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The U.K. trio Sugababes jumped the teen pop bandwagon prior to the new millennium surge and exuded their own sassy demeanor without the frivolity of most mainstream acts. Siobhan Donaghy, Keisha Buchanan, and Mutya Buena were barely in their teens when they formed in 1998, but individually came together for a liking of garage, hip-hop, and dance music. Initially, Sugababes were three friends who enjoyed singing along to the radio -- Buchanan and Buena had been pals since primary school, and a chance meeting with Donaghy molded a fierce bond. All citing various ethnic backgrounds and artistical choices, a career in music wasn't intentional, yet their three-part harmonies were too infectious. A deal with London-Sire surfaced in 2000, and studio time with producer Cameron McVey (All Saints, Pete Tong) led to a vivacious debut album. One Touch, which was released in summer 2001, featured a dozen tracks co-written by the girls, and the smash hit "Overload." Shortly thereafter, rumors swirled around founding member Siobhan Donaghy's departure. Buena and Buchanan both denied that she was kicked out of the band in fall 2001, but she was no longer a part of The Sugababes after a four year run together. Heidi Range, one of the pre-chart members of Atomic Kitten, replaced Donaghy. In November 2002, Angels With Dirty Faces marked the vocal trio's debut album; "Freak Like Me" was an immediate chart smash and the ladies took home an award for "Best Dance Act" at the annual BRIT awards that same month. Second single "Shape" hit the UK charts in spring 2003, coinciding the domestic release of Angels With Dirty Faces. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide |
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