Album Review: The Pussycat Dolls "Doll Domination"

When The Pussycat Dolls first came onto the scene, I didn't pay much attention. Not until they had a couple pretty big hits did I think twice. I, like many others, thought it was a silly concept to basically have one singer & several backup dancers. As it turns out, Nicole is no more than the Beyonce to their Destiny's Child & their act works out well for them. Visually, PCD always impresses, while their first album was a pleasant surprise musically, thanks, in no small part, to Nicole. When their first single "When I Grow Up" hit the scene, I was blown away. It appeared PCD had really stepped up their game--& step up they did.

Following "When I Grow Up" on Doll Domination's tracklisting is the Snoop Dogg-assisted "Bottle Pop," which is a cool, addictive banger, a phrase that can describe many of the highlights on the album. Second single "Whatcha Think About That," which features Missy Elliott, is a radio-friendly, enjoyable uptempo as well. They switch it up a bit with "I Hate This Part," a heartfelt ballad that just so happens to be one of Doll Domination's best tracks.

The Pussycat Dolls best demonstrate their album title with "Takin' Over The World," a track with an incredibly hot beat that does actually have the Dolls contributing vocally in the chorus very effectively. R. Kelly & Polow Da Don join PCD for "Out Of This Club," another of the album's slower tracks that uses just enough autotone effect to make the song intriguing. A bit of Nicole's shelved (for now) solo album reappears here in the form of "Who's Gonna Love You," which is scorching jam no matter where it's placed. Same case scenario with "Happily Never After," a ballad that seems very comfortable on a Pussycat Dolls record.

Some more cutting edge production come along with "Magic," another banger with one of the Dolls' signature catchy choruses. "Halo" is hard-hitting & one of the better slow offerings. Then, there's "In Person." Nicole Scherzinger: a woman after my own heart. This one has the lead Pussycat demonstrating all the sass that makes her worthy of leading these Dolls. Darkchild offers up a hot beat on "Elevator," while PCD proves they can do anything with the slow jam "Hush Hush."

Interesting lyrical content carries the midtempo "Love The Way You Love Me." Doll Domination's last uptempo is "Whatchamacallit," which is just as hot as the others while featuring my favorite word on the album: Madrid (you have to hear it to understand.) The Pussycat Dolls call it a sophomore album with "I'm Done," which gives yet another example of Nicole's underrated vocal ability.

Doll Domination is a much better album than I could have ever expected from The Pussycat Dolls. The production is excellent & there is a perfect blend of tracks. In fact, there isn't one dud amongst the generous 16 songs. For those interested in pop music, this is the album for you.

Rating: 5/5 Stars