I know this is going to ruffle some feathers but I absolutely cannot @ On Your Radar tracks leaving before some of their bargan bin sounds from Wordshaker!
Love Come Down 6.5/10
I love that they did disco covers for the b-sides of Disco Love, they don't pop off like their most iconic b-sides but I appreciate them being thematic queens and giving a modern pop spin on some classics. I think the only gripe I have with them is that they could've utilized all the members a bit more. Rochelle's "you make my loveeeeee come down" ad-lib is absolutely amazing. And I love that it's something that's listenable, even though I don't seek it out to spin all the time.
Lease My Love 7/10
We all know they took whatever Darkchild track they could get, but it's honestly not that bad. I love RoboFrankie, love Una's verse, and I like the production of the song itself. It falls short when you get to the bridge but I think this track marks something very special with them being more active in the US for recording the album. And I'm happy they got to keep the Darkchild tag in the beginning. It made it more ~worth~ it.
Why Me, Why Now 6/10
Love the synths, love the vocals, but it isn't exactly carrying Chasing Lights and I think it would've been better suited as a b-side. Specifically the Motown version. But their harmonies are so gorgeous.
Ready To Rise 6.5/10
I hammered this when they first came out with it because I was wanting a banger as we got Missing You so it filled some empty shoes, but I wish they would've gone harder with the bass line!
Wish I Didn't Know 7.5/10
I think lyrically Wish I Didn't Know highlights their song writing capabilities- the actual lyrical content is giving Taylor Swift "realness." I think they all sound beautiful on it, and I love Una's high note in the bridge.
Had It With Today 5/10
It's a b-side for sure. It's not the most on brand for them, but credit given where credit's due- I love that they gave Una's old track a rework.
So Stupid 6.5-7/10
There's harmonies all over the track which I love, and I really like the use of Frankie's higher register in the song. The beat is fun. I will say though sometimes when I play this song it feels like it's louder than the other tracks in their discography? I think it marks a fun time where they were getting more experimental with effects, sounds and beats.
I Say OK 6.5/10
I used to wish nothing but a spot in hell for this track when it was first released, but I think it compliments On Your Radar by bringing the traditional pop influences while implementing the fun auto tune effects sprinkled throughout the album. The Simon Cowell line is cringe, as well as Vanessa's final note in the bridge (it's giving raspy, sore throat, I need to clock out and go home vibes.) Love the Una/Frankie chorus tho~
On The Radio 6.5/10
Again, love the disco covered theme they brought, but not one that is an instant click right off the bat. Frankie's harmonies are my favorite thing about the track, along with the twilight-y and sparkly production. The robotic "WOWWWW" on the chorus is also very fun. I think they did a good job at making it their own and I love that they made it more dance-y.
Issues 6/10
Issues will always get some slight contempt from me because we all know Chasing Lights is the superior ballad from their first era and should've taken that spot. However, I think it shows what superior vocals Vanessa brought to the table compared to other pop girls out there at the time, and the harmonies are tremendous. And it's one they can always perform live and acoustic so take the credit girlies. The lyrics are cringe, but it did it's job.
Promise Me 8.5/10
The verses are such stompers- every girl sounds so slick and sassy and that f*cking beat goes off. The backing vocals are on point- the rotation of members taking lines is on point- and even though I think they could've cut a lot of the "I'll be partyin'" vocals they insert from start to finish it's such a solid dance pop track. Frankie's verse is the high for me~ The "no's" are so much fun too. And they wrote it. Queens. They always looked like they were having so much fun performing it on tour as well.
Don't Let Me Dance Alone 8/10
"I didn't put this dress on for you to take it off, but since you're with me right now.." ICONIC. The beat is on point it's fun from start to finish, and I love the cheeky lyrics. The only thing I hate about the song is the male backing vocals (that I know are J*rdans) but this is probably the best output The J*m gave them. My all time favorite slut bop is Not That Kinda Girl but this does climb up there with her. Props to bringing the fun to what I consider to be a bit of a dud album from them (holistically.)
Sorry for all the unhinged word vomit, just had my first cup of coffee after a brutal work week and wanted to catch up.