Change is the Sugababes' fifth studio album, and first with Mutya's replacement, Amelle. Fortunately, the slight change in formation does nothing to slow down the group. In fact, Change is without a doubt the most solid Sugababes album to date. Change experienced a considerable amount of success, due in no small part to the massive single, and album opener, "About You Now". Both Change (the album) and "About You Now" went to number one, and deservedly so."About You Now" is a rather straightforward pop track. It lacks the R&B influence in so many of the Sugababes previous singles, but it is an upbeat, enjoyable romp nonetheless. Amelle sings the verses in a lower octave and with much efficiency, with Keisha singing the pre-chorus, and Heidi singing the bridge. This setup tends to shift the song's focus to Amelle slightly, but this is hardly a bad thing, as it's really the first notable single to feature the newest member. Keisha's vocals during the final few choruses are especially good, and close the song with a nice touch.
"Never Gonna Dance Again", not actually a cover of the George Michael song, is a perfect track to follow the opener. It's a much more calm and subdued mid-tempo song. As the title may imply, the lyrics speak of the inability to dance after the heartbreak faced from a lover. Easily a standout track.
"Denial" is the album's third single, and is perhaps better than both of the tracks preceeding it. The melody is heavily focused on harmonies and has a genuinely interesting sound. All three girls are featured at various points throughout the song as well. The lyrics, quite obviously concerning denial, are catchy and adequate for the material it goes along with. "Denial" is easily one of Change's best tracks, as well as one of the girls' best singles.
"My Love Is Pink" commences with surf guitars, then proceeds into an uptempo, electro-pop instrumental. The melody is catchy throughout, and despite odd lyrics, it's ultimately a very in-your-face track that you'll remember for some time to come.
"Change" is definitely one of the album's slow-growers. It's a mid-tempo track that borders on being a ballad, with lyrics about the state of change in life. The chorus appears slightly clumsy at first, but after repeated listens, it becomes more audibly coherent. The crescendo of emotion in the vocals toward the end of the track is a definite highlight, and the bridge is easily the best part of the song.
"Back When" is simply beautiful. The harmonies in the chorus are brilliant and emotive, adding to the emotional value of a track that already has saddening lyrics. An acoustic guitar accompanies the girls through the verses, while more instruments are added for the chorus. Following the bridge, there's a stunning key change that could easily be considered the song' highest point. "Back When" is utterly incredible and simply breathtaking.
"Surprise" is a cute, pop-rock track about getting back at the boyfriend who ended the relationship, but now wants you back. The chorus itself has a condescending confidence that fits perfectly with the lyrics, while the verses are equally appealing. Amelle's line at the end of the bridge, "It's you that's cryin' tears and I like the way it feels", is a perfect transition into the final chorus.
"Back Down" is much more soulful than any of the other tracks, and has a jazzy sort of rock element to it. The vocals from Amelle are especially appealing and sung in a rough manner. Though all three girls give good performances, it's apparent that Amelle was particularly suited for this song.
"Mended By You", the album's first true ballad, is far from disappointing or unappealing. The pre-chorus sung by Keisha is beautiful, as is the chorus, sung in unison by all three members. Although far more subdued than other tracks on Change, "Mended By You" packs just as much punch as the uptempo tracks with its reflective and slightly vulnerable vocals.
"3 Spoons of Suga" is a funky, uptempo track. It isn't quite as striking as some of the other tracks on the album, but the harmonized chorus (noticeably dominated by Keisha) is a definite high point. The adventurous style of the song is definitely appreciated, and manages to keep the album varied during the final quarter.
"Open The Door" is similarly striking in the manner that "Back When" was. They are, however, entirely different songs. While "Back When" was mid-tempo with a more reflective, regretful tone, "Open The Door" is a darker, more beat-driven ballad-type track. The vocals by each member are outstanding. The chorus is dominated by Keisha, but brilliantly. Heidi's vocals in the second verse, as well as Amelle's in the pre-chorus, are notably impressive, with a knowing, sorrowful nature to them. After the final chorus, the song seems to be cut off abruptly, as the vocals disappear and the shadowy instrumental eventually fades.
"Undignified", the album's closer, is another track that is simply beautiful. The lyrics, perhaps the album's most clever and depressing, are sung in an ardent manner. It's ultimately a fantastic way to end an album concerned with exactly what the title would lead you to believe: change in relationships and life.
Change is proof that the Sugababes are not only fine without Mutya; they are actually at their very best. Amelle is a welcome addition to the group with her soulful and gripping voice. The Sugababes have had consistently good albums in the past, but Change is beyond consistent; every song on the album is impressive. They've managed to create an album that's truly so good, it feels almost as if it's a greatest hits compilation. It is more than slightly unbelievable that an album can have such a powerful grip on the listener, even after repeated listens. Not only do most of the tracks have initial appeal, but they manage to only grow on you with time. We can only hope that the Sugababes manage to so flawlessly pull off such an impressive effort with their next album.
Grade: 9/10
