Sugababes Album: “Overloaded: The Singles Collection [Import]”

The Sugababes are an English trio that was formed way back in 1998, and have since become one of the most successful female acts in the UK. (Their most recent single, "About You Now" just went #1 in the UK.)

Overloaded: The Singles Collection is a brief - and I say brief only because their albums are definitely worth checking out - history of the group. This record serves as a great introduction to the group, giving the listener a taste of what the girls sound is like and what they're all about.

This album is packed with some great dance tracks, like the trancy "Round Round" (A UK #1 in 2002), the thumping, makes-you-wanna-strut "Red Dress," and the Gary Numan sampled "Freak Like Me." They also show off their amazing vocal harmonies on ballads like "Too Lost In You" and "Stronger." They even manage an upbeat empowerment song as well, the Dallas Austin penned "Ugly."

The obligatory new tracks are "Easy" - which was released as the promotional single (and charted in the UK top 10) and "Good To Be Gone." Both are great upbeat, dance tracks that you can't help but move your body along to.

My favourite tracks on Overloaded are "Push The Button" (Produced by Dallas Austin) and "Hole In The Head," both of which I love to dance around to with the volume cranked up quite high. I also enjoyed the inclusion of their early singles "Run For Cover" and "Overload" as well.

The track listing is as follows:

1. Freak Like Me (UK#1, 2002)

2. Round Round (UK #1, 2002)

3. Red Dress

4. In The Middle

5. Stronger

6. Shape

7. Overload

8. Good To Be Gone

9. Caught In A Moment

10. Ugly

11. Easy

12. Too Lost In You

13. Run For Cover

14. Hole In The Head (UK #1, 2003)

15. Push The Button (UK #1, 2005)

My only complaint is that they left off the fabulous ballad "Follow Me Home" which was released as a single in the summer of 2006. Because of it's low chart position however, I understand the reasoning for leaving it out.

The accompanying lyric book could have been presented better as well, with a possible band history or pictures of the individual singles sleeves. There is no mention in the thank yous of the two former members of the band, Siobhán Donaghy (who left in 2001), or co-founding member Mutya Buena (who departed in 2005). You only know that they were there if you read the writing credits, or have researched the bands history like I have.

Presentation aside, Overloaded is a great album to own, especially if you like female pop groups, or pop music in general. It's great to throw on in the car to sing along to, or in the background at home.

This British Trio have a range of amazing vocal talent. A really good cd for fans or for people new to their music. ALl their singles crammed on one cd and not a bad song on here, really worth getting. Nice voices, nice songs.

Hannahin4merz

bought it for one song. the rest of the album is ok. will have to listen to it a little more often

Sugababes are amazing and although this greatest hits album isn't up to date it still holds the most of their hit singles. The most inventive, slick and cool girlgroup since All Saints and with 6 UK #1's they are second only to the Spice Girls on girlband chart toppers and 18 UK top tens.

The drama and scandal of this band (namely fights, sackings and line up shake ups) has kept the British media in a job but also made this group the joke of the industry. Currently on their 4th line up and with no original members now in the group their popularity is definately on the way out, sad really.

However..as this greatest hits isn't completly up to date despite missing essential track 'About You Now' this is great and has original member Keisha who definately brought the creativity to this band. Harsh though being kicked out of your own band!! Their song 'Too Lost in You' was featured in the 2003 film 'Love Actually' and also on the soundtrack.

For those looking for the genuine most successful Brit girlband after the Spices than this is it, all killer with little filler. 41st best selling album of 2006 in the UK.

Sugababes also went on to win best British Dance Act at The Brits (UK Grammys) in 2003.

1.Freak Like Me: UK#1,

2.Round Round: UK#1,

3.Red Dress: UK#4,

4.In The Middle: UK#8,

5.Stronger: UK#7,

6.Shape: UK#11,

7.Overload: UK#6,

9.Caught In A Moment: UK#8,

10.Ugly: UK#3

11.Easy: UK#8,

12.Too Lost In You: UK#10,

13.Hole In The Head: UK#1/US#96

14.Push The Button: UK#1.

I don't really care for U.S. pop but when I go abroad, I usually find a group that gets me going. I heard Sugababes on the radio in Germany a lot. When I returned to the U.S. and saw the CD, I had to buy it to reminisce. I really like the music on the album.