Sugababes vs. MKS – reunion proves the original is the best - Metro

Sugababes vs. MKS – reunion proves the original is the best

By Bryan Scott Wednesday 31 Jul 2013 4:25 pm

Mutya Keisha Siobhan were the founding members of Sugababes

Back in 2000, on the back of the girl power movement, Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan launched a different kind of pop sound to the ears of the UK.   Their debut single ‘Overload’ was showered with public and critical acclaim (NME described it as ‘hauntingly infectious’) and peaked at number 6 in the charts

Roll on 13 years and the girls are back, musically reunited for the first time since rumours of infighting and bullying plagued the young band. For many the Sugababes are now seen as the epitome of manufactured pop; Siobhan leaves and is replaced by Heidi Range, Mutya leaves and Amelle Berrabah is ushered in to her place 48 hours later, and then when Keisha is show the door, up pops Eurovision starlet Jade Ewen.
The biggest talent in the original line up was always Siobhan Donaghy. She left the band in 2001 and pursued a solo career that wowed critics with her vocal abilities. Back in 2003, she released her first commercial solo single ‘Overrated’ with many proclaiming that her talents were very much underrated.

While Siobhan may have been the critics choice, it was the commercial success of the Mutya, Keisha and Heidi combo that really set the charts alight. The trio scored a huge array of number ones including Freak Like Me, Round Round and Hole in the Head. Nominated for six BRIT awards, they picked up best dance act in 2003.

Mutya Buena also enjoyed solo success with her album Real Girl.  She peaked in success with a vocal appearance on Groove Armada’s ‘Song 4 Mutya (Out of Control)’ that peaked at number 8 in the charts. Despite being uncredited on the track, Buena could take some consolation that the song was named after her!
So fast forward to 2013. The new Sugababes are on a bit of a hiatus and the originals in the shape of Mutya Keisha Siobhan (MKS) are about to be be let loose on the charts again. One can’t help but think that the Sugababes b(r)and may only ever be rekindled for the likes of ITV2′s The Big Reunion (but that in itself would raise questions as to who the producers would bring back together).
Whether the two groups ever come head to head, remains to be seen. MKS are actively working the summer festival circuit and have been writing songs with ex-All Sainter, Shaznay Lewis. The sound of their new song ‘Flatline’ is very reminiscent of the soulfully amazing early day Sugababes, so it will be interesting to watch whether MKS can reach the same levels of success more than a decade on.
Flatline is released on 1st September, 2013.