Wordshaker [CD]

Just after a year of releasing their debut 'Chasing Lights' which became a mainstay of the pop charts over the last year, the Saturdays are back with 'Wordshaker', their sophomore effort, a collection of fresh, fun, sparkling pop songs which showcases the girls' development and natural progression from the electro-pop and r&b sound they crafted from their first album, only this time the vocals are more confident, the harmonies are stronger, the hooks catchier, the arrangement and production values crisper, and the girls have even gathered some newfound feistiness along the way, and all the while retaining the fun and infectious elements of their past songs.

The album goes off to a great thumping start with 'Forever Is Over', already a #2 UK smash, a pop-rock number with a soaring chorus and rumbling bass line, total radio fodder and guilty pleasure. While it is definitely the odd-ball of the album, the song is very much enjoyable and its easy to see why it became a hit.

Then there's also a trilogy of infectious electro-pop dance, in the form of 'Ego', 'One Shot' and 'Open Up', all of which could hold a candle to their signature song 'Up'. The hooks are crazy addictive, and you couldn't help but sing along and dance to these songs--all potential #1's.

Elsewhere on the album, title track 'Wordshaker' is a feistier, beefed-up cousin of 'Work' and 'Denial' is a synthed-up, angrier version of 'Chasing Lights' both from the debut album. But the real revelation here is track #2 'Here Standing' a powerhous ballad built for arenas, everything about the song is just extravagant, over-the-top and grandiose - strong vocals, a curious quaking drumline and a gorgeous chorus and middle 8 - this could very well their biggest hit if ever released.

With 'Wordshaker', the Saturdays have avoided the sophomore slump. If this 2nd album is an indication of things to come, the Saturdays will be around for more albums, making good ol' pop music which we could take for just what it is.

This album has totaly surpassed my expectations! I thought their debut album was amazing until i listened to this! This album has a slick production filled with beautiful power ballad hook lines. Some songs sound a little Britney 'Esq', and are super catchy. And of course the vocals have BLOWN ME AWAY! My favourite songs so far ...... Forever is over, Here Standing and Denial. Move over Sugababes and Girls Aloud! Welcome in the new wave of girlbands!!!

This album crept up on me, I must admit.
I enjoyed The Saturdays' first album "Chasing Lights" immensely. Their first single "If This Is Love" initially attracted me to the band and the majority of tracks from "Chasing Lights" and the following singles they released were mostly very good (except for the horrible "Issues", which to this day I just can't get on board with, despite it being their best charting single to date).
But seeing as the group only released their debut album in Autumn 2008, I was surprised to stumble across their second album on Amazon for an October 2009 release. This seemed to me to be rather speedy - nonetheless, I was pleased about it, as I would certainly have bought their sophomore album, had it been released in 2009 or a couple of years after "Chasing Lights" instead. It seems that the thing to do is to churn albums out quickly these days - Girls Aloud and Britney's last two albums were released practically back to back, within about a year of each other - and the success of both of these acts speaks for itself.

Enough of analyzing the release date! To the album:
"Wordshaker" is a superb album! There appears to be a little nervousness about it as it is the scary "second album", which apparently is a bit of a test, according to what the members of The Saturdays say in their inlay Thank Yous.
They seriously needn't worry, "Wordshaker" supersedes "Chasing Lights". It is more consistent in style and attitude. It is an example of development, experimentation and maturity. It is pure pop, but it throws a little electo into the mix, with some tracks seeming reminiscent of Lady Gaga. The album has gentler tracks, but I think it concentrates more on being catchy and upbeat, which is personally what I look for in a pop album from a band like this. The lyrics are well written and each track compliments the next. "Chasing Lights" was a nice mix of slow/mid/fast tracks and was a great album; but "Wordshaker" just seems to go that extra mile. To me, it exemplifies the fact that the group have been a success and that they are ready to keep going for it. And above all, it doesn't seem rushed and churned out for the sake of it - it seems well planned, well thought out and progressive.

I give the album five stars; although I personally think the tracks "Here Standing" and "No One" are easily forgettable. And the closing track "2AM" is a terrible song - why they chose to end the album with it is beyond me. To me, this track is kind of childish.
BUT - every other track is outstanding. To highlight the absolute cream of the crop: "Ego" is very Lady Gaga, very catchy, great lyrics. It tempts you from the beginning and builds up to a very catchy chorus and up-beat feel; "One Shot" is in a similar stratum, calmer, electronic verses with a catchy, up-tempo chorus. It also serves as a nice intro to "Wordshaker", which blends naturally from "One Shot". Presumably they will release "Wordshaker" as it shares the same name as the album itself, and as it is the best song in this collection. Truly, this is a great song. Again, its electo, powerful, catchy and authoritative. It makes you want to move, really; "Lose Control" is the next one of note - again, there's an electronic feel to it. But this track kicks itself off from the beginning with a poppy, dancy beat, which builds into an up-tempo chorus that you can't help but move to; and finally, I must mention a mellower song from the album that stands out - "Deeper". The chorus is what makes this song - it's sweet, melodious, gentler and soulful - and again, incredibly catchy.

In essence, if you liked "Chasing Lights" I really fail to see how you can possibly dislike "Wordshaker". If you are a real fan of The Saturdays you must buy this album because you will undoubtedly love it. It demonstrates progression in music and shows that they are modern, catchy and easy to listen to. And their lyrics have matured as well - the lyrics mean a lot when you really listen to them, they don't seem too manufactured or generic, despite not being written by the girls themselves. They are still well thought out - and I think they are empowering and strong. The Saturdays, through meaningful song writing and a slightly more developed electronic feel, prove with "Wordshaker" that they will stick around and get better and better.