Customer Reviews

Doll Domination

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This album is a strong album full of mostly slow/mid tempo and some fun dance tracks.To me the sound of the album does not capture the Pussycat dolls.It sounds more like Her name is Nicole(Nicoles solo album that was shelved) with the Pussycat dolls name on it.She did say they took songs from that album and put it on this one.But doing this just lost the flavor that the other album had.
I wish the other girls would get a chance to have parts in songs(If you get the deluxe edition there is 5 solo songs introducing each girl and they all have decent voices)Why Nicole has a solo boggles my brain..lol

Anyway...a nice album but I personally would have like to have heard more dance tracks.It seems that the only think dominating this album is slow and mid tempo songs.But most are strong songs.

Songs that stand out to me:
I Hate this Part(My fave)
When I grow up
Elevator
Halo
Love the way you love me
Takin' over the world

Very nice album that will bring hits into 2010, I'm sure.

Artist: The Pussycat Dolls
Album: Doll Domination Tracks: 16 (Standard) 21 (Deluxe), 3 (Int'l Bonus)
Release: 9/23/2008 (US)

Coming into this review as an avid PCD fan, I had high expectations. Three years (give or take a week for a pushback) since the release of their debut PCD (which sold an estimated 7-8 million worldwide on the back of multiple top 40 hits), the Dolls had a lot to live up to. It is my opinion to say that they have more than exceeded that goal. Since the departure of Carmit Bachar in March of this year (my favorite member), the PCD world was in a certain dilemma about the new album. Promised more vocals from the other members, it seemed the lack of Bachar's unique raspy voice would give the music a new flavor. Fans were right. The direction is even more R&B than before, but a surprise was presented: all the Dolls were featured on the album, in solo bits and actual full songs included on the Deluxe version of the disc. In live performances we can see more than ever before just how close and happy these girls are. To simply write them off as "burlesque strippers who like to sing" is quite unfair. A look at the stage presence and talent demonstrated live is enough to prove the drive and desire these women possess. And the music always lives up to the image before our eyes.

*The album starts off with the lead single, as did PCD. When I Grow Up is an electro-pop R&B stunner with a killer hook. Throw in the intentional confusion over 'groupies' and 'boobies' and the Dolls scored another top 10 Billboard hit (it charted at #9). The only disappointment is the track is the single version/radio edit that features solely Scherzinger's vocals. The version included in the video and performed live includes the other girls' own recorded voices.

*Bottle Pop follows, and it features prior-PCD collaborator Snoop Dogg. Another electro-pop number produced by Sean Garrett (who also produced Buttons) this one is a grower. While not as explosive as the producer claimed earlier in the year, it does catch and will most likely be a single.

*Whatcha Think About That, the 2nd US single features the first female PCD collaborator, none other than the innovative Missy Elliott. Featuring vocals from Thornton and a cheeky rap by Miss E., it's a definite winner. Sampling "Je m'appelle Jane" by Jane Birkin and Mickey 3D, the song is another grower and a good choice to keep interest in the project. The song is on iTunes as a singe release as of September 9th.

*The fourth song (and hopefully 3rd single) is the emotional piano ballad, I Hate This Part. Driven by Scherzinger's classic powerhouse vocals, pure emotion is more evident than ever from the lead singer. While the other girls are absent on this track, it is more than fine. The 2nd EU single, imagine a cold wintery video similar to Jennifer Lopez's "All I Have" (at least I hope). Potential Grammy-nominee and winner right here.

*Next is Takin' Over The World, a song that ties in directly with the theme of Doll Domination. Thornton's personal favorite, it's easy to see why. She gets to shine vocally on this track, on both solo spots and background vocals. Not a personal favorite of mine, but a great club banger.

*Out of This Club, featuring R. Kelly and Polow Da Don, is listenable, but one of the album's lesser hits to me. Maybe it's the addition of Polow or Kelly's past legal issues, but this song is not my favorite. I even enjoyed the demo much more.

*Followers of Scherzinger's failed solo stint will recognize her beautiful songs, Who's Gonna Love You and Happily Never After. The two songs are virtually unchanged from the original Her Name Is Nicole sessions. The former is a midtempo cut with Scherzinger's trademark strong vocals and soft accentuation (especially in the breakdown), while the latter is a sweet ballad discussing the strength a woman finds while leaving a destructive relationship. Both stellar tracks.
Only letdown is the lack of the other Dolls' vocals.

*Timbaland produced the next three songs, Magic, Halo, and In Person. Of the three, In Person is a solid demonstration of Timbo's return to form (versatility). Totally unexpected, the song has a 60s vibe and an interesting vocal style from Scherzinger. Thornton is wonderfully present on backing vocals. Halo is reminiscent of other Timbaland works, (Timberlake's "What Goes Around..." and Madonna's "Devil Wouldn't...) if only just a bit. Magic is the second best. With a stunning, fun, beat that drives you to dance, it's an album standout.

*ELEVATOR!!! This is my absolute favorite track on the album (it must be a single at some point). Using the concept of an elevator and its descent and rise to signify the ups and downs of a relationship, the uptempo Darkchild production (with writing from Lady GaGa) the track instantly works. With consistent and versatile vocals from both Thornton and Scherzinger, the wondeful Elevator is an obvious standout.

*Previously titled Psycho (but most likely renamed to avoid any controversy), Hush Hush is another strong vocal showing from Scherzinger. Another track discussing the end of a relationship (similar to IHTP), this song is another emotional cut. Another Grammy-nominee/winner.

*Midtempo jam Love The Way You Love Me features an entire breakdown verse from Thornton and her trademark ad-libs. A beautiful relaxed song, it comes from Chase N. Cashe of Zone 4 Inc. This song is my third most-played, I personally cannot get enough. I think it's honest and sweet and a great side to see from the PCD.

*The intriguing Whatchamacallit is a bit lengthly. Another listenable cut, it's fun, but I believe it drags in the end. A shorter edit would have made more sense. However, Scherzinger uses another vocal style (a talent she uses quite well) that makes it an easy-going club jam.

The standard album closes with the beautiful ballad, I'm Done. Scherzinger leads the tribute one can assume goes to Lewis, her man for quite some time. It's a great way to end the album.

Deluxe Edition

*If I Was A Man (Jessica Sutta). A fun dance number in the tradition of White Lies (Sutta's hit with Paul van dyk). Good vocals, which demonstrate her necessity in the actual album.

*Space (Melody Thornton). WOW! Thornton can sure belt, but this tracks indicates her ability to hold down an entire song. Also proves that Scherzinger does not need to sing everything, or rather, a majority.

*Don't Wanna Fall In Love (Kimberly Wyatt). A cover of the 1990 hit by Jane Child, we finally hear Wyatt on a solo front. Although obviously digitally-aided, it's an 80s-tinged dessert among the tracks on the second disc.

*Played (Ashley Roberts). My favorite solo track, the R&B song is reminiscent of a Cassie joint, but Roberts holds it together more than that mess. Haha! Anyway, enjoy this one. The light production works very well.

*Until U Love U (Nicole Scherzinger) features a positive message along the lines of Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. I like the song alot, but the fact that Scherzinger 'needs' a solo slightly irks me.

Bonus Tracks

*Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps is an English cover of the song Quizás, Quizás, Quizás by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés. It reminds us of 'Sway', the Pussycat Dolls' first single (yes, it wasn't 'Don't Cha'). I like it, and you can other Dolls, just like with 'Sway' (which was also a cover).

*Baby Love (J.R. Rotem Remix), another Nicole solo joint. A simple revamped version of the remix. I like it much more than the album version (Nicole's that is).

*Lights, Camera, Action featuring New Kids on the Block is the only track I ever want to skip. It's just the NKOTB version (from their new album, the Block) with Doll vocals (specifically Nicole). I can listen to it, I just don't ever skip straight to it when playing the album.

Conclusion

Overall, casual listeners will think there is too much, but it makes alot of sense for the Dolls to include more material. PCD was made to last three years on the back on strong songs, although from a very small collection (15 tracks). This time the girls pumped up the quantity and the spread of vocal duties to last us a period that will hopefully be less than another three years. I am more than happy to head to my local record store on Tuesday to pick up both versions physically (and any iTunes bonus tracks, which may include Just Say Yes, a beautiful ballad from Scherzinger's failed solo outing). This album can be played straight through for me, and I know I would that even without being a huge PCD fan. It goes to show how strong the group and how the loss of Carmit has made them that much hardworking to make up for the emptiness her presence has created. This album alone shows that the girls are here to stay and will provide us with good, fun tracks as well as heart-wrenching ballads for a long time. Good effort girls, and I can't wait for the tour.

Alejandro's Score:
4.5/5

Doll Domination International Deluxe edition by the Pussycat Dolls is one hour, twenty two minutes and forty-four seconds and was released on September 19, 2008; just a little over three years from their debut album. Doll Domination went to #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and the Top Internet Albums. Unlike PCD the album did not go gold or platinum. The music is in the style of rhythm & blues, pop, and dance. Due to the different styles of music the album goes into too many directions and I don't know if I want to go on to the dance floor or just sit back and relax. Doll Domination charted five songs and three of the songs went to number one on the dance charts. This would be the last album of the original members. With the exception of Nicole Scherzinger, the other four members called it quits due to infighting with the group manager, Nicole getting special treatment or other reasons. Overall Doll Domination just does not have that same spark as PCD has. Doll Domination International Deluxe get a B-.

Disc 1
One hour, two minutes, and forty-six seconds

When I Grow Up
#9 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles
#8 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Singles
#6 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Airplay
#1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play (two weeks at #1)
#5 U.S. Billboard Hot Digital Songs
#28 U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40
#29 U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream
Bottle Pop - featuring Snoop Dogg
#1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs (two weeks at #1)
Whatcha Think About That - featuring Missy Elliott
#8 U.S. Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles
#70 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Singles
#53 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Airplay
I Hate This Part
#11 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles
#10 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Singles
#10 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Airplay
#1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play (three weeks at #1)
#7 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales
#4 U.S. Billboard Hot Digital Songs
#32 U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks
#24 U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40
Takin' Over the World
Out of This Club - featuring R Kelly & Polow da Don
Who's Gonna Love You
Happily Never After
Magic
Halo
In Person
Elevator
Hush Hush
#73 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles
#1 U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play
#54 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Singles
#40 U.S. Billboard Pop 100 Airplay
Love The Way You Love Me
Whatchamacallit
I'm Done

Disc 2
Nineteen minutes and fifty-eight seconds

If I Was a Man - introducing Jessica Sutta
Space - introducing Melody Thornton
Don't Wanna Fall in Love - introducing Kimberly Wyatt
Played - introducing Ashley Roberts
Until U Love U - introducing Nicole Scherzinger

I think that it's an original idea the production of songs of disc 2...the Pussycat Dolls song alone!!!! I'd like especially "If I Was A Man" (Jessica Sutta), "Space" (Melody Thornton) and "Until U Love U" (Nicole Scherzinger)!!! One future of soloist?

Pussycat dolls--MEH. That's what I used to think; until Doll Domination.
I thought their debut album was weak and there were too many of them.
But they got rid of a doll, teamed up with the likes of Rodney Jerkins and produced the HOTTEST album, along with Beyonce, of 2008 in my opinion. It is my Number 2 favorite of 2008. Whatcha Think About That, Takin Over The World, Out of This Club, Magic, Halo, Elevator and Hush Hush are usually the tracks I go straight for when I'm listening to my iPod--They are all HOT HOT HOT! I am completely bemused as to why this album is getting quite bad and widespread reviews, I think it's so amazing. Believe me, do NOT listen to the reviews putting it down--you will so not be disappointed--I was pleasantly [actually way more than pleasantly] surprised! As for the solo tracks, they were all really good too, but the girls are stronger as a group. Make sure you come back soon, PCD!

The Dolls are back and they are hotter than ever. You can't say that this album is better or worst than 2005 PCD because they are very different. The only thing that I would change is that I would like to listen to the other dolls sing not only Nicole even dough i looooooooooooooooooooove her. and to those that are saying that they suck, well you don't have to like every type of music so stop trashing the dolls because they are the most sexy, talented and hot dancers female group ever

Since the success of PCD, many critics called them the next Spice Girls, which I think got in their heads. They are not the next Spice Girls, and they should not attempt to follow their lead, but utilize their own talents. I feel the title for their second album, "Doll Domination" is an obvious similarity to the Spice Girls "SpiceWorld." This was bad a move that left listeners with a poor taste in their mouth from the very beginning.

As you listen to the album, you begin to see how much the Pussycat Dolls attempt to be something different from their debut album, "PCD." Unfortunately, this backfires. Fans wanted the Pussycat Dolls to continue producing music similar to the first album, when you hear all the ballads and unique songs, you realize this is not the same Pussycat Dolls you remembered, for the good and the bad.

Track by Track Review:
Disk 1
1. When I Grow Up - This song is at the heart of the Pussycat Dolls. It is fun, flirty and danceable. I doubt the Groupies/boobies similarity was a mistake. It adds sexual intrigue, which is signature Pussycat Dolls. It is no wonder it ended up as successful as it was on the charts and sales. It lived up to expectations.
2. Bottle Pop - This track has a urban techno feel. Can be addicting after listing to it a few times, however, it is very repetitive. Beware of the annoying factor! Snoop Dogg plays his role nicely, much like buttons. The lyrics reference a metaphor of a woman being compared to a bottle. Which begs the question, how is a bottle metaphor supposed to be sexy? You will either love this song or hate it.
3. Whatcha Think About That - Missy Elliott really added a unique twist to standard Pussycat Dolls music for this song. The music for this song does not seem very radio friendly and does not blend well with other Urban/Hip-hop music of today. Not likely a good club song as it was clearly intended for. However, it is still an unique and interesting song to listen to.
4. I Hate This Part - A wonderful emotional ballad about a break up. Very radio friendly, addictive and you can feel the emotion running through you as you listen to the song. However, very Nicole heavy and not quite typical Pussycat Dolls.
5. Takin' Over the World - Could be one of the best club tracks, but it failed. This song has great potential, but it feels more like a demo than a finished version, mostly due to the odd flow. It feels like it should be a faster tempo then it is. The basics are amazing. It includes a good amount of vocals from Melody, it has great lyrics, a good combination of sounds/instruments, just lacks is the flow which makes it difficult to listen to frequently.
6. Out of This Club - Feels like it could be a relatively successful single, however, it just doesn't "Wow!" you. Once again, it is very Nicole heavy. If it wasn't the Pussycat Dolls, this song would be fairly good, but since there is an expectation of the Pussycat Dolls name, it is disappointing.
7. Who's Gonna Love You - A great song from Nicole solo album attempt, but which it would be labeled as such, since in the track it clearly says Nicole's name not any other Pussycat Doll. Just seems odd to be in the middle of the album and even on the album at all. I guess I would assume Nicole's solo songs would be a bonus track, not filler tracks.
8. Happily Never After - Another Nicole solo song. This is a great woman empowerment song, but it follows the same line as the previous Ballads and Nicole solos do.
9. Magic - An excellent song. This has vibe from old school of En Vogue with the new styles of Timbaland. Its fun and flirty, in line with the Pussycat Dolls persona. "Magic" has energy, variety and a catchy chorus.
10. Halo - A unique flavor to this song. It reminds me of Timbaland and One Republic's Apologize style, but gone female. With a touch of comedy (the meows in the background), it provides another unique song with a different style. However, it feels a bit out of place with the rest of the album.
11. In Person - This song feels like a touch back to old school Pussycat Dolls, however in a too aggressive way. Nicole sounds completely different than we have previously heard her, outside of the tours. She is very direct and almost shouting during the entire song. Its clever and inventive, but definitely hurts the ears a bit.
12. Elevator - Quite possibly the best potential for a new single on the album. Produced with the combination of Darkchild and Lady Gaga, "Elevator" utilizes other dolls, is radio friendly, emotional and has dance potential. This song is what Pussycat Dolls fans were expecting.
13. Hush Hush - A great emotional ballad. Could be single worthy, however will not likely do well due to the Pussycat Dolls reputation. Once again, it is Nicole heavy, but definitely shows why Nicole is the lead singer.
14. Love the Way You Love Me - This song reminds me of childlike summer single. For some reason it reminds me of the beaches of Hawaii. Melody has a few solo verses, which adds a nice innocence, since she is the Baby Doll. Overall, this song isn't any special, just a fun, sweet summer song.
15. Whatchamacallit - This track is fairly unique. It is a great international track, has a good instrumental with some interesting choices for background sounds. The vocals have a different flavor than previous Pussycat Dolls' songs. However, it does take a bit to get used to the change. It is not a instant favorite.
16. I'm Done - Sweet love song that reminds me of old school Celine Dion, just without Celine's unique vocals. It feels like a filler track, but it is worth a listen.
Disk 2
1. If I Was a Man - The best solo song on the deluxe edition. Jessica choose well for her solo track. It has an 80's dance feel, flirty lyrics, sexy vocals, and catchy chorus. I want more Jessica!!
2. Space - This is a great song, but the vocals are a bit disappointing. I was expecting more signature Melody (AKA from the solo verses from previous songs), but she didn't perform up to that standard. She is very talented, but I like her fast tempo songs more.
3. I Don't Wanna Fall in Love - A remake of an old 90's song, Kimberly really proved that she can sing, but the problem, she doesn't have a radio friendly voice. I am glad she is a background singer only.
4. Played - A surprisingly wonderful song. Ashley was said to not be a good singer, but she sings with this innocence that keeps you captivated. I can't wait to hear more solo verses and/or songs from Ashley.
5. Until U Love U - Nicole's song, is as beautiful as always. However since the vast majority of the Pussycat Dolls' albums have Nicole's vocals saturate the songs, by the time you listen to the album to get to this track, you had enough of her. The song has a good message, but I kind of feel like there is enough Nicole, we don't need another solo song on the album.

Overall, this album has good music, but bad for the Pussycat Dolls reputation. The Pussycat Dolls has been known for their amazing dance skills, therefore, they would produce amazing dance tracks. This album falls short of that expectation. There are some beautiful ballads, however they tend to lose value due to the fact that Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer, is the only one who sings the vast majority of these tracks. During the PCD tours, the fans were told that the next Pussycat Dolls album was going to feature more of the other dolls, but Doll Domination ended up worst than the first album, outside of the additional tracks from the deluxe edition. I would have called this album Doll Exploration, not Doll Domination. This album, would have fared better as a third of fourth album, not the second.

Everyone's favorite burlesque troupe and leather corset supporters return to the pop spotlight with second album, the rather cockily titled Doll Domination. It's not clear what arena of the pop world they are trying to dominate, as few can claim to be as overtly skanky since Christina Aguilera's "dirrty" days and none are as completely and totally manufactured as the Dolls (although Danity Kane comes to mind), who branched out from stripping in a series of calculated moves to become famous that included a reality show, a Vegas show, and some classy clothing.

Doll Domination immediately plays its best hand off the bat with lead single "When I Grow Up," an electro-pop song about vapidity that signifies everything that is wrong with the Dolls' music and sounds eerily similar to Basement Jaxx's far superior 2003 track "Plug It In.". Bouncy synth lines and thudding bass provided by A-list producer? Check. Voices Auto-Tuned to perfection? Check. Lyrics about being famous and rich that include such Hilton-esque lines as "you can talk about me / `cause I'm a hot topic"? Check. Sure, it's catchy, but if you're looking for any sort of depth or anything more than a guilty pleasure, you're not going to get it here.

Unbelievably, the album continues for fifteen (!) more songs, all of them marking a low point in the 2008 music year and none of them approaching the single marketability of "When I Grow Up." Snoop Dogg's entirely appropriate guest spot on "Bottle Pop" (after all, he did host a few Girls Gone Wild) is one of the weaker ones of his career to say the least, and the track's lackluster chorus deflate any energy he might have afforded them. Although the Dolls didn't hold back on production, which benefits from help by Timbaland and Darkchild, or guest spots from R. Kelly, Ne-Yo, and Missy Elliot, no amount of help is able to give the Dolls any sort of identity separate from the obvious "models playing as singers." Main singer Nicole Scherzinger's vocals come off as vanilla diva pop, and while the beats are definitely club-ready, there is nothing mind-blowing enough here to qualify the Pussycat Dolls as anything more than artificial pop stars propped up by an industry desperate to make a buck.

This album by The Pussycat Dolls "Doll Domination" is veryyyy excitingggg....I reallyyyy enjoy listening to all these tracks. These tracks seem to have a feeling of harmony :/ My favorite tracks in the album are ("I Hate This Part","Out Of This Club","Magic","Halo"(my #1 fave.),"Hush Hush","Whatchamacallit" & "Until U Love U" by Nicole Scherzinger(also my #1 fave.)....I can't stop listening to these tracks,a whole lotta nice beats :/ When i first slip it in my stereo,the harmonious tracks like ("Halo","Hush Hush","Until U Love U" & "Out Of This Club"),makes me wanna listen to em' more and more....I <3 this album,it's the best....The Pussycat Dolls is my #1 favorite female group always!!!! :)

I was sort of skeptical of this cd at first. Mainly because even though I liked When I Grow Up, it's a sophomore cd. Usually its 50-50 with soph cds. But I really enjoyed this cd. I think I like PCD better, but this cd is just as good. From the aforementioned song (Rodney Jerkins did an excellent job!)which is so high energy and different. To others such as Takin' Over the World, Bottle Pop, Elevator. My faves are I Hate This Part, Halo, Who's Gonna Love You, and Until U Love U. I believe Who's Gonna Love You, Happily Never After, Hush Hush and Until U Love U were on the My Name is Nicole cd that never got released. If that is true, then what a missed opportunity! Definitely I would have preferred Who's Gonna Love You or Until U Love U as her debut song over the others they poorly released. I know she is re-tooling the solo project for this year so I am keeping fingers crossed those songs will be released/on solo cd. I know it is great debate over Nicole Scherzinger and her part in the group. I think she is highly underrated and her vocal abilities totally surprised me. I enjoyed all the solo songs for Jessica, Kimberly, Ashley and Melody. Although I enjoyed Kimberly's take on Don't Wanna Fall in Love. It was very fun and upbeat. The only songs I was a teeny bit disappointed in were the ones by Timbaland. Well with the exception of Halo, which is a perfectly arranged song. But In Person, Whatchamacallit and Magic are typical Timbaland productions. Not as good as his collabo with them on Wait A Minute (PCD). Predicatable and filler for the cd. I would have preferred another Jerkins or Polow the Don production instead. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the cd and I'm a fan!