albums and tracks

Editor's rating

Pop groups rarely make it to six albums, but Sugababes have done it. Sometimes described as a brand rather than a band, their distinctiveness has faded through the years - culminating in the personality-free, but very successful Change in 2007.

Uninteresting lead single 'Girls' aside, Catfights And Spotlights could be the album to make us fall in love with again. We wouldn't normally praise an album so ballad-heavy, but if there's one thing these girls can do well, it's a killer ballad - the likes of 'Stronger' and 'Too Lost In You' are still sending shivers up our spine.

The Karen Poole-penned  'Sunday Rain' is an epic, tear-stained tale with a nod to Sam Brown's 'Stop', while Klas Ahlund (who produced Robyn's eponymous album) introduces quirky sounds and swelling strings on 'Every Heart Broken'.

Newest member Amelle has finally found her position within the band; her smoky voice adding a dangerous edge on the haunting 'Side Chick' and self-penned 'Beware'.

The tempo lifts only occasionally and even then it's somewhat forgettable. While 'Hanging on a Star' could be a Dana Dawson B-side, second single 'No Can Do' will certainly bounce its way into the heart of your favourite radio station.

The girls claim they've grown up and ditched pop. Not at all - they've just added some Motown horns and a twinkling of '80s funk. The result is an album that sounds like the Sugababes who charmed us with Angels With Dirty Faces.

Talia Kraines

Picture: Wenn