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CD - Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

Reviews, By DanM82, 28th October, 2008

There’s something to be said about exotic and burlesque dancers who end up becoming singers. These girls – at least in this case – are multi-skilled, and can not only stomp, shake, and shimmy, but they can belt out a few good tunes too! The Pussycat Dolls have taken the world by storm and their second studio album Doll Domination is a winner.

From the few opening beats of When I Grow Up, it’s plainly obvious that the girls have found a winning formula and they’ve stuck to it. The thump, bump and grind sounds that made the burlesque dance troupe lives on in the recording studio. Nicole Scherzinger is still very much the lead, but the other four bring their own individual vocal stylings to the table, and together it works.

The appeal of Doll Domination doesn’t just end after the first track. The sensational What’cha Think About That, which features Missy Elliot, gets the foot tapping. Missy’s rapping works beautifully with the Dolls’ signature style.

Another track that rates a mention is the near orchestral Halo. It has an awesome, unique violin arrangement that would almost feel at home on the latest Sarah Brightman release, that is, if it weren’t for the synthesised beeps and the R&B feel. It’s a gorgeous track, one that straddles a couple of genres. It’s almost a ballad, but not quite. It’s also worth noting that musical genius Timbaland was behind this one.

Rounding out the first disc of the album is the ballad I’m Done. Scherzinger outdoes herself with this one. It’s not the best track on the album, but it’s certainly a soft and gentle finish that polishes the album off well.

The Deluxe Version of the album also includes a second disc containing five solo tracks – one by each of the Dolls. This is familiar territory for Scherzinger, who has released a solo album and three solo singles since the release of the Dolls’ debut album PCD. Also no stranger to solo work is another Jessica Sutta who worked with Paul Van Dyk in 2007 on his roaring club track White Lies. Each of the girls’ tracks offers something different.

Also included on the second CD is the track Lights, Camera, Action which features early nineties boyband New Kids On The Block. While the song is a bit bland the two groups work well together. It’s also a great way to bring NKOTB back into the spotlight with the release of their greatest hits and current US tour.

The songs are polished, the choreography is sharp – looks like the Dolls have another hit on their hands. Doll Domination is dynamite and makes the perfect Christmas gift for any female teenagers – or gay boys for that matter.