Doll Domination
The Pussycat Dolls
Doll Domination
(Interscope Records )
By Cheryl Leong
Choice Cut : Bottle Pop, Happily Never After, Hush Hush, In Person
Official website: http://www.pcdmusic.com/
It seems the Pussycat Dolls are making good on their promise (or threat, if you like) to dominate the music industry. With an album containing an overkill of 16 tracks (not inclusive of bonuses), and an A-list of R&B producers and collaborators, it is no wonder that you'll definitely find something that works for you.
The Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins-produced "When I Grow Up," is already settling comfortably among the Dolls' cache of steadily growing hit singles. Snoop Dogg lends his vocals to the synthesized gloss of "Bottle Pop," with Nicole's robotically tweaked vocals as accompaniment.
Another big-name phones in a cameo on "Whatcha Think About That." Missy Elliot joins in on this interesting number, with an electro ambience that grows on you. Taking the energy level down a notch, "I Hate This Part" is a mid-tempo track that is introspective. Nicole's plaintive vocals punctuate the forlorn piano and tear-streaked outro, making this one of her better accomplishments by far.
R. Kelly gets in on the action with "Out of this Club," which proves unexpectedly decent with the sampling of vocal layering. The girls get their dance groove back with "Who's Gonna Love You," which has a snappy, sophisticated refrain. Ne-Yo wrote "Happily Never After," which will help explain the higher lyrical quality. It is a soft, wistful ballad of a fairy tale romance gone bad. This acoustic ballad is silky and tender-hearted, upping the emotional quotient of the PCD.
Uber-producer Timbaland takes "Magic" and injects his uhm... magic into this quasi-Middle Eastern composition. "Halo" takes heavy pounding basses as addictive hooks, and creates a heavier R&B flavor. The pace picks up with "In Person," a swinging ditty that is disco reminiscent of the 70's. Nicole goes into her screamy mode here, which is actually nicely suitable for the entire vibe. "Elevator" is a smooth swirl of synth, also another Rodney Jerkins work.
"Hush Hush" is arguably the best track of the album. Nicole's haunting vocal stretch, together with the mournful melody, generates the highest emotive level the PCD have ever (or will ever) hit. A non-Nicole-dominated track, "Love The Way You Love Me" is a bobbity bob tune that has the other Dolls doing more than their usual "la la la la" chorus. Slowing down to a close, "I'm Done" is an aching ballad that once again helps the PCD to step up their game with just that little bit.
Bonus tracks "Baby Love" sounds a tad better than the original, with a Will.I.Am remix that adds more attitude. But "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" is a horrible mistake. Doris Day did not intend for a - god forbid - sexy makeover of her song. They've ruined a timeless classic, and are we to forgive them for this misdemeanor? I hope not...
For a group that emphasizes style and sex symbolism above substance, Doll Domination is actually a better record than their last, where depth (although that's still quite debatable) and sensuality is concerned. While Nicole's vocals are nothing to shout about, it's still supple and versatile enough to mix and match to a diverse range of genres. Throw in the magic of synthesizers, other mechanical filters, and the bare backing vocals of the other four band members, and there you have it - a quintet of the hottest, pin-up dolls/pop group of the moment.
No personality? Who cares? Standard-issue lyrics and barely-there talent? Nobody's going to bother when the whole package comes to you as slick, sexy, danceable pop. So yes, for now, the Dolls do dominate.
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