Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Girls Aloud- Ten Album Review


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

No comments:

Post a Comment