The fact that the Pussycat Dolls' first album is named PCD, which
appears to be an acronym for the name of the group
is part of the
schtick that makes this album a hit on the pop charts as having titled
the album as such is sure to leave some purists to vigorously debate
whether or not the album is self-titled. As is typical of pop albums
that just happen to talk about
sexual politics the
record is full of
contradictions, and you have to wonder exactly what is the appeal of
the Dolls as a singing group. For these reasons I'm not quite sure what
to think about the Pussycat Dolls, although this is a troupe that has
worked the Vegas scene for years; that they were able to parlay the
success of the act into a singing career is far more fascinating than
anything the group has actually come up with on the record. So far we
have three singles on pop radio, and, given the sound of the album,
more to come. The album, while not quite as formulaic as other pop
records that are out there, has a lot of potential to rule the Top-40
charts of 2006 as well.
The first single released to radio is a
record in the style of Goodies by Ciara for the men. Basically the
girl is everything your girl isn't, but at the same time, not very good
for you either; though you can't hate someone for having a sweet tooth.
The record serves as a euphemism for what you want but don't need. If
one were ever to look at trends in what pop music lyrics talk about, R
& B in the nineties featured complaints about infidelity and
sneaking around, and being cheated on; here that theme is contrasted
with today's blunt honesty about the repercussions about going through
with it; on one hand she likes the attention, on the other she is
looking out for your best interests because this isn't worth ruining
your relationship. It does speak to the contradictions of the modern
relationship, and how people find a way to rationalize infidelity to
make their relationships more palatable. But just when you think that
you know what theme the lyrics of the song is speaking to, Busta Rhymes
comes in rapping about the idea that she is talking about a threesome,
and how that isn't necessarily a problem with him. Yet are we to assume
that just because he's ok with it that his girl would be? The plot
thickens ...
As catchy as that first radio single
is, you have to respect the genius of the songwriter. The songs on this
album are backed up by a pop sound that, while the lyrics are
repetitive and obnoxious, lend an air of legitimacy to their cause. The
second single Stickwitu is a mushy song about wanting, and being
together in the face of adversity, among other things, and the follow
up to the first single Don't Cha is Beep, a jingle about sexual
politics. You have this feeling that the singer is owning the sexual
objectification she's experienced over the years, rather than
complaining about it, and feels that she may as well utilize it for her
own good. Yes men are stupid for not being able to put rationale ahead
of desire, in spite of their intelligence. Or are they emotionally
immature? Or are the women silly for not having demanded respect for
their intellect and other qualities? Does any of it truly matter?
True
to the burlesque nature of their dance act, the Dolls, ten years later,
have brought that energy to the mainstream. This isn't an overnight
occurrence however, the Dolls' success is simply a continuation of what
began years ago with Moulin Rouge; the subversive commentary of which
is also apparent in other modern musicals such as Chicago and Evita.
But what does this, if anything, have to say about modern-day sexual
attitudes and behavior? Can the Dolls tell us about our own issues, as
they continue to do what they do best while we're left to our own
devices?