Search - Sugababes :: Taller in More Ways

LOVIN IT!

Justin Ferrell | South Point, OH USA | 12/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is everything you could ever expect from Sugababes and more. Sadly though, this is Mutya's last album with Sugababes so it is worth the purchase to get your fix of Mutya and her husky voice. This album is one that you could pop into your cd player and just jam to every song. I can honestly say that "Taller in More Ways" is the best album yet. If you love the 'Babes, then you'll love this album. I'm going to miss Mutya but i'll always be a fan!"

Sugababes Are Still Keeping It Strong

Hernan Igot | Maryland, USA | 04/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even a change in line-up as big as their most recent one won't stop the determination of UK's most credible girl group. Founding member Mutya's decision to leave the band may have been a blow to many fans, but newbie Amelle is definitely a welcome addition, sometimes showing even huskier vocals than her. Though this is not, by any means, the most efficient re-release (with new vocals on only 3 tracks and 1 brand new track), it doesn't change the fact that fans would still be getting a pretty solid modern pop album. Even with a few alterations, "Taller In More Ways" still remains one of Sugababes' most consistent releases (and that's saying a lot). Here's a track-by-track review of what fans will get with the new album:



1. "Push The Button" - Months after its assault on charts worldwide, the 'Babes most successful single to date is still extremely light, bubbly, and catchy. Good electro-pop doesn't need to be cold and soulless, as shown by this light number.



2. "Gotta Be You" - Amelle's rough vocals are best suited with rougher tracks like this one. Where Mutya's turn on the original version sounded only half convincing, Amelle's raw voice adds that much-needed oomph and power, making the track even more suiting of the band.



3. "Follow Me Home" - Though Amelle's vocals compliment more uptempo materials, she still manages to shine on this track, turning up the sultriness in her voice. She may not have the same range as Mutya, but she's at least got some heart and soul.



4. "Joy Division" - Same ol' reliable futuristic cyber-ragga/pop track. Shows how Sugababes are still capable of combining great pop melodies with slick, urban-inspired beats 4 albums in.



5. "Red Dress" - Latest single and what a stomper of a tune. Amelle's vocals add even more power and body to the choruses, making the song even more addictive than it already is. Only Sugababes can do rockin' dance/pop track like this.



6. "Ugly" - A surprisingly sincere, good-natured song from Sugababes, yet it isn't totally saccharine: the drum-looped beats in the background save it from becoming too nice and pleasant. It add's contemporary savy and rhythm to the song. Some sassy lines might have helped it from becoming too saintly as well.



7. "It Ain't Easy" - What distinguishes Sugababes from any other girl band at the moment is their ability to make a completely tuneless track like this sound very sexy and slick. Other girl groups struggle to even carry an easy tune, let alone any abstract pop compositions.



8. "Bruised" - Very undermined, yet cool vocal performance from the 'Babes. This track is all about the sly vocals, especially with the harmony in the chorus that can raise chills up someone's spine.



9. "Obsession" - Crass, bombastic, yet still sexy pop track that's somewhat dark and very inviting at the same time. Like "Push The Button," it's production isn't as elaborate as many labored-over pop songs today, yet it's still very durable and catchy.



10. "Ace Reject" - Such an emotional roller coaster and a lovely melody. Mutya's departure only makes listening to this track more of an emotional reminder of the good days of Sugababes V2.



11. "Better" - Bright and uplifting track that might seem too bright and uplifting for Sugababes, but at least it shows how they do have some good intentions in life too.



12. "2 Hearts" - Amazing end to an amazing album. The crashing drums, orchestration, and effortless vocals create a crescendo that's unlike any other in pop music today. Not many pop albums can match an ending to an album like this, or at least it was the original ending in the original release of "Taller In More Ways."



13. "Now You're Gone" - Probably an ode to Mutya (very suggestive with the lyrics), it's not the best Sugababes track, but it's far from being the worst. It's a likeable, if not melancholy and serious-sounding, R&B-lite pop track with some orchestration in the background to make it sound more dramatic. It shows how Sugababes are still capable of writing a solid track even with the lineup changes.



"Taller In More Ways" proves that Sugababes still have what it takes to remain one of the most respected pop acts in Britain today. They definitely earn their cred by consistently coming up with great pop tunes that will entertainin for generations to come. There's no doubt that this re-release of "Taller In More Ways" only shows a hint of what bigger things are set for our favorite trio of femme fatales."