sexy exclamations

I know I'm gonna catch a bit of stick for my wildly erratic tastes in music. Yesterday it was David Sylvian. Today it's the new Sugababes single. I can feel the whiplash setting in.

In anticipation of their forthcoming, seventh album, and the second in the Mk 3 edition of the all singing, all dancing, pop music troupe, Sugababes have delivered yet another polarizing, lead off single. "Get Sexy" is their 24th single release since they debuted with "Overload", a #6 hit on the UK singles chart way back in 2000.

Whether it's "Freak Like Me", "Hole In Your Head", "Push The Button" or "Girls", Sugababes tend to start their album campaigns with very strong, uniquely different singles that push the envelope of pop. The one exception was "About You Now" which really sounded like they were shooting for something similar to "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson.

"Get Sexy" is an insistent, assertive number that definitely rides a grittier, American vibe than their past efforts. I'm sure all of this has something to do with the fact that they've been signed directly to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label. There is something very Lady Gaga about it, too, particularly the sections sung by Amelle. Also, I like how Heidi's coquettish, vocal delivery is at odds with the raw, sparse and buzzy synth track. And Keisha shows some restraint instead of filling up every space with her melismatic histrionics. But I often like the flavor she adds with her vocal filigree.

For the very first time, Sugababes V3.0 feels like a cohesive unit rather than a rag tag group of songstresses all trying to bust their way out an awkwardly fitting dress. Although, I could have done without the Right Said Fred reference.