Being British, I know only too well the dross that we churn out each year. Throughout the course of this, there have only been three girl groups in the 90's that have had any potential - Eternal, Alisha's Attic and the Sugababes. The Sugababes are a reasonably recent group that stormed the pop charts with their debut single 'Overload'. The three girls have fantastic vocals, and blend good harmonies to create their own unique sound. This certainly went a long way to get them noticed by critics, who raved about their debut album.

Although 'Overload' is undoubtedly the best track, there are some other highly enjoyable songs here too such as 'Run For Cover' and 'Real Thing'. Of the slower tracks, the girls thankfully stick to less slushy lyrics and go for sultry and laid back, 'Soul Sound' being good proof of this. Last Christmas Sugababes daringly released a Christmas single 'New Year'. Unfortunately it only made it to Number 12, although this was to be expected alongside strong competition. However, it remains one of the best seasonal songs I've heard in a long time, managing to slip the word 'Christmas' in without sounding cheesy. With a funky style and husky vocals, hopefully this band will go far.

Earlier this year though, band member Siobhan left the group and was replaced by another member. Although Siobhan will be sorely missed, I look forward to a second album soon.

as an avid follower of the overseas pop market, i discovered the sugababes during a time when all saints were on the verge of a breakup, and steps were once again entering the lime light. i remember the first time i heard "overload". i was stunned. i had never heard anything like it. after sampling "new year", "run for cover" and "promises", i realized these girls were amazing. they had a pure talent for writing, and unique voices that flowed through the songs that will certainly last in many sugababes fans minds for a lifetime. "one touch" and "look at me" explain the confusion and trials of growing up. being very close to these girls ages, i can relate with their lyrics. their songs are in a completely different catergory than the regular teen pop that people seem to label them. they are in no ways a britney spears or NSYNC. this is far beyond their years(as they say in "New Year") and this is exactly what i know many teenagers that listen to blur, travis and gabrielle needed when they need a pop fixture. i applaud keisha, mutya and siobhan for a stunning album and hope to see them out on tour in the US soon.

A superb blend of house, Euro-pop, and R&B. Songs such as "Overload" and "Just let it go" are quite catchy. "Real Thing" is the song that makes you want to dance. The CD ends smoothly with "Run For Cover", also a catchy dance song. "One Touch" is a must-have for all Euro-pop addicts!

When this c.d. was released in the U.K.,almost every major reviewer used one word to describe the debut from The Sugababes and that word was "classy".It's a pretty accurate one word summary of an album.It's one of the most impressive debut c.d.'s I've heard.I would probably rank it almost as highly as the Craig David c.d.In fact there are plenty of similarities in sound betwenn the two artists.Firstly this c.d. is r/b and pop crossover-it also has the basic garage or two-step sound and rhythms that are to be heard on David's c.d.In fact I would say that this c.d. has musical arrangements that are as lush as I've heard in a long time.The looped beats are great for both the dancefloor or even for just chilling out at home.The soulful vocals are incredibly good as each one contributes strongly to the vocals.Tight harmonies that would remind me of the All Saints at their very best,in fact I would say that The Sugababes sound is packed with more raw attitude then any other girl group I know.

The songwriting is really strong on this c.d.The girls contibute to most of the songs.The stand out tracks are the first single "Overload".It's got a really strong bassline that sounds similar to the Jackson's 'Can You Feel It'The looped rhythm's really come to the fore on this track-and it's pulsating garage at it's very best."Just Let It Go" has a really cool vibe to it also.Acoustic Spanish guitar,stark drum-machine,this song is packed full of hooks-the vocals between verse and chorus are really excellent and it leads into a memorable chorus itself."Same Old Story" must have had some influence on groups like Destiny's Child as the sound is very familiar-I'm amazed it didn't do better as a single!"Look At Me" is the purest of UK garage tracks-the lyrics seem to be painting an image that even though they may look fresh and very young,they ain't no mugs!"Soul Sound" is excellent,especially the guitar sound-it's a really breezy summer song that could have found a place on 'The Beach' soundtrack."One Touch" is a really daring sound-it's almost acapella as it's vocals and one drum beat and what sounds like someone strumming on guitar.The thing about the guitar is that your not sure initially if this person has no idea how to play but in the end it comes across sounding quite like "Under The Bridge"."Lush Life" is just as it sounds,especially when the girls sing the chorus together,oh yeah and listen out for the bassline-it's awesome."Real Thing" has a sound that's quite 80's sounding-strong slapped bass,polished keyboards and production and a beautiful chorus that builds up and up.It's the sort of track you can listen to over and over straight after you hear it first time out.The final track is excellent also-the sound has a more feisty and rougher attitude which is pretty cool.There is only one song that I'd say is not great and that would be track 11 "Promises"-but to only get 1 out of 12 is pretty good standard.

With more publicity this c.d. deserved to be as big as any R/B,Garage album anywhere.I mean it did pretty well,but it deserved to be huge!The Sugababes are a group of enormous potential and this c.d. is well worth investigating.

I don't know where the sub-DC comment came from - as far as I can tell the only similarities is both bands feature three girls. Even if you choose to force a comparison, I think Sugababes win hands down. DC make slick pop songs, that don't touch the sophistication these then-16 year-olds muster. Anyone who knows anything about the voice can see the harmonies featured in the songs are far from usual, and often very beautiful.The songwriting (mostly Siobhans, I think) is way beyond what teenagers should be able to achieve, and certainly beyond most other current pop.

Overload is in no way deceptive of the standard of the album - like on that single, the album is full of inovative beats and amazing vocals. Shame about the American cover-art, because it certainly doesn't match the utter classiness within.

Wake up and smell the talent, America!