Island
Pop. 2008
What does it say about me that the most pop outing from Sugababes is also one that I enjoy immensely? I know, I should be pointing out how Keisha Buchanan was the only remaining founder member when Catfights and Spotlights was first released, or how the title must be a lame effort to wave away the constant rumors of infighting that plague the group. Ms Buchanan had probably be gritting her teeth by that point, as she was the only person who had a hand in writing almost all the songs here, and that the producers had roped in the likes of Max Martin and friends to create an outright pop album. This, people, is as far apart from anything the original Sugababes put out back in those days.
How can I complain, though, when the songs here are joyous, shameless nostalgia plumbers of the glory of Motown and funk? From the opening track Girls, the party never stops. Sure, I do miss Mutya Buena’s more distinctive voice, but Ms Buchanan’s more husky vocals blend in nicely here with the nondescript bland filler voices of the two background singers, er, other members of the group.
Therefore, it’s kind of odd, perhaps fitting in a way, that the most modern-sounding Side Chick is also the best track here. This song is either going to be pure cringe or messy camp to listeners, as it includes awkward rapping, faux-reggae inflections, and other things typical mainstream pop groups try to do in order to sound streetwise, but the smooth vocals, hypnotic refrains, and a charming take-home message – about how he’s better make it official or they are through, as these ladies will never be anyone’s side piece – all work beautifully. The rap makes me laugh, but the more I listen to it, the more I love it.
Let me tell you ’bout a boy
He’s going la-la
Try’na get my ya-ya
But he’s not committed
So I’ma tell him baby bye-bye
Treat me like a yo-yo
Papa that’s a no-no
If we’re not official I’m so much better off solo
It is so embarrassing, but I catch myself later humming the above under my breath at the oddest moments of the day.
Catfights and Spotlights is pure unabashed pop, and fans of the early days version of this group will likely loathe this album that they did the last few albums. Me, though, I feel that this is the funky party for one that I never knew I need until I give it a spin.
