Pussycat Dolls

Sex sells. No one understands that cold, hard (ahem) fact better than the ladies that comprise the Pussycat Dolls troupe, which is part burlesque show, part R&B dance group and all gorgeous women, each of whom is hotter than the next. The Dolls have risen to domination in the pop music scene through hard work and equally hard play, blowing air kisses as they scratched and clawed their way to the top of the pop charts. The Dolls aren't afraid to exploit their overt sexiness and perhaps that's why they've enjoyed a career that's lasted beyond the requisite 15 minutes!

These ladies are entertainers and consummate performers who drip lust from every pore on the surprisingly good Doll Domination, which is boosted and bolstered on the strength of the infectious, catchier-than-mono-from-a-teenager single, "When I Grow Up." The Pussycat Dolls are a pop music confection that's the sonic equivalent of a chocolate-glazed, Krispy Kreme donut. There's a whole lot of sugar and finger lickin' goodness, but there's not much in the way of substance. Doll Domination is an album rife with guilty pleasures that will remind you of the earliest Britney Spears hits.

But who cares? Sometimes you need to back that thang up, throw your hands in the air, wave 'em like you just don't care while dancing the night away! These pop tarts, always decked out in latex, leather and stilettos to complement their extremely agile dance moves, aren't here to ponder serious issues through their music. "When I Grow Up" is a paean to big dreams (and enhanced appearances) that we all think about once in a blue moon–admit it!!—while "Bottle Pop" is a sexy yet studio tweaked club jam which impressively boasts a cameo from the Dolls' label mate, Snoop Dogg. "Hush Hush" is a filler ballad, as is "I'm Done," since slow and sensitive numbers aren't the most effective methods for showcasing the Dolls' strength, which is loud 'n proud vocal and verbal come ons like "Magic." Missy Elliot drops by on "Whatcha Think About That?," glossing Doll Domination with another dose of star power and fluffy-tailed fun.

Meow.

— Amy Sciarretto
09.23.08