Andrew Eaton: The Prompt
Date: 16 March 2010
By Andrew Eaton
HOT pop topic of the week: are the Sugababes – whose new album is out tomorrow – really the Sugababes any more? One by one, over eight years, the girl group's original three members have all been replaced. So in what sense are they the same band?
Meanwhile, original member Mutya Buena is apparently making a legal bid to use the Sugababes name, which raises the possibility of two rival groups called Sugababes (just like Bucks Fizz). If that happened, which would be the "real" Sugababes?
In one sense, there's nothing new about any of this. Pop bands have been changing their line-ups for decades, sometimes finding a new lease of life (Genesis, Pink Floyd, the Human League), sometimes losing their raison d'être when a key member departs (does anyone really want to see The Jam without Paul Weller?).
What's interesting about the Sugababes, though, is that they fall between two pop camps. They were a "manufactured band" shaped by others who wrote and produced their songs for them. On the other hand, their appeal wasn't just down to these songs or the way they sang them; it was the fact that the band's three members looked, and acted, more like average teenagers than slickly rehearsed stage schoolers like, say, S Club 7. They were awkward, grumpy, and bickered – refreshingly real for a manufactured group. The current line-up, by comparison, seems like Sugababes lite; all the rough edges have been airbrushed away. And yet they are still called the Sugababes, and are still popular. For now.
For many people, this is a debate about the power of branding. I think it's more interesting than that. I think it's about the power of ideas. We now live in a culture where all rules governing authenticity, artistic ownership, even personal identity, seem open to question. An artwork by Andy Warhol or Jeff Koons can still be by those artists even if they had virtually no hand in its creation. A simple light switch can win the Turner Prize because of the meaning the artist invested in it. Elvis can continue to tour decades after his death, thanks to a combination of film footage and surviving members of his band. Blur's Damon Albarn can have huge success with Gorillaz, a band that doesn't really exist and whose younger fans don't know who he is.
All of these things can happen because a new idea caught people's imagination. Right now, the prospect of the original Sugababes reforming and challenging the legitimacy of the new Sugababes feels like a fresh, provocative idea. Go on Mutya, get the old gang back together.
• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, March 14, 2010
1st Stop for JADE EWEN and THE SUGABABES News,Photos,Videos, Information and Events Diary.Also Jade Ewen's Favourite blog and is the difinitive record of her music and career.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Sugababes Sweet 7 Bonus Q+A Session
Thanks to luke2509
Sugababes answer fan questions in this bonus feature on the "Sweet 7" album.
Make sure you get your copy of the album now!
Sugababes answer fan questions in this bonus feature on the "Sweet 7" album.
Make sure you get your copy of the album now!
Exclusive: Sugababes video interview
http://web.orange.co.uk/article/monkeymusic/exclusive_sugababes_video_interview
Exclusive: Sugababes video interview
We caught up with Amelle, Heidi and Jade aka Sugababes a few weeks ago to find out all about their new album Sweet 7.
In this exclusive video interview, the girls reveal what it's like being signed to Jay-Z's label, what their favourite tracks from the new record are and how much they enjoyed this year's BRITs.
Plus, they reveal what inspired the lyrics 'everybody go mad, everybody go psycho'.
Don't forget, you can listen to your favourite Sugababes tracks for free online and on your mobile by joining Monkey from Orange and 4Music. Click here for all the need-to-know information!
Click here to listen to the new Sugababes album on Monkey
Exclusive: Sugababes video interview
We caught up with Amelle, Heidi and Jade aka Sugababes a few weeks ago to find out all about their new album Sweet 7.
In this exclusive video interview, the girls reveal what it's like being signed to Jay-Z's label, what their favourite tracks from the new record are and how much they enjoyed this year's BRITs.
Plus, they reveal what inspired the lyrics 'everybody go mad, everybody go psycho'.
Don't forget, you can listen to your favourite Sugababes tracks for free online and on your mobile by joining Monkey from Orange and 4Music. Click here for all the need-to-know information!
Click here to listen to the new Sugababes album on Monkey
Jade Ewen 'wasn't keen on sexy makeover'
Jade Ewen 'wasn't keen on sexy makeover'
Monday, March 15 2010, 08:54 GMT
By Mayer Nissim, Entertainment Reporter
WENN
Jade Ewen has said that she was not happy about being given a "saucy" makeover when she first joined the Sugababes.
The singer replaced sole remaining founding member Keisha Buchanan in the group last September.
Ewen told Metro of her new look: "I wasn't overly keen to begin with but I'm used to it now.
"I needed to get away from that Eurovision look, which wasn't me anyway, but you can't sing an Andrew Lloyd Webber ballad in a miniskirt.
"I've always been really skinny and no one's ever said I'm sexy, so to be told, 'We're going to make you sexy and get your legs out', was an adjustment."
She added: "I was very nervous about the outfit I wore at the cervical cancer charity show. It looked fine from the front because it had a lot of detail - but I didn't realise how revealing it was until I saw the pictures in the papers."
Ewen has previously said that she is "much more comfortable with [Sugababes'] kind of music" compared to her Eurovision track.
Album of the Week ; Girls' night in Sugababes Sweet 7
SUGABABES SWEET 7
Yes, the single was disappointing, but the Sugababes still make damn fine pop music. Even though pretty much a new band, the slightly edgy, cooler feel remains. Great vocals and harmonies, and while none of the songs hits the heights of Push The Buttonor Red Dress, there's good stuff here. Still the girl band to like.
(c) 2010 Daily Record; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
Yes, the single was disappointing, but the Sugababes still make damn fine pop music. Even though pretty much a new band, the slightly edgy, cooler feel remains. Great vocals and harmonies, and while none of the songs hits the heights of Push The Buttonor Red Dress, there's good stuff here. Still the girl band to like.
(c) 2010 Daily Record; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
'Seven Reasons Why I Love The Sugababes' Competition Winner!
'Seven Reasons Why I Love The Sugababes' Competition Winner!
16th March 2010
Thanks for taking part everyone! We've had some amazing answers come through to us here at SugababesHQ for this one but we could only pick one winner!
A big congratulations to Bree Emmerson and her lovely answer below:
Seven Reasons Why I Love The Sugababes:
1) From "Overload" to "Crash and Burn" - I've followed them all the way.
They've grown and changed, just as I have through life, supplying me the
support and strength through lyrics and music that I've needed.
2) Regardless of line-up changes, the talent, looks and styles just get
better and better.
3) Amelle went skydiving (which I did last year) for cancer research,
something also close to my heart.
4) Heidi, Amelle and Jade are actually extremely funny. Always making me
laugh during interviews.
5) The girls aren't afraid to speak out and stand up for themselves.
6) Sugababes listen to what their fans have to say!
7) Um... have you looked at these girls? They are freaking
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for more great competitions and news http://twitter.com/sugababeshq
16th March 2010
Thanks for taking part everyone! We've had some amazing answers come through to us here at SugababesHQ for this one but we could only pick one winner!
A big congratulations to Bree Emmerson and her lovely answer below:
Seven Reasons Why I Love The Sugababes:
1) From "Overload" to "Crash and Burn" - I've followed them all the way.
They've grown and changed, just as I have through life, supplying me the
support and strength through lyrics and music that I've needed.
2) Regardless of line-up changes, the talent, looks and styles just get
better and better.
3) Amelle went skydiving (which I did last year) for cancer research,
something also close to my heart.
4) Heidi, Amelle and Jade are actually extremely funny. Always making me
laugh during interviews.
5) The girls aren't afraid to speak out and stand up for themselves.
6) Sugababes listen to what their fans have to say!
7) Um... have you looked at these girls? They are freaking
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for more great competitions and news http://twitter.com/sugababeshq
Sugababes - About A Girl (Live At The AMAs)
Thanks to luke2509
Clip of the Sugababes performing "About A Girl" live at the AMAs.
I do not own anything in this video.
Clip of the Sugababes performing "About A Girl" live at the AMAs.
I do not own anything in this video.
Sugababes Sweet 7 Review by Caville Range
03-16-2010 3:41 PM by Caville Range
A lot of you guys wanted to write your own "Sweet 7" reviews, so now you can publish them in this post. I'll go first:
I was a fan of Sugababes since 2003, but I became a die-hard fan one year ago. I was waiting for "Sweet 7" - like the other fans, I guess - very long and it's the nicest pleasure this year for me to hear all the songs from the album, because I didn't listen to any of the tracks from the leaked promo album, untill the official one came out in Poland on 5th of March. And I was surprised. It was great. Too good, I'd say, and that's why I was really surprised. For the first time in my life, listening to the new Sugababes album - I always knew it'll be fantastic (and it was) - I was surprised of how good it was. I believe it's their best album ever! Maybe thanks to Jade who brings the new energy to the band? Maybe it's the 'rebirth' of Heidi and Amelle? Or just the freshness of Sugababes 4.0? I don't know. But I have to say "Sweet 7" is the best album of 2010, indeed!
All songs are really catchy and well-rounded, they can suite everyone. Yes, maybe "Sweet 7" is the album 'for masses', but it's fantastic. Mix of electropop that's in the swim now, r&b and of course this specific, amazing sound of Sugababes. I love it when they try new genres in each album, but I have to say they all sound Sugababes. And that's what makes them the best girlband of the 21st century. Anyways, the album is really fun and cheeky, good to uplift when you're sad or just make you wanna dance and have great fun. I, personally, consider it as the best album in the Sugababes history.
"Get Sexy" - it's the first single off the album. I find it really good, although I had mixed feelings when I first heard it in July, but that's just because it was the brand new sound of the 'Babes. And now it's one of my 5 favourite songs from "Sweet 7". Love how can I dance Wacking or New Style to it. My friend extremely love this one xD! 8/10
"Wear My Kiss" - the third single. Definitely shines on the album, I can say it's my favourite track... EVER! Yeah, the tune reminds me of rock and I think I could call it power pop. It's just fantastic and the "Da, da, da" is so catchy I just can't get it out of my head! "You wanna wear my kiss all over your body, once you try it on, you can't live without it". 10/10
"About a Girl" - the second single. When Sugababes first performed it in September, I didn't like it much. But after listening to it 100 times I find it really good. Well, it did really well on the charts (I'd say extremely good in Poland), but I won't tell it's the best Sugababes single ever. RedOne could do better, although I still really like this track. 6,5/10
"Wait for You" - it's one of the best songs on the album, too. It's just different than the other tracks. The mix of the mid-tempo beginning with really climatic chorus and 'smooth' ending is great! I wouldn't chose it as a single, but I absolutely love it! 9/10
"Thank You for The Heartbreak" - and it comes the track that everybody just loves. But not me. I just don't feel this one, it's quite monotonous and too r&b like for this one. If song is an electropop, let's stick to this. I still really like it, but it's the worst song on "Sweet 7". 4,5/10
"Miss Everything (Feat. Sean Kingston)" - too much Kingston, too less 'Babes. I really like Heidi's verse, although I miss her through all of the track. I like the synthesizer sound in Amelle's middle 8, though. But it's a good song, could do really good in US. 6/10
"She's a Mess" - that's mine second favourite. Unforgottable "Everybody go mad, everybody go psycho", the techno tune and Amelle's rap is just... fantastic! Something Sugababes never done before. And that's why I so love this one. It could be a great single, though. It's really catchy. 9,5/10
"Give It To Me Now" - on each Sugababes album there is one 'heavy' song which severs singles/pop songs from ballads. And on "Sweet 7" "Give It To Me Now" is the one. I never liked the 'heavy' Sugababes songs ("Virgin Sexy" on "Angels With Dirty Faces", "Nasty Ghetto" on "Three", "It Ain't Easy" on "Taller In More Ways", "Back Down" on "Change" and "Beware" on "Catfights & Spotlights"... Ok, I only liked the last one), but this one is just different - really good. 7,5/10
"Crash & Burn" - this song is a possible fourth single. It's got something in it. But just reminds me too much of Pixie Lott's "Gravity" or - the most - Jordin Sparks Feat. Chris Brown's "No Air". Anyway, it's my third favourite song on the album :). The r&b sounds mixed with Heidi's beautiful voice and Amelle and Jade's amazing ad-libs gives us wonderful "Crash & Burn" - the only song recorded originally with Ewen to date. 9/10
"No More You" - I was really sad when I heard the r&b version of this Ne-Yo song - it was such a beautiful ballad when Keisha and Heidi performed it in August. But it's still good. Jade sounds great in the track, as well as Amelle and Heidi, though. 7/10
"Sweet & Amazing (Make It The Best)" - it gets me in a really good mood, but also... disturbing my mental equilibrium, I'd say. It's a really weird song that kinda reminds me of "Back When". I really like the 'bubblegum pop' tune and very clever and uplifting lyrics. Great. 8/10
"Little Miss Perfect" - that's the only real ballad on the album. Calm and really deep. The girls voices are amazing, I'd say it's the most beautiful track on "Sweet 7", it helps me to compose and relax, I really love it. 9/10
Ok, and "Sweet 7" now? 1000000000000/10! It's the best album of the year and if it won't get to #1, I'd be extremely shocked. I LOVE IT :D!
A lot of you guys wanted to write your own "Sweet 7" reviews, so now you can publish them in this post. I'll go first:
I was a fan of Sugababes since 2003, but I became a die-hard fan one year ago. I was waiting for "Sweet 7" - like the other fans, I guess - very long and it's the nicest pleasure this year for me to hear all the songs from the album, because I didn't listen to any of the tracks from the leaked promo album, untill the official one came out in Poland on 5th of March. And I was surprised. It was great. Too good, I'd say, and that's why I was really surprised. For the first time in my life, listening to the new Sugababes album - I always knew it'll be fantastic (and it was) - I was surprised of how good it was. I believe it's their best album ever! Maybe thanks to Jade who brings the new energy to the band? Maybe it's the 'rebirth' of Heidi and Amelle? Or just the freshness of Sugababes 4.0? I don't know. But I have to say "Sweet 7" is the best album of 2010, indeed!
All songs are really catchy and well-rounded, they can suite everyone. Yes, maybe "Sweet 7" is the album 'for masses', but it's fantastic. Mix of electropop that's in the swim now, r&b and of course this specific, amazing sound of Sugababes. I love it when they try new genres in each album, but I have to say they all sound Sugababes. And that's what makes them the best girlband of the 21st century. Anyways, the album is really fun and cheeky, good to uplift when you're sad or just make you wanna dance and have great fun. I, personally, consider it as the best album in the Sugababes history.
"Get Sexy" - it's the first single off the album. I find it really good, although I had mixed feelings when I first heard it in July, but that's just because it was the brand new sound of the 'Babes. And now it's one of my 5 favourite songs from "Sweet 7". Love how can I dance Wacking or New Style to it. My friend extremely love this one xD! 8/10
"Wear My Kiss" - the third single. Definitely shines on the album, I can say it's my favourite track... EVER! Yeah, the tune reminds me of rock and I think I could call it power pop. It's just fantastic and the "Da, da, da" is so catchy I just can't get it out of my head! "You wanna wear my kiss all over your body, once you try it on, you can't live without it". 10/10
"About a Girl" - the second single. When Sugababes first performed it in September, I didn't like it much. But after listening to it 100 times I find it really good. Well, it did really well on the charts (I'd say extremely good in Poland), but I won't tell it's the best Sugababes single ever. RedOne could do better, although I still really like this track. 6,5/10
"Wait for You" - it's one of the best songs on the album, too. It's just different than the other tracks. The mix of the mid-tempo beginning with really climatic chorus and 'smooth' ending is great! I wouldn't chose it as a single, but I absolutely love it! 9/10
"Thank You for The Heartbreak" - and it comes the track that everybody just loves. But not me. I just don't feel this one, it's quite monotonous and too r&b like for this one. If song is an electropop, let's stick to this. I still really like it, but it's the worst song on "Sweet 7". 4,5/10
"Miss Everything (Feat. Sean Kingston)" - too much Kingston, too less 'Babes. I really like Heidi's verse, although I miss her through all of the track. I like the synthesizer sound in Amelle's middle 8, though. But it's a good song, could do really good in US. 6/10
"She's a Mess" - that's mine second favourite. Unforgottable "Everybody go mad, everybody go psycho", the techno tune and Amelle's rap is just... fantastic! Something Sugababes never done before. And that's why I so love this one. It could be a great single, though. It's really catchy. 9,5/10
"Give It To Me Now" - on each Sugababes album there is one 'heavy' song which severs singles/pop songs from ballads. And on "Sweet 7" "Give It To Me Now" is the one. I never liked the 'heavy' Sugababes songs ("Virgin Sexy" on "Angels With Dirty Faces", "Nasty Ghetto" on "Three", "It Ain't Easy" on "Taller In More Ways", "Back Down" on "Change" and "Beware" on "Catfights & Spotlights"... Ok, I only liked the last one), but this one is just different - really good. 7,5/10
"Crash & Burn" - this song is a possible fourth single. It's got something in it. But just reminds me too much of Pixie Lott's "Gravity" or - the most - Jordin Sparks Feat. Chris Brown's "No Air". Anyway, it's my third favourite song on the album :). The r&b sounds mixed with Heidi's beautiful voice and Amelle and Jade's amazing ad-libs gives us wonderful "Crash & Burn" - the only song recorded originally with Ewen to date. 9/10
"No More You" - I was really sad when I heard the r&b version of this Ne-Yo song - it was such a beautiful ballad when Keisha and Heidi performed it in August. But it's still good. Jade sounds great in the track, as well as Amelle and Heidi, though. 7/10
"Sweet & Amazing (Make It The Best)" - it gets me in a really good mood, but also... disturbing my mental equilibrium, I'd say. It's a really weird song that kinda reminds me of "Back When". I really like the 'bubblegum pop' tune and very clever and uplifting lyrics. Great. 8/10
"Little Miss Perfect" - that's the only real ballad on the album. Calm and really deep. The girls voices are amazing, I'd say it's the most beautiful track on "Sweet 7", it helps me to compose and relax, I really love it. 9/10
Ok, and "Sweet 7" now? 1000000000000/10! It's the best album of the year and if it won't get to #1, I'd be extremely shocked. I LOVE IT :D!
Sugababes "Co za tydzien" interview, Poland
Szkoda ,że Hedi się nie odywała.
from: serafiamusic.blogspot.com
Sugababes sure look sweet
Sugababes sure look sweet
THESE sexy SUGABABES snaps just happened to land on my desk on the day their new album is out.
Releasing glam shots is a sure-fire formula for a few more sales - and when you look this cracking, why not?
Hello Heidi Range ... snaps like these should push sales up
Cableimage Agency
The trio's disc, Sweet 7, reached No5 in the iTunes chart yesterday, which isn't a bad start for the first day.
With problems still rumbling on since ex-member MUTYA BUENA applied for ownership of the band's name, the group are getting stuck into some hard promotional graft.
Sounds more fun than the legal wrangling.
Smouldering ... Amelle Berrabah
CIA Cableimage Agency
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/2893870/Sexy-Sugababes-pics-arrive-in-time-for-album-release.html#ixzz0iL9AWKZc
Sugababes schedule
Sugababes Latest Schedule :-
March:
MON 15/03/2010 Album ‘SWEET 7’ UK Release Date March 15th !!!!!!
Tues 16/03/2010 At BBC Studios to record Alan Titchmarsh Show
Wed 17/03/2010 Press the Red Button from any BBC TV channel and select 'Asian Music Awards' from Wednesday 17th March
(Sky & Virgin: Wednesday 17th March, 6pm - Wednesday 24th March, 4am Freeview: Wednesday 17th March, 6pm - Friday 19th March, 12pm
Friday 19th March, 1pm - 6.45pm & 9.10pm - 8.50am (20th)
Saturday 20th March, 11.10am - 2.20pm & 6.10pm - 9.50pm
Sunday 21st March, 1.10am - 1.35pm & 4.15pm - Wednesday 24th March, 4am)
(not available on Freesat)
Thurs 18/03/2010 Capital Radio session confirmed
Fri 19/03/2010 Appearing on TV on The Alan Titchmarsh show 5.00-6.00pm
Fri 19/03/2010 Global Radio Live , Brighton
Tues 23/03/2010 Album Sweet 7 Release Date in CANADA
April:
Sun 25/04/2010 IPL (India Premier League ) Cricket closing ceremony on April 25th (INDIA) confirmed
May:
Sat 01/05/2010 Camden Crawl . Roundhouse
Sun 02/05/2010 Rock 4 Life ,Whiteness, Inverness, Scotland
June:
July:
Sat 03/07/2010 Sound music festival at Netherdale in Galashiels.
August:
Sat 21/08/2010 V Festival or
Sun 22/08/2010 V Festival (This year's V Festival will take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire over the weekend of August 21 to August 22. Tickets are on sale from this Friday 5th March.)
Upcoming Events
March:
MON 15/03/2010 Album ‘SWEET 7’ UK Release Date March 15th !!!!!!
Tues 16/03/2010 At BBC Studios to record Alan Titchmarsh Show
Wed 17/03/2010 Press the Red Button from any BBC TV channel and select 'Asian Music Awards' from Wednesday 17th March
(Sky & Virgin: Wednesday 17th March, 6pm - Wednesday 24th March, 4am Freeview: Wednesday 17th March, 6pm - Friday 19th March, 12pm
Friday 19th March, 1pm - 6.45pm & 9.10pm - 8.50am (20th)
Saturday 20th March, 11.10am - 2.20pm & 6.10pm - 9.50pm
Sunday 21st March, 1.10am - 1.35pm & 4.15pm - Wednesday 24th March, 4am)
(not available on Freesat)
Thurs 18/03/2010 Capital Radio session confirmed
Fri 19/03/2010 Appearing on TV on The Alan Titchmarsh show 5.00-6.00pm
Fri 19/03/2010 Global Radio Live , Brighton
Tues 23/03/2010 Album Sweet 7 Release Date in CANADA
April:
Sun 25/04/2010 IPL (India Premier League ) Cricket closing ceremony on April 25th (INDIA) confirmed
May:
Sat 01/05/2010 Camden Crawl . Roundhouse
Sun 02/05/2010 Rock 4 Life ,Whiteness, Inverness, Scotland
June:
July:
Sat 03/07/2010 Sound music festival at Netherdale in Galashiels.
August:
Sat 21/08/2010 V Festival or
Sun 22/08/2010 V Festival (This year's V Festival will take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire over the weekend of August 21 to August 22. Tickets are on sale from this Friday 5th March.)
Upcoming Events
Sweet 7 Box set winners!
Sweet 7 Box set winners!
16th March 2010
Congratulations to these guys for their short but sweet answers to why they wanted a sweet box:
Paul Nicholas Tatum (Holmewood,Bradford)
I want a Sweet Box because... I'm a freak in the mornin', a freak in the
evenin', just like you!!!!
Ryan Woods (King's Lynn, Norfolk)
I want a sweet box because I’m a fan of all things sugar and spice. And Sweet 7
sounds very nice.
Julie Thomson (Coalburn, Lanarkshire)
I want a sweet box because who believes what the dentists say when they say sweets
are bad for you, they make me very happy!
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