Girls Aloud really shouldn't have made it as far as a second album. They have average voices at best, they frequently look ridiculous - and, worst of all, they were formed through a television talent show, usually the kiss of death for anyone who wants a long-term career. There's just one problem - the girls have a knack of coming up with utterly infectious pop songs, the kind you find yourself humming out loud at all sorts of inappropriate moments. Much of this is down to the excellent production, which spices up the band's standard synth-pop sound with such unexpected elements as thudding techno beats and screaming garage rock riffs. But the girls themselves should take credit for their sparky lyrics; they manage the rare feat of writing about life in a band and actually making it sound interesting. What will the neighbours say? For once, they might actually ask you to turn it up.
