After a stormy year which involved changes in both personnel and record company, things are finally beginning to come good for the Sugababes. The addition of Heidi Range (formerly of Atomic Kitten) has extended the teenage trio's range vocal range considerably, while their hard-edged, sassy singles (Freak Like Me and Round Round) have given them two chart-topping singles in the space of as many months. And although these hits are inevitably the standout tracks on this, their second album, the remainder is more than solid enough to keep these streetwise young ladies well ahead of the competition. The discernibly American sound echoes the Babes' heroes TLC and Destiny's Child, while their silky R'n'B routines and urban aesthetic have seen them dubbed as rightful heirs to the now-defunct All Saints. Just as importantly, they have a darker, edgier sound than most of their choreographed rivals, which at their best makes them sound like the Shangri-Las with a modern twist. Angels with Dirty Faces isn't exactly high art but it's an appealingly slick pop package which confirms Sugababes as the girl band it's officially OK to like.
