The Bottom Line
If you were waiting for the answer song to Pink's broadside against "Stupid Girls," the Pussycat Dolls' latest might just be it. Ambition is wrapped up in being famous, driving nice cars, and attracting groupies. Most of all, the Pussycat Dolls wanted attention when they grew up. Undoubtedly, they've reached that goal, and despite many mediocre elements, "When I Grow Up" is likely to keep their hit streak alive.
Pros
- Sass and audacity
- Catchy dance workout
Cons
- Trademark anonymous vocals
- Incessant silliness
Description
- Written by Rodney Jerkins, Theron Thomas, Timothy Thomas, Jim McCarty, and Paul Samwell-Smith
- Produced by Darkchild
- Released June 2008 by A&M Records
Guide Review - Pussycat Dolls - "When I Grow Up"
Fueled by a memorable sample out of "He's Always There," a 60's rock track from the legendary Yardbirds, the Pussycat Dolls are loud and proud in their return to top 40 radio on "When I Grow Up." For fans, that is a very good thing. However, the anonymous nature of the group's vocals, even when obviously led by Nicole Scherzinger, and the incessant, but not particularly clever, sexual lyrical tease is starting to wear thin. There are pluses here including the Pussycat Dolls' usual sassiness and pounding dance beats, but overall this is more of the same, not a step forward.
The verbal wink to just being women who want attention could certainly fuel concerns about the moral emptiness of much of today's pop music lyrics. Or it could be seen as a welcome strike back against overheated political correctness in some corners. However, one wonders if this discussion amounts to taking the Pussycat Dolls all too seriously.
As was the case with the single "Don't Cha," the group's breakthrough hit in 2005, "When I Grow Up" has been released at the beginning of summer guaranteeing it will have little substantive competition in reaching pop radio. Don't listen too closely or expect too much from this Dolls effort, and then simply add it to your party soundtrack for the summer of 2008 relishing some catchy dance beats and a winking singalong chorus.
