User:MrHyacinth/Sandbox/Sandbox 7
| Doll Domination | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 19, 2008 | |||
| Label | Interscope | |||
| The Pussycat Dolls chronology | ||||
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Doll Domination is the second studio album by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls, released on September 19, 2008 by Interscope Records.
Background
[edit]The Pussycat Dolls debut album PCD (2005) was a commercial success, selling seven million copies worldwide,[1] and includes their breakthrough single "Don't Cha". The album's success established the group as viable act in the music industry, earning them a reputation among the century's few breakout successes.[2] As a brand, the group and the Interscope Records expanded to various business avenues which included a CW reality series, The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, aired in March 2007. The goal of the show was to add a seventh member to the group who would join them in recording their second studio album and future tour endeavors. Asia Nitollano was releaved to be the winner but quit shortly after the finale to pursue a solo career.[3] Meanwhile, several members were ventured into works outside the group; Ashley Roberts made her film debut in Make It Happen (2008),[4] Jessica Sutta collaborated with Dave Audé ("Make It Last") and Paul van Dyk ("White Lies"),[5] and Melody Thornton was featured on Jibbs' single "Go Too Far".[6] Lead singer Nicole Scherzinger was also preparing to release her debut studio album, Her Name is Nicole, which was tentatively set for June 2007.[7] The album was met with multiple delays due to poor commercial reception of its singles.[8] In 2010, Scherzinger claimed it was her request to not release the album, as she felt that many of the songs, were better suited to the Dolls album.[9] On March 3, 2008, Carmit Bachar announced via the group's website that she had left the group intending to pursue a solo career.[10] At the time of her departure, she had been the longest member of the group, joining in 1995 when they were a burlesque act.[11] On March 10, they performed for the first time without Bachar for the Operation MySpace concert which honored US troops stationed in Kuwait.[12]
Development
[edit]Her Name is Nicole sessions
[edit]"I've always said that in the Pussycat Dolls, I kind of feel like Superwoman. But that's just one of my alter egos. I've got the sweet little hula-girl side of me; I've got the Southern, Kentucky girl inside of me; I've got the mama's girl; I've got the vulnerable, lovesick side of me. [And] those are all on my record."
—Scherzinger talks about the aim of the album's release.
Scherzinger began working on Her Name is Nicole after PCD (2005) was finished.[13] She collaborated with a wide range of artists like, Akon, Ne-Yo, Timbaland Kanye West, will.i.Am and Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody. Her aim was to introduce herself as a multi-dimensional artist, distinct from her role as the lead singer of the group. She wanted to show different sides of her personality that hadn't been fully explored within the group.[14] Songs like "Happily Never After" and "Who's Gonna Love You" where included in the final tracklist of Her Name is Nicole.[15] The latter was written by Scherzinger, Polow da Don, and, Kara DioGuardi. The song was first previewed in Scherzinger's website on February 2007.[16] The former was one of the two songs Ne-Yo gave to Scherzinger after being originally written for Britney Spears,[8] During an interview with The Guardian Ne-Yo recounted his experience writing songs for Spears and explained there were multiple scheduled sessions where she was supposed to provide input on the tracks, but she never attended. Ne-Yo continued working on the songs until Spears' widely publicized head-shaving incident where her team stopped responding. During this period, he met Scherzinger. After news broke that Scherzinger recorded the song, Spears' management wondered why he gave away the song, to which Ne-Yo replied, "It may've been written with Britney in mind, but it's not hers."[17] Another song written with Spears in mind was "When I Grow Up". It was rejected by her record label Jive Records at the time of the creation of Spears' fifth studio album Blackout (2007).[18] The Rock City songwriters re-wrote the lyrics with Scherzinger in mind.[19] The song would be eventually be released as the lead single of Doll Domination. Another future single, "I Hate This Part" was conceived during a writing session for British singer Leona Lewis by Wayne Hector, Lucas Secon, Jonas Jeberg, and Mich Hansen.[20] It was sent to Scherzinger, after Doll Domination executive producer requested it for the Pussycat Dolls.[21] During the recording process, Scherzinger was vocally inspired by English and American rock singers Sting and Steve Perry.[22]
Focus on the Pussycat Dolls
[edit]Prior to Her Name is Nicole's cancellation, Interscope Records planned rework several songs from the her album, in order to save costs.[8] In 2010, Scherzinger claimed it was her request to not release the album, as she felt that many of the songs, were better suited to the Dolls album.[9] In February 2008, the Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin confirmed that Scherzinger was back in the studio working on PCDs follow up.[23] The following month, Fair confirmed the group had recorded five songs for the album and would be working with past collaborators such as, Sean Garrett, CeeLo Green, and Timbaland.[24] Green produced a song titled "Love Gun". Scherzinger described the song that has "60s and 70s influences while the the vocals were compared to Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin.[19] It wasn't included in the final track listing and was later included on his own studio album, The Lady Killer (2010), with vocals featuring Lauren Bennett. Thornton released her version that same year.[25] Scherzinger acknowledged that Timbaland was an executive producer of Doll Domination. stating that "he had his own visions of what he wanted for the group."[19] Though he ultimately didn't receive the executive producer credit, Timbaland and his associates contributed to four songs in the album.
The album was recorded at the 2nd Floor Studios in Orlando, Chalice Studios in Los Angeles, Record Plant in Hollywood, Irvine Spot in Irvine, Zac Studio, The Carrington House in Atlanta, The Boiler Room in Santa Monica, Cutfather Studios in Copenhagen, The Chocolate Factory in Chicago, Recording Studios in East Orange and The Hit Factory in Miami.[26] Hilary Lewis from the Business Insider viewed this moved as economical.[27]
Composition
[edit]Dance, electronic, and R&B elements.[28][29]
Songs
[edit]Doll Domination opens with "When I Grow Up", an uptempo electropop song,[30] built around "bouncy synth lines" and a "thudding" bassline and alongside heavy usage of sirens, handclaps and pitch-shifted vocals.[30] Scherzinger adopts similar vocal stylings on the song to Spears.[31] Described as the album’s ideological centerpiece, it celebrates fame, luxury, and youth-driven materialism and acts as a manifesto of celebrity culture.[32] Thornton highlights the lyrics "Be careful what you wish for; 'Cause you just might get it," which serves as a warning regarding succes in the entertainment industry.[33] Electronica track "Bottle Pop" features rapper Snoop Dogg. It uses sexual innuendo with Scherzinger adopting "breathy vocals".[34] In "Whatcha Think About That", the Pussycat Dolls adopt a spunky attitude as they assert independence against a controlling boyfriend,[35][36] reversing gender roles.[37] With three verses of brash, risqué rap,[28][38] they are joined by rapper Missy Elliott who references Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" (2008).[35] It is a mid tempo electropop and R&B song which is built around a distinctive bhangra-ish guitar riff.[35][36] In "I Hate This Part" the group adopts a more polished pop style, moving away from their typical sexual image and opting for a more reflective and melancholic "sad, lonely girl" approach.[39] With lyrics about a dooming relationship, the song sees Scherzinger in a conversation before a breakup.[31] With elements of dance and R&B music,[40] the song's production features a mournful piano, faux strings and syncopated rhythms. In "Takin' Over the World" sees the return of the Dolls signature sound: processed vocal harmonies layered over electro beats.[39] It uses an Australian didgeridoo as they aim for "a global-pop sound".[41] "Out of This Club" is a mid tempo R&B song with a lush beat and simple piano melodies.[31][28][42] With lyrics about settling down after a wild party life,[43] Scherzinger "coos and flirts" with featured artist R. Kelly.[31] "Who's Gonna Love You" features a lively dance beat with 80s influences,[44] reminiscent of Janet Jackson's music.[41]
"Happily Never After" is an acoustic ballad,[39] well suited for Scherzinger's vocal range.[28] Using a straightforward melody,[28] she narates a story of a woman who leaves a harmful relationship.[45] Though she starts off uncertain, she ultimately finds a sense of relief.[31] "Magic" features unconventional Middle Eastern rhythms and talking duck samples.[39] It was described as a "dark, dissonant club banger".[46] "Halo" is a grand, synth-driven track with a rich orchestration, featuring prominent beats and a polished synth sound.[28][39] "In Person" is a lively, jazzy track with a distinctive two-step rhythm.[39][42] Emulating Tina Turner,[47] Scherzinger threatens to "hurt" and "kick" a deadbeat partner.[45] "Elevator" is "spacey-R&B track" with a lot of catchy hooks. Thornton can be heard singing part of the bridge.[48] "Hush Hush" is pop ballad described to having "down tempo forlornness".[39] Scherzinger's vocals were described as powerful, with her exaggerated pronunciation adding to the dramatic delivery.[49] The song portrays the Pussycat Dolls as strong, independent women who don't depend on men for help.[50] "Love the Way You Love Me" has smooth, polished pop sound with a playful, otherworldly quality. The song "Whatchamacalit" combines J-Pop influences with a style reminiscent of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman.[39] Scherzinger playfully challenges her competitors about her fashion choices and her partner's qualities.[31] The song stands out as the only one where she directly engages with other women.[41] The standard edition of Doll Domination closes with "I'm Done".
Bonus tracks
[edit]On "Lights, Camera, Action" the boy band New Kids on the Block is featured. An alternate solo version was featured on their The Block (2008) album.[51] It has a soft, airy quality,[52] where group's sing about doing a homemade porn recording.[53] In "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" the group draws from their burlesque influences when it came to re-recording the classic standard.[29] The album additionally features J. R. Rotem's remix of Scherzinger's "Baby Love". The original version is a folk-tinged R&B ballad where she uses a southern twang whilst singing romantical lyrics.[54] On the European double-disc deluxe version of the album, each member was credited to a solo track. The first new track on the second disc is Sutta's "If I Was a Man". It's a dance track that explores the idea of switching roles with a man, imagining how it would feel to treat him the same way he treats her.[55] "Space" sang by Thornton follows, was distinguished for her melismatic vocal runs. Wyatt's cover of Jane Child’s "Don't Wanna Fall in Love" stays true to the original, replicating the backing track closely.[28] The CD rounds up with Roberts' "Played" and Scherzinger's "Until U Love U".
Marketing
[edit]Title and artwork
[edit]Critical response
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 51/100[56] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [57] |
| Entertainment Weekly | C–[58] |
| Los Angeles Times |  [32] |
| musicOMH | [59] |
| Slant Magazine | [28] |
| Rolling Stone | [42] |
| USA Today | [60] |
| Yahoo! Music UK |   [46] |
Doll Domination received mixed to negative reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 51, which indicates "mixed or average reviews", based on 12 reviews.[56]
Mariel Concepcion of Billboard opined that it has all "the elements to mimic the victory of [PCD]."[45] Steve Jones of USA Today agreed with Concepcion, but added they are "more interested in pushing their brand than pushing boundaries."[60] Writing for Slant Magazine, Sal Cinquemani found that "it was smart to spotlight the, talents of the other pussycats" following the cancellation of Her Name is Nicole.[61] Jon Pareles of The New York Times noted that the ballads "are a move toward expanding the franchise" seeking "a little empathy along with the attitude."[62] In a more mixed review, Rolling Stone's Christian Hoard singled out several songs but concluded that the record "sounds like the Dolls just threw everything they had against the charts to see if anything would stick."[63]
Elan Priya of The Times wrote that the album that "lacks any distinct personality."[64] August Brown from the Los Angeles Times noted that the tracks don't come "within [the] sniffing distance of 'Don't Cha,' Instead, they act out as a "a series of signifiers to other, more interesting, moments in recent pop culture."[32] Likewise, Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe stated that the album does not live up to their debut album PCD.[65] Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly graded the album a C– criticizing Doll Domination's longevity "especially for a group that brazenly emphasizes style over substance."[58] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic found it ironic that a group coming from a burlesque revue sings songs about "empowerment, heartbreak, love, fame and wealth, but never about sex." He ended his review writing, " it's a lot better to hear pinups sing a song of striptease than a song of love."[57] Nic Oliver from musicOMH was also more negative of the record, opining that it is an "album heading straight for the bargain bins" under the file "dispiriting."[59]
On his list of the five worst albums of 2008, Chris Willman from Entertainment Weekly placed Doll Domination fifth, criticizing the songs "double entendres" aimed at their "target audience of 15-year-olds."[66] IGN ranked Doll Domination third on their list of the ten worst albums, commenting that it the "record stands out because it is so exceptionally retched."[67] It was voted as the third worst album in the 2008 Popjustice Readers' Poll.[68]
Commercial performance
[edit]Doll Domination is considered a commercial disappointment.[69]
Singles
[edit]The album's lead single "When I Grow Up" was released on May 27, 2008 and serviced to contemporary hit radio stations on June 1, 2008.[70] The single was received favorably by contemporary music critics, many of whom highlighted it as a stand-out track from Doll Domination. The song peaked at number nine on Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group's highest charting single since "Buttons" (2006).[71] "Whatcha Think About That", which features guest vocals by American recording artist Missy Elliott, was released and serviced to contemporary hit radio stations on September 9, 2008 as the second single.[72][73] The song failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100, however it did manage to peak at number nine on the UK Singles Chart.[74] "Out of This Club", a collaboration between R. Kelly and Polow da Don, was sent to urban contemporary stations on October 12, 2008 as the third single in the United States.[75] The song debuted and peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles, a component chart that represents the 25 songs that failed to make an impact on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[76] "I Hate This Part" was released in October 14, 2008 as the second international single and impacted contemporary hit radio stations on October 20, 2008 as the fourth single in the United States.[77][78] The song received positive feedback from music critics, who commended the song's production and Scherzinger's vocals.[79] The song peaked at number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.[71] It additionally peaked within the top-ten of several international singles charts including in Australia and New Zealand.[80]
Following A. R. Rahman's win at the 2009 Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score for "Jai Ho" and the soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire, the English pop version entitled "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" was released the day after.[81] Nicole Scherzinger was credited as a featured artist, creating tension within the group.[82] The track peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100, after charging eighty-five places to make the largest weekly leap from number 100.[83] Internationally, it achieved greater success across Europe and Oceania, reaching the top of the charts in 17 countries including Australia, Finland and Ireland. On February 23, a remix of was released in New Zealand replacing Snoop Dogg with Devolo.[84] "Bottle Pop" featuring Snoop Dogg was released on March 6 as the fourth single in Australia and some European countries.[85] In Oceania the song achieved a moderate success peaking within the top-twenty in Australia and New Zealand. In the United States the song topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart.[86]
A remix of "Hush Hush" re-titled "Hush Hush; Hush Hush" was released as Doll Domination's as the seventh and final single from the album on May 12, 2009.[87] Its single release received widespread media attention; as with "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)", Scherzinger was initially billed as a featured artist causing further dissatisfaction within the group and a public outburst by Melody Thornton.[88]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "When I Grow Up" | Jerkins | 4:05 | |
| 2. | "Bottle Pop" (featuring Snoop Dogg) |
| 3:30 | |
| 3. | "Whatcha Think About That" (featuring Missy Elliott) |
| 3:48 | |
| 4. | "I Hate This Part" |
| 3:39 | |
| 5. | "Takin' Over the World" |
| Chase N Cashe | 3:35 |
| 6. | "Out of This Club" (featuring R. Kelly and Polow da Don) |
| Kelly | 4:08 |
| 7. | "Who's Gonna Love You" |
|
| 4:00 |
| 8. | "Happily Never After" | 4:49 | ||
| 9. | "Magic" |
| 3:41 | |
| 10. | "Halo" |
|
| 5:24 |
| 11. | "In Person" |
|
| 3:36 |
| 12. | "Elevator" |
| Jerkins | 3:41 |
| 13. | "Hush Hush" |
|
| 3:48 |
| 14. | "Love the Way You Love Me" |
| 3:21 | |
| 15. | "Whatchamacallit" |
|
| 4:19 |
| 16. | "I'm Done" |
| 3:18 | |
| Total length: | 62:40 | |||
- Notes
- Samples
- "When I Grow Up" samples "He's Always There" as written by Jim McCarty and Paul Samwell-Smith performed by The Yardbirds.
- "Whatcha Think About That" samples "Je m'appelle Jane" as written by Mickael Furnon performed by Jane Birkin.
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
Certifications[edit]
Release history[edit]
References[edit]
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