Regardless of what anyone thinks of Dappy’s hat, Tulisa’s daft name or ‘the other one’s’ bling, N-Dubz have slowly but surely mutated into one of the biggest pop bands in Europe right now. LOVE. LIVE. LIFE. is their third release, and sees the much maligned grime/pop/R&B types refine their sound in an attempt to crack the lucrative American market and, for the most part, they pull off the tightrope walk of appeasing their hardcore fans while smoothing over the rough edges admirably.
Now, if you’re one of those readers who has decided you already detest the very idea of the chavs from Camden, then it’s best to stop reading now, as there’s nothing on the record that will change your opinion. If, however, you’re a little more open-minded and appreciate a good pop hook, then you’ll find plenty of treats on the release. For starters, ‘So Alive’ (which features an appearance from underground hero Skeptic) is a brilliant piece of nursery rhyme-like UK garage; ‘Skit’ is a nasty nugget full of lightning quick raps and four-letter words; and the American R&B influenced ‘Toot It And Boot It’ (which comes complete with finger snaps, synthesized vinyl crackle and pops and honeyed vocals) could possibly be ‘the coolest’ tune N-Dubz have laid down in their distinctly ‘uncool’ career.
Admittedly, the out of place, rave-fuelled title track and the childish lyrics of ‘Girls’ don’t do them any favours, but for the most part the band’s new material justifies their claim of being the UK’s answer to the Black Eyed Peas. Now if only they’d lose those stupid fucking hats…
Key Track: ‘Toot It And Boot It’