Sugababes - 'About You Now'
Every so often, I worry about the Sugababes. I can't help it; it's not so much that they keep haemorrhaging members at an alarming rate (anyone want to take bets on how much longer before Keisha quits? The lustre of being the only remaining original bandmember can only keep you going for so long, I'm sure), but sometimes I wonder if they're just losing the hunger these days. I'm not saying it's anybody's fault, but when they start displaying this kind of laziness you can't help wondering.
We've been a tad spoiled over the past five years or so because we've been treated to not one but two envelope-pushing girlbands - Girls Aloud proving that pop can still be edgy, and Sugababes proving that being haughty can be commercially viable; each one constantly challenging the other to up their game or crash out on the roadside, which can only be a boon for the listener.
And while Girls Aloud have had their moments of uninspired laurel-resting (any of the cover versions, although 'I Think We're Alone Now' takes the award for most egregiously unnecessary), 'Sexy! No No No...' showed that they still take their role as girlpop pioneers seriously. 'About You Now', on the other hand...oh dear.
I've got to get this off my chest from the outset: that tinny, my-first-Casio backing is INEXCUSABLE, ladies. Sorry, but it is. I'm not saying that every single release should redefine what it means to be a Woman In Pop, or that you can't stick to a sound that works for you, but this is the first release from your new album. It should be a statement of intent, a call to arms; for that reason alone, Pre-Programmed Rhythm #48 should be beneath you. That's the sort of trick we expect from a third-rate girlband desperately trying to emulate you, but without the world-class songwriting resources to which you have access. (I gather this was written by Cathy Dennis and Dr Luke, both of whom should know better. For shame!)
With that out of the way: the song itself isn't a total writeoff. It's a definite grower; once I'd recovered from my heart-clenching horror upon hearing it for the first time and wheezing "is that it?", I realised that there are moments where it all comes together stunningly: there's some excellent vocal work from the ladies, especially Amelle, who might as well have been here the whole time given how well she fits in, and the bridge has a nice urgency to it. The chorus, admittedly, suffers from overexposure to Pre-Programmed Rhythm #48 which lets it down, but the girls do their best to sell it, and it almost works. Almost.
The thing is, with pedigree like these ladies have, the odd misstep can be forgiven, as I'm sure there are some stompers on the new album. And even a below-par Sugababes single is still a cut-above most pop groups these days. But still: I can't hide my disappointment. This could, and should, have been so much better if the production hadn't been so entirely smothered in "will this do?", and that's a real shame.
Download: Out now
CD Released: October 1st
(Steve Perkins)
Comments
hi whot ore you doing i am on the lap top i cant beleve kevin has been away with out denese wirte back sugababes.
Fantastic! I just love some of the random comments people stick up here every once in awhile, makes my day!
i really love this song!! xxx
i love love love about you now, really gets me in the mood for dancing, keep it up girls :) xx
i actually really like this song. :)
Amen. Couldn't agree with this review more. This is a below-par Sugababes release, and nowhere near being in the same league as 'Sexy No No No'. It ain't a terrible song, just an average one, and that ain't good enough from Keisha et al.
To be fair, the Shayne video is comedy gold, featuring the clumsiest attempt at choreography this side of Mariah Carey.
If Shayne is Britain's answer to Justin, I'm guessing Justin's answer to Shayne probably involves gales of unbridled laughter.
look at her bum at the start!
The sound at the outset is uncommonly thin, that is true, but overall the song is a sure-fire dance track, no problem. It's short, no-nonsense and tidy, and has a good bass line when that comes in. It does exactly what it says on the tin, for my money. Keep going, ladies!
i doesnt really matter what people say about this song whether its below par or not it is still number one so it must be more popular than Sexy no no no.
i am in love with the sugarbabes new song
its reali good
puts me in a good mood woooo
The trouble is, if you say that the singing is strong, you have to ignore the fact that you can hear the vocoder all the way through. they're voices are as synthetic as the drum loop.
Best song I've heard from them. Sounds quite different from other stuff and genuinely refreshing - the fact that it's No. 1 would suggest I'm not alone.
Then again a music journalist out of touch with the average British person is nothing new...
[Haha! So music journalists automatically HAVE to like every No.1? Because No.1 songs are always BRILLIANT? Well alright then! - Fraser
i luv dis sng
i fink this video is amazin it the best on e so far what they done and its great
i love this song. This is my song:
My little teddy bear called Jack
When I was a little girl I had a teddy bear called Jack. I cuddled him all night. That was about twelve years ago or something like that. Oh yeah. Mmmm yeah. I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now.
Bridge
That teddy bear is in the attic. He’s wearing away like anything. He’s only got one eye. If he had feelings he would probably cry and cry and cry and cry until he’s made the river out of his tears like Alice in wonderland. Alice in wonderland. Oh yeah Alice in wonderland.
Chorus
Now my little teddy bear called Jack is like you. You are the human equivalent of Jack. Instead of having a toy bear to cuddle, I have you which is like ten times better. I used to take him everywhere with me. Now I’ve got you. Ooh yeah you are my little teddy bear called Jack. Oh yeah you are my little teddy bear. My little, My little, My little, My little teddy bear called Jack.
When I was a little girl I used to take Jack, a blanket and a toy prom everywhere with me. They were like a pea in a pod. I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now. (Bridge and Chorus)
When I was a little girl I had a teddy bear called Jack. I cuddled him all night. That was about twelve years ago or something like that. Oh yeah. Mmmm yeah. I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now. (Chorus)
When I was a little girl I used to take Jack, a blanket and a toy prom everywhere with me. They were like a pea in a pod. I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now. (Bridge and Chorus)
I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now. I’m a big girl and I don’t need that bear anymore. No no no. Ooh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah. You are teddy bear now. My little teddy bear called Jack is like you.
(Bridge and Chorus)
It's not that good but hey i'll let you decide Fraser.
[I can see a bright future for you, Jess. Or a dim one. One of the two, anyway. ;-) - Fraser]