Angels With Dirty Faces

by

Sugababes

Edit

I first listened to Sugababes while browsing the TOTP website and enjoyed a few songs of their first album, then bought teh whole thing and loved it. Afterwards they lost a member, got dropped from their label, then luckily picked up an ex-Atomic Kitten (sorta) and a new record deal, and thank god as these girls have come out with a fantastic album! Keisha, Mutya, and Heidi are 3 chicks that if they had a motto, should be "Chicks Before Dicks" as many of their songs reflect their youth, love for friends, and the typical heartbreak experienced as teens.

The album starts with 3 upbeat partyish tracks, the first single (which went to #1) "Freak Like Me" that samples Gary Numan and screams sexual independance, but teasingly. "Blue" is a slam to well...anyone you dislike, ex-bf's or gf's, enemies, friends who turned on you, whatever. Its a catchy track that disguises the hidden message of "I really hate you...". Next is "Round Round" the 2nd single (another #1) and just makes you want to get up and dance with your best friends.

The next track is part of the third single, a Double A-Side that went to #8, entitled "Stronger". Its a powerful ballad taht encourages people to make it through their hardships, that could include a message to September 11th victims. After that the album picks up with a rousing dance number, "Supernatural", reminiscent of Brandy's "What About Us?" regarding how great love is...if you can find it. After this comes the 2nd part of the "Stronger" single...the title track of the album "Angels With Dirty Faces" taht sends a message to parents that they may look at their children as angels but htey don't know what they're really up to. Another dancey track sorta, with a good chorus. After this comes the suggestive song "Virgin Sexy" taht continues with the theme of the last track. It talks about how girls want to be percieved as older and want experience.

After this we get into the home run stretch of the album starting with the amazing ballad "Shape" that samples the song of the same name by Sting, and he actually sings the chorus with them. A very different track filled with spanish-inspired guitars and deep lyrics about risks in life and love. After this is probably the weakest track on the album, "Just Don't Need This" which is probably why its a bonus track. A fairly steady track it just beats on about how the girls feel violated by older men, or just men in general. However the album boosts itself in the next two tracks, first with "No Man, No Cry" a reggae inspired song that sorta reminds me of the girl group Dream. The title of the track once again implies stickin' with your friends over your fellas is probably better. "Switch" is an amazing upbeat song that uses a unique beat and style, similar to All Saints "Ha Ha". The lyrics are great as they give girls the idea that they can take the guys role of being players and "Switching" from guy to guy.

Finally what I like to call the encore of the album comes. Starting with one of the greatest gems on the album, "More Than A Million Miles", an amazingly composed track with a bit of nu-Madonna influence that mixes western guitar and two-step beats. The lyrics are great about a girl trying to make it through the problems with her boyfriend as he becomes obssessed with something else. Then comes the stunning vocal jam "Breathe Easy" where you hear the true talent in the girls voices, matched with nothing more than a simple guitar. After all the heartbreak and tears, the girls let ya know you can Breathe Easy. Then comes the remix of "Round Round" which isn't that fab. and in my opinion...isn't necessary.