Lopez Blogs

Sugbabes ~ Change (In a league of their own):

No versus for this first review, because frankly after I had an iffy start with it, the album has won me over, in part because it’s ace and in part because Adem’s enthusiasm kept me spinning it! To tell the truth, in the past, it has been my opinion that as album artists, Girls Aloud and Sugababes are excellent singles acts! I’ve never found any of their albums matching the pop perfection of Rachel Stevens (Come and Get it) or Sophie (Trip The Light). So colour me hocked up on suga to discover that Change is actually a very solid album all the way through. The glorious first single About You Now sets the scene for a more mature effort from the group with it’s chugging pop rock tinges. Title track and second single Change is an epic ballad where Amelle really shows how she has added and contributed to this group. Back When is possibly the sweetest song titled as such since the ill fated All*Stars tune, and seems to be a gorgeous throwback to 60s girl groups, albeit with a modern twist. Fears from people who thought About You Now signalled a complete change of direction a) misunderstood the song totally and b) will be pleased with tracks like Never Gonna Dance Again (a sexy mid tempo dance groove) and Denial (an Iko Iko beginning leading into a very addictive guitar pop danc track with beautifully harmonised chorus) which represent the best of their past fused with an eye on a long and successful future. Love is Pink is probably the most “girls aloud” all out electro pop song on here and is perfectly acceptable :P Now, although Change is a perfect second single, it’s timing is off because Mended By You is not only the best ballad they have recorded but is perfect Christmas chart material. It’s so swoonsome and enticing that I had an attack of the vapours just listening to it. The only down sides to the album are their attempts at “street” music in Back Down and Open The Door. However, replace those tracks with their radio one covers (Hey There Delilah and Betcha By Golly Wow) and it’s a near perfect experience.