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Sugababes - Sweet 7 (Album Cover)

Where should I start?? Hmm, there’s so much controversy surrouding this album prior to it’s release. After the release of the album’s first single “Get Sexy” and just two months before its projected November release, it was reported by the media that Amelle had quit the group. Keisha however, denied any drama within the group and insisted that Amelle would remain a member “for the moment”.

On 21 September 2009, it was officially announced that Keisha had left the band, although she stated it was not her decision to leave. Keisha will now pursue a solo career with Island Records, whilst former Eurovision Song Contest entrant Ewen becomes the new Sugababe. Ewen immediately began recording her vocals over Keisha’s, making this album her first studio release instead releasing a solo album.

Given much buzz by signing a US record deal with Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, the album was recorded mostly in Los Angeles and New York. The group primarily worked with RedOne, Ryan Tedder, Stargate, Fernando Garibay and Ne-Yo. The album was scheduled for release on 9 November 2009, but since the line-up change has occurred, the album has been pushed back numerous times and will now be in stores on the 15 March 2010.

First Impressions

Following the flop of “Catfights and Spotlights“, the girls really want to win their fans back with an upbeat sound of Sweet 7. The backlash from getting ‘rid’ of Keisha does more damage than positive publicity to the “Sugababes“, which has since become a brand. Jade Ewen proves to be a decent addition, they just lack a certain taste level with this release. Comparable with Ke$ha’s “Animal“.

Track by Track Review

• Get Sexy
  First single and album opener. On this re-recorded album version, Jade starts on the first note. Need some time to get use to it though. Pretty much sets the tone of the album. I have a Love/Hate relationship with this song, Sick beat, nonsensical lyrics.
• Wear My Kiss
  Third and current single. The video is cheap enough alright. The epic WaWa remix triumphs the original.
• About A Girl
  The first time I listen to this track, it sounds a little like Sean Kingston’s Fire Burning. A recycled beat.
• Wait For You
  A rather decent track, but not single material. Kinda forgettable. Jade’s vocals gets a little uncontrolled with this track.
• Thank You For The Heartbreak
  The only redeeming song from this album, and it should be, given the reputable writers and producers for this track. Ryan Tedder, Stargate and Claude Kelly. A pity Jade can’t handle this song well. The way she sings is a little painful. The original edit with Keisha’s vocals proves to be top notch.
• Miss Everything (Feat. Sean Kingston)
  This song is being vocoder-ed to death!!! (’nuff said)
• She’s A Mess
  It’s “Get Sexy” Part 2!!! But of course, it’s produced The Smeezingtons, who also did “Get Sexy” and “Miss Everything“. This song is so trashy that it’s my guilty pleasure!!! I must admit, I can’t be denied of this track.
• Give It To Me Now
  Has a slight reggae/carribean with this track. FILLER, but catchy!!!
• Crash & Burn
  Attempts of a ballad wouldn’t work with this incarnation of “Sugababes”. Think “Too Lost in You” and you’ll get me. Heidi sings lead for this track. Indeed, crashed & burned.
• No More You
  A familiar sound, no??? Cause it’s the signature Ne-Yo/Stargate collab beat. A good song, just that the gals’ vocals doesn’t really suit this track well.
• Sweet & Amazing
  Another Stargate-produced track, but it’s a filler.
• Little Miss Perfect
  From the team that brought you “Thank You For The Heartbreak“, sans Ryan Tedder. Now this what I call a proper ballad. By no means it’s perfect, an acceptable album closer.

Final Verdict
The album debuted on number 14 and slipped out of the top 20 thereafter. What does this mean??? The trio who once exploded to No 1 with a Gary Numan mash-up (“Freak Like Me“) are now reduced to vamping Right Said Fred’s ‘I’m Too Sexy’, on ‘Get Sexy’, it’s rather depressing actually. Unlike the infectious “Push The Button” and “Hole In The Head“, every song now is forgettable.

Leave these songs to PCD and such. The ‘babes deserves it’s pride and glory, not this. Reminds me of a certain someone too. Can anyone hunch a guess?? It’s a ‘She’. =P

This album score a 2 out of 5.

Recommended Tracks
Sugababes – Thank You For The Heartbreak (Original Version feat. Keisha)
Sugababes – Thank You For The Heartbreak (Album Version feat. Jade Ewen)
Sugababes – She’s A Mess