Less sculpted than Steps, not as gaudy as Destiny's Child, and, if you can believe it, far more of an awkward, provocative outfit than just about any logical peer, the Sugababes didn't so much usher in the suffused post-millennium market for myopic pop as give it a much-needed kiss of nubile soul. Clearly 16-year-olds Keisha Buchanan, Siobhan Donaghy, and Mutya Buena have been weaned on Madonna and Aaliyah records, taking from them their feminist assurance and passion, but they remind us of a valuable lesson -- if you're going to hew melodious, structurally accessible songs out of cold dub and ock, it really helps to use actual feeling and sincerity, and hang on to every shaky personal trait that got you there in the first place. From the Reebok Matterhorn-rumble of "Overload" to the petal-plucking Bangles cheval glass of "Soul Sound" and on to the nocturnal, string-doused pop-wonderland-with-trenchant-garage-middle-bit that's "Run for Cover," the jitters of youth are here though tempered by shrewd ambition and a clever and unpredictable production aesthetic. As alarmingly undeveloped LPs go, One Touch is everything a post-Spice Girls een pop debut should be -- discreet, adolescent, and as unstudied as a late-night phone call about boys.
When I first heard overload I thought this was going to be just another pop group but was I wrong. This album is a brilliant combination of mainly R&B and bits of soul and pop. I would point out top tracks but every track is brilliant. If you want an instant 'good feeling' go for Run for Cover (track of the decade?).
More >
When I first heard overload I thought this was going to be just another pop group but was I wrong. This album is a brilliant combination of mainly R&B and bits of soul and pop. I would point out top tracks but every track is brilliant. If you want an instant 'good feeling' go for Run for Cover (track of the decade?).
More >
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "One Touch")
