound that you kind of
have to dance to, with the clattering beats having a rush that is infectious
and keeping the energy going throughout the entire track.
4/5
Track 9- Biology
Another tune that is totally non stereotypical in form, this
track is another little bit of a silly tune that can be seen as a guilty
pleasure, and was the second singled released from the studio album Chemistry.
The lyrics are 3 different songs melded together, with the song opening with
member Nadine Coyle telling her man to love her in a sensual vocal tone, and
then the track goes into talking about cappuccinos and having that sense of
crazed love, before going into the chorus which is simply all about how you are
hit by love because of biology, in particular how a girl acts naturally. The
chorus definitely works in terms of the blending of the vocals, and the song is
very good vocally, although the way that the vocals are vocodered a bit in the
second verse is perhaps a little annoying. The tracks production is also
another matching different tunes affair, opening and ending with a bluesy piano
riff, then simply being drum beat driven, with a firm electro pop state in the
chorus. It all is strange but works well together, although perhaps not in the
same way as some of their other tunes.
3.5/5
Track 10- The Show
From their second studio album What Will the Neighbours
Say? (that records lead single), The
Show served as an introduction to the kind of upbeat personality driven sound
that would come to epitomise the girls music careers as a whole. Vocally the track
has a little bit of a sensual edge and is one of those where the girls blend
together really well, although the sense of their individual identities perhaps
doesn’t come across as much in this tune. However, whilst the vocal have a
little sensual edge, the track is actually more lyrical potent and contains an
anti-promiscuity message in which guys are seen as just wanting sex, and these
girls are not giving that until they say so. It’s quite a strong message that
is maybe hindered by the pop energy of the track, but we should still give the
group points for trying to be inspirational in their own way. The 80’s inspired
synth based energy of the production is cool and infectious and is one of those
sounds that kind of wants you to strut your stuff alongside the girls.
3.5/5
Track 11- Love Machine
What I would say is the track that most people would say is
their Girls Aloud guilty pleasure tune (and likewise people would outright show
love for), Love Machine was the second single from What Will the Neighbours
Say?, and is another track that is totally unique in composition and keeps in
line with the fun vibrancy of the previous number, and even brings a greater
level of fun. Lyrics on the track are a little bit of what are they saying but
still totally work and find the girls basically singing about how they are on
that fight for love because they are like a machine for love. It’s this
nonsense but still fun quality that really captures you, and the chorus is
really, really catchy. The pop rock production with the cool drum beats and
80’s synths is just really appealing and adds to the frivolity, whilst vocally
the girls work well together in imbuing the song with this seemingly innate
essence of vibrancy and fun.
5/5
Track 12- I’ll Stand
by You
The Girls first record made for the charity Children In Need
(the second being new track Something New) is a cover of a song originally sung
by The Pretenders. This cover keeps in line with the original tune, a power
ballad that is lyrically all about the girls exclaiming how they will be there,
pledging love and faithful assistance in times of darkness. The track was given
a bit more power at the time through the association with Children In Need, but
apart from that this is quite a simple that apart from featuring smooth vocals and
nice harmonies, doesn’t add anything to the original and indeed in musical
composition is like a carbon copy of the original.
2.5/5
Track 13- Jump
Another cover, this song was originally recorded by The
Pointer Sisters, and was recorded by Girls Aloud for the romantic comedy film
Love Actually. Whilst this is another cover that is very similar to the
original, the girls vocally imbue the track with a sense of vibrancy that would
later come to define their own material, and so this is a worthy cover. The
track, all about the girls telling this guy to work hard if he wants their
love, is also really great in terms of the dance pop production that brings a
nice 21st century essence to the track that is fun and infectious.
3.5/5
Track 14- No Good
Advice
The single that had the potentially had the power to
completely stop the girls career before it had even begun, No Good Advice was a
good follow up to their debut that continued the pop orientated sound with a
touch of rock. Lyrically the song shows the girls putting on the personas of
independent woman who run their lives the way they think, not the way other
people advise. It is a strong concept the is given power with the guitar riff
in the production that makes for a rock out kind of listen, with the guitar
solo of the middle section being a cool moment to just unleash yourself. And in
vocally imbuing the song with power and personality, this is a song which you
easily understand how they continue to have success: they push the boundaries a
little.
3.5/5
Track 15- Sound of
the Underground
The final track in terms of the group’s hits and non-new
material is the group’s debut after winning the show Popstars: The Rivals is a
stomping pop rock tune that is another kind of guilty pleasure but which is
also really cool and powerful. The song is all just simply about having fun and
just losing control, in a kind of dark way almost. Vocally this really shows
off the sense of the girl’s individuality but owner as a group, with the verses
having sensuality before kicking into another gear with the well harmonised
chorus. And with a production that nicely blends surf guitar with electronic
beats, this is a song that is still among the best of their career.
4/5
Track 16- On the
Metro
After all of the hits we are treated to another new tune by
the group that is a fun dance pop number. The song also is one of only two
songs on this record that wasn’t produced by Xenomania, and is instead produced
by The Invisible Men and DJ Fresh. The track was also co-written by band member
Nicola Roberts, and from the first line you can get the sense of this being a
Roberts written song in terms of the sweet but cool and powerful, poetic
quality of the lyric. Yet whilst Roberts may have been a co-writer, the tune
definitely has a Girls Aloud sound in terms of its fun and frivolous edge and
simple pop sensibility. The song is lyrically all about how the girls were
dancing in this club and met this guy but didn’t get his number and now there
sad about that when going home on the metro. When distilled down like that it
sounds like a stupid lyrical concept, but the girls really pull it off and give
us a delicious hook driven chorus with nice harmonies and vocals that are full
of vibrancy and sweetness that is infectious. The production is also really
great, with heavy synth beats that are trance inducing and an all-round sleek
and speedy rhythm that will most definitely get you dancing, if not literally
then in your head.
4.5/5
Track 17- Beautiful
‘Cause You Love Me
The greatest hit collections second single is another new
tune and the only ballad of the new group of tracks. The group’s last single and
the only single of theirs not to reach the top 40 of the UK music charts, this
is also the second of the new tunes that was not produced or written by
Xenomania. Lyrically the track is full of sweetness and love as the girls sing
about insecurities and how the love of their man is the greatest thing of all,
making them forget about their insecurities and forgetting what others may
think of them. Vocally the song shows the power in their individual voices and
the ease with which there voice blend for these powerful and smooth harmonies
that bring out the sweetness of the track really strongly. The sentiment is
perhaps a little cheesy, but the girls once again prove that sometimes the best
songs are ones that you can kind of see not working. And the simplicity of the
production really helps this, with a steady bass line, nice piano melody and
forceful string moments that all make for an impactful tune.
4/5
Track 18- Every Now
and Then
Apparently Xenomania’s last ever tune to be recorded by the
girls (since they’ve split and all), the final of the four new tracks is
another example of the mismatched structure of the girls songs, as the track once
again diverges from the typical verse chorus verse form. In contrast to the
previous song, this is a more melancholic kind of love song in which the group
sings of the end of the relationship in which they really loved this man, but
nothing was quite right. However the track still has this kind of hopeful yet
sad tone in that at the centre in how the girls still care for this man and
although there is a sense of closure in the line “it’s better now that we’re
apart”, they still think about him from time to time. It is a nice concept that
is executed powerfully in terms of the poetic quality of the lyrics, and each
member brings powerful vocals to the track that combine together for nice
harmonies, and blend nicely with the stomping dance pop production, with its
clattering, speedy electro rhythm pulsating bass line. Probably the weakest of
the new crop of songs, but that’s just because of the other tunes being really
good in their own ways, and this still acts as a sign that if they continued as
a group they could still be a powerful and dominating force in the pop world.
3.5/5
Final Review
It is sad to think that Girls Aloud have called it today, as
the new material on this record suggests that they still have a lot to offer
the pop group. But if it is an end to an awesome group, then this is one of
those cases of people leaving on a high, as with this collection they cement
their status as one of if not the best girl groups to come out of England,
because they’ve created a catalogue of hits that still sound great and are full
of vibrancy that seems to be eternally infectious. And when you consider that
some of their hits, like Whole Lotta History and I Think We’re Alone Now,
didn’t even make the record; it is safe to say that the girls have left a
musical legacy.
8.5/10
Best Track- Love
Machine
Worst Track- I’ll
Stand by You
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