A few things that come to mind when anyone reviews someones music, we are all biased. If you hate someones music,image,production you will always hate them so why bother even offering an opinion. I mean if you always hated Madonna how could you give an unbiased opinion on "Hard Candy"...answer...U cant.

But 3 years and two weeks after the release of "PCD" the dolls have returned with a more mature and confident album. Mainly the confidence is coming from vocal arrangements on the album which were done by Ron Fair and Nicole Scherzinger, for the most part. The Deluxe edition is the one to get because you get a take on each girl solo, and its worth it for the most part. So heres a track by track summary.



When I grow up - The first single and top US single, which features a Yardbird sample is a edgier lead single, but needs to be since its fits the edgier tone of the faster tracks, those looking for "Dont Cha" you aint gonna find it.

Bottle Pop (featuring Snoop)- the return of Snoop, this time his version of a song makes the record, snoops verse on Buttons did not make the album last time, but as usual, the rap is imposing and once again not needed. The electro sound and sexual innuendo lyrics make for a great combo.

Whatch Think about that- the 2nd US single and video, however will not be the second single in other markets. This is one of my least fave songs on the record, and the reason is MISSY. I question this as a single because Missy is already on DK's current single, doing the same exact rap, and honestly the same rap she has been doing for 15 years now, hopefully the video is good and missy isnt in it.

I Hate this Part- Perfection, from the piano intro, to the tempo to the vocals. Lined up to be the second single in the UK, this will probably be the third single in the USA. Great song about breakups.

Takin Over the World- Mixed feel on this song, very different feel from anything they have done, but feels uneven to me at times and other times i like it.

Out of this Club- (featuring R Kelly)- one of the few times in 15 years i havent hated something R Kelly has done or be on, this song was to be on Nicole's solo record as were a few others on record, this song could be a single had R Kelly not become what he has become, a punchline to every joke.

Who's Gonna Love You- Very 80's track, mostly a Nicole creation from the arrangements to production to the writing to the music, good song overall takes you to a simpler time.

Happily Never After- Another must single depending on how many get released this time, a ballad, not a midtemp DRAG like so many others do.

Magic- this track seems like a Bside that made the record because it was Timbalands production, not a bad song, but could have been a bside if those things existed still.

Halo- another timbaland production is a little more diverse then his usual, and the girls vocals are more blended here this time around.

In Person- GREAT SONG, this song is already going into the Tour set list. Manic song, great vocals by all, no way this would be a single because its too fast and too different, and a great little nod to Tina Turner by Nicole.

Elevator- my least favorite song, mainly because of the title, and the theme that seems to have been done enough already, if i cut a track off it would be this one.

Hush Hush- another great ballad, very 80's once again

Love the way you love me- Love this song! mostly because of the catchiest chorus in a long time in a pop song.

Whatchamacallit- another great song, could be a single easily, catchy, great chorus, with the girls little chant.

Im Done- Nicole showing why SHE leads this group, no one else in this group could lead them, that simple. Melody may have the "youth" or the RB leaning side but she isnt a front woman, shes good but cant lead the group.

Now the Bonus disc

a song from each girl plus 2 bonus GROUP songs

Jessica Sutta- If I were a man
Great song, Jessica is the wild card in this group, already has had 2 solo dance number one singles and she just has the perfect blend of sex appeal and retro feel that makes her the most valuable of the backing girls.

Space- Melody Thornton
This song is why i know that Melody could not front this group, but could be a solo Rb female singer that would be in the vein of Christina Milian or Rihanna.

Played- Ashley Roberts
Ashley is the cool sexy one in the group, seems quiet but isnt.She actually is the longest standing member joining in 2001, a very simple acoustic ballad but good to hear her.

Dont Wanna Fall in Love- Kim Wyatt
Yes its a remake and a very good one because she didnt harm the original or do some dumb take on it, u cant tell she respects dance music.

Perhaps,Perhaps,Perhaps-PCD
all the dolls together sharing vocals on this one, a take on their lounge side, similar to "right now" and "Sway" from the first album

Until U love U- Nicole
A ballad that showcases great lyrics, though some will find cheesy or corny, but isnt life cheesy and corny, think about it, personal song for Nicole and those who know her.

Lights Camera Action- PCD and NKOTB
who would have thought that New Kids could have so many good songs in one year? well this is another HOT song, great blend of the two groups, just as good as Grown Man on their record


All in all i like this record much more than the last, but, you cant compare because that was a debut, and 3 years ago, and more since those songs were even older than that. Nicole is more confident, the group is stronger, and as far as sales, who the hell cares. The first album sold 7 million worldwide so you cant top that, and why try, but as they did before the girls are already playing overseas doing shows,tv.media in every country, because as we know, those markets are where it counts more.
[b][Edited 9/21/08 9:26am]

I agree with your first point.If you don't like an artist,there's no way that you judge their music fairly and objectively.It would be like me trying to review an R.Kelly CD or a Kid Rock CD

Why all this R. Kelly bashing? He wrote soem decent songs. I liked ALL the songs he wrote for MJ and I Bielieve I Can Fly and The World'S Greatest are great songs too!!

Dude such an excellent review. You actually captured what I felt about the songs!

I think Bottle Pop can be a massive single. It's scandilously catchy

MikeMatronik said:

Thank you, i was going to go more in depth with details, but org.note me if you wanna hear some unheard details i didnt put down. But as for the album, it hit me from first listen and that is something that doesnt happen often with "pop" records, but this record has alot of singles, i think they will exceed expectations overseas, the US will be tougher since it takes us awhile to adjust to something a little out of the norm, but i can see at least 6-8 singles which is what the last record had, and with a world tour planned tp begin in early 09 and go through most of the year in all markets and with a promo tour that they are now on playing every show in every market possible, its really the "footwork" you HAVE TO put in to push your record.