Sound of The Underground (Album)



Sound of The Underground is the debut album by British Girl Group Girls Aloud. Forming through Popstars The Rivals the previous Christmas the album was released in May 2003 to coincide with second single, No Good Advice. Featuring production from many critically praised writers and producers it is their only album to receive less than positive reviews. A total of four singles have been released over two editions of the album resulting in the album being certificated Platinum.

Background
The album was recorded between December 2002 and April 2003 where the group collaborated with producers Betty Boo, Graham Stack and Brian Higgins as part of Xenomania. The album heavily features all members, allowing fans to familiarize themselves with the girls voices, most notably tracks Stop, Forever & A Night and Love Bomb, where the former was entirely sung by Nadine whereas the two former by Cheryl. The original release consists of thirteen original songs with two also original bonus tracks. Featuring a more grittier sound than other girl groups and reality singers, the album covered various genres Drum N Base; Sound of The Underground, Traditional Pop; Some Kind of Miracle, Acoustic; Forever & A Night, Electro; All I Need and the Dance influenced Boogie Down Love.

Many of the songs consist of the usual verse-chorus formula however a select few do not, these tracks being by Xenomania. These are No Good Advice closing with their third verse and Life Got Cold finishing with no third verse nor chorus. Vocal wise, the album is lead by Cheryl, Sarah and Nadine notably on songs All I Need, Boogie Down Love, Everything You Ever Wanted, Love/Hate and No Good Advice.

Release
Released May 23rd 2003 it the UK and Ireland a week following second single, No Good Advice. It charted at #2 in the UK while only reaching 6 in Ireland. This release consisted of the standard 13-track plus 2-bonus tracks however an international edition only contained the standard 13-tracks. It later saw a re -issue December 1st 2003 to include Jump and three other new tracks.