One of the best pop albums of 2002 wasn't released in the U.S. If that's not dropping the ball, then what is? An assured and durable follow-up to 2001's formative One Touch, which still packed a number of singles that gave the group a great deal of success overseas, Angels With Dirty Faces is a thoroughly convincing amalgamation of the artists they've been weaned on -- from Madonna to TLC to Aaliyah -- with a strong foothold in contemporary trends. A bootleg mash-up of Adina Howard's "Freak Like Me" and Gary Numan's "Are Friends Electric" led to the group's own spin on the trick, and it landed them the top spot on the U.K. chart. Using a beefed-up arrangement of Numan's robotic new-wave tune, the Sugababes lift Howard's forthright lyrics -- somewhat sheepishly, the "pump pump" that precedes "all through the night" is subsumed in the mix -- and weave the two elements together for a powerful and immensely catchy opening to the album. At no point during the remainder of the first half does the album lose steam. The verses of "Blue" are backed by jutting electronic beats that stutter and twist, while the chorus unwraps a tempo shift carrying an unexpectedly strummy quality. "Round Round," another hit that put the group on Top of the Pops, is something Garbage would no doubt love to have in their own catalog. Apart from a couple bum moments during the second half of the album -- see "Shape," a misguided re-configuration of Sting's "Shape of My Heart," replete with a literally patched-on appearance from the man himself -- this is a pop album that offers much more depth and excitement beyond the singles. ~ Andy Kellman
UK edition of the revamped dance-pop trio's sophomore album includes the first two hit singles, 'Freak Like Me' & 'Round Round' plus three exclusive bonus tracks, 'No Man No Cry', 'Breathe Easy' (Acoustic Jam) & 'Round Round' (Alternative Mix). Island. 14 tracks. Island. 2002.
Just love it!! Just love there music! Submitted by gilbertfh (Algonac, MI (USA)) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Best Beats, Great Voices, I came across this C.D. under a related artist list and listened to snippets of some tracks and really loved what I heard. They are great sexy writers whose lyrics catchy and have some of the most energetic r/b hip-hop beats ive heard in awhile. I give this C.D. an A+. Its one of the best albums ive heard in awhile. Submitted by stevenkuykendall (Ca, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Have you heard this album?
Purchase Angels With Dirty Faces CD
Customers Who Buy Angels With Dirty Faces CD Purchase:
Share this Product