Oh, the Sugababes.

After months of promo, the UK girl group formally known as the best selling group of the 21st century (and now mostly for its ever-rotating roster) has decided to give away their latest single “Freedom” as a free download on Amazon beginning this week.

From their Facebook:

As a thank you to their fans the Sugababes are offering their new single, ‘Freedom’ as a free download via Amazon. Head to the link below to download your copy of ‘Freedom’ available from September 25th

The free download comes (presumably) after the track failed to pick up any traction whatsoever amongst British audiences (according to Compare My Radio, the track has only been spun once by BBC Radio 1 and once by BBC Radio 2)–not to mention an increasing apathy by listeners and/or fans.

Jade Ewen came to the group’s defense on Twitter hours ago after a surge of Twitter rumors last night claimed her as the latest girl to ditch the group, tweeting:

Wow! So who started this rumour guys?? The only place this Sugababe is going is to the studio with the girls to work on our new album!

Meanwhile, the pre-order link for “Freedom” on iTunes UK no longer works.

Sigh…

It’s the answer to the question everyone’s been asking ever since Keisha Buchanan got the boot/left the group in September of 2009: Can the girl group made up of three girls that were never part of the original line-up really still call themselves the Sugababes? The answer: Sorry, no can do!

Founding member Mutya Buena has just won a lawsuit against the troupe for legal rights to the band’s original name. From the NME article:

The singer then announced she would be pursuing legal action to win the rights to the name Sugababes and announced yesterday that she had succeeded.

She wrote on her Facebook page of the news: “I won the official name of the Sugababes now!!! I deserve this! I’m over the moon!”. She is also listed as the owner of the name Sugababes on the official EU trademark website.

The decision not only means current members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen will potentially have to tour and record under a new name, but that Buena and original members Keisha Buchanan and Siobahn Donaghy will be able to reunite under the name Sugababes if they wish.

So, um…now what? The ‘Babes have a brand new single due out at the start of September (“Freedom”) and an album launch on the horizon. Coupled with dwindling support from the group’s original fan-base, is this the sound of goodbye?

Will Jade Ewen finally get to realize her dreams as a perfectly good solo artist in her own right? Will Amelle Berrabah start up a bad ass bitch duo with Alesha Dixon? Will Heidi Range launch a high street collection of tea cozies? Only one thing’s for sure: The Sugababes are officially no more.

…That is, unless the original group reforms. SHIVERS.

In all seriousness though, this is incredibly sad news: It’s officially the end of an era (for now). RIP Sugababes!

EDIT: Orrrrr not so fast!

NME has provided a quick update to their original story to clarify that Mutya has only won some rights to the Sugababes name, including “paper, cardboard and goods; namely stationery, paper gift wrap and paper gift wrapping ribbons.”

The Sugas live to fight another day! BUT YOU’LL NEVER WRAP A GIFT IN THIS TOWN AGAIN, AMELLE.

$UCCE$$!

The Sugababes took to the stage at T4 On The Beach earlier today to perform their upcoming single, “Freedom.”

Today’s performance marked a crucial moment for the ‘Babes: Not only was this the official premiere of their new single, but their first performance following the announcement of their switch from Island Records to Sony/RCA. In short: You best believe that everything is riding on the success of this new single.

Luckily, it’s a pretty great pop banger. The verses allow for each ‘Babe to really croon individually (I can’t believe how incredible Jade Ewen sounds here–absolutely stunning vocal performance!), and the chorus is nothing short of an earworm (the fluttery harmonization on the actual word “Freedom” is still a bit iffy live, admittedly). Apart from the awkwardly all-too-obvious Brit Brit dubstep breakdown midway through, “Freedom” is a thoroughly solid track.

Along with the song, I happened to love mostly everything about this performance: The vocals were strong. (Jade starting at the 3-minute mark–oh my GOD!) The dance steps were (mostly) tight. The flags-aloft strut down the catwalk was fierce and En Vogue-esque. Despite a seemingly dead crowd response, it was a job well done!

While everyone and their Suga Momma has all but given up on the ‘Babes at this point following original member Keisha Buchanan‘s dismissal from the group in late 2009, I’m still rooting for the troupe. Get it, girls!

“Freedom” will be released on September 5. (iTunes UK)

The full video for the Sugababes‘ third single off of their upcoming album Sweet 7 has now arrived. There are so many questions to be asked, but perhaps above all: How’d you get your ponytail like that, Jade?

Even more importantly: Does anyone notice the fact that there are LARGE SCALE VERSIONS of the objects they’re singing about in the background, including diamonds and shoes?

Here we have an example: a large CGI tie sitting in the background as Amelle sings “I’m like the tie around your neck.” OR DID I JUST META-BLOW YOUR FUCKING MIND?

“Wear My Kiss” will be released on February 22, just two weeks before the long-awaited release of the ‘Babes seventh studio album, Sweet 7.

Well, the year is just about over now, which means that those “Best Of 2009″ lists just won’t let up anytime soon. Two weeks ago saw my “Top 40 Albums of 2009″ list. Now, it’s time to get down to the finest singles of the year. LET’S DO THIS.

All chart and sales figures provided by Wikipedia.

20. Mariah Carey – Obsessed (Listen)
It was the guiltiest, most quotable pleasure of the year: “Obsessed,” the so-bad-it’s-good, so-good-it’s-bad mid-tempo jam leading off the charge of Mariah Carey’s less than successful twelfth studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

You love it, you hate it, but there’s no need to get all fired up with your Napoleon complex; the only thing that could have made this song better would be if it came bundled with a George Foreman grill and a bottle of Windex.

“Obsessed” topped the charts at #7 on the US Hot 100, as well as #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs list and Top 20 in many territories around the world.

19. Beyonce – Video Phone ft. Lady Gaga (Listen)
Though it would be impossible to top the weave-tossin’, hip-poppin’ brilliance that is “Diva,” “Video Phone” is just about as close as you can get to replicating that level of fierce-nass. Already an instant classic off of I Am…Sasha Fierce, the injection of Lady Gaga‘s ridiculous, warbling verses and a tranny-tastic music video made the song damn near untouchable.

That being said, “Video Phone” generally failed to catch on with the general public, stalling at #65 on the Hot 100 with no sign of fueling back up again anytime soon.

18. Cheryl Cole – Fight For This Love (Listen)
It was the tensest moment on X Factor this year: The debut performance of a solo Cheryl Cole. What would she sound like? How would the song fare? Breaking out with a hip, sleek routine (once a soldier, then a samurai) and a nasty dance break sequence, Cheryl fought, fought, fought for the public’s love, effectively dominating the latter half of 2009 with her debut single.

Though not the strongest song off of her debut 3 Words, it’s certainly the most influential: “Fight For This Love” broke the record for the fastest selling UK single, debuted at #1 in both Ireland and the UK, and scored the highest first week sales for a single in 2009.

17. Ke$ha – Tik Tok (Listen)
It’s loud, it’s obnoxious, and it’s all I listened to during the summer: “Tik Tok” is drunk-pop revelry at its finest, and one hell of a way to debut.

The song as just hit #1 on the Hot 100, according to yesterday’s Billboard news.

16. Shakira – She Wolf (Listen)
If anyone else sung this, it would be a disaster. But it’s not just anyone–it’s Shakira, the lust-worthy Latina songstress capable of making a coffee machine in an office sound downright sexy. The release was aided by an equally weird/brilliant video, featuring the singer doing enough limb-bending choreography to have Gumby crossing his legs in pain while watching.

“She Wolf” and its Spanish counterpart “Loba” climbed to the #11 spot on the US Hot 100 and a #1 position on the Hot Dance Club Songs list, as well as dozens of Top 10 positions all around the world.

15. Madonna – Celebration (Listen)
Ringing in over twenty-five years of international success in the music industry as the world’s reigning Queen of Pop, “Celebration” had quite a bit of hype to live up to. While some criticized the singer for trying too hard to maintain relevancy, the song served its purpose and ultimately contributed to the Madonna legacy of pure, unadulterated escapism tacked to a disco dancing beat.

While “Celebration” stalled at #71 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song took a Top 5 charting across most other parts of the world, including a #3 peak in the UK’s Single Chart.

14. Rihanna – Hard (Listen)
Leading off one of the year’s best albums, Riri goes harder than ever before with a cocky chorus and a newfound swagger and delightfully confident sexuality. Lots of brags (“The hottest bitch in heels right here”) and lots of burns (“Ain’t like me, that chick too phony”). And as for that personal shout-out near the song’s end? “Where dem blah-gahs at? Where dem blah-gahs at?” Yeah…bonus points all around.

“Hard” has since climbed to the #11 position on the US Hot 100, though it’s still too new to declare the song’s peak position.

13. Sugababes – About A Girl (Listen)
As the unexpected dawn of a new era began late this year with the departure of Keisha Buchanan and the arrival of Jade Ewen, haters and doubters declared the girl group officially dead.

As it turned out, the Sugas have never sounded sweeter. “About A Girl” was the defiant anthem the girls needed to survive, earning a #8 spot on the UK Charts and proving that Jade Ewen is a voice to be reckoned with.

12. Lily Allen – The Fear (Listen)
Leading off the campaign for her sophomore album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, “The Fear” took a wry stab at the socialite life. With Greg Kurstin‘s glittering electronic beats and that gorgeous, dizzying chorus, it’s not hard to miss out on Allen’s dripping sarcasm: “I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless /’Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous.”

The song took the #1 spot on the UK singles chart, as well as scoring the “Best Track” award at the Q Awards.

11. Natalie Imbruglia – Want (Listen)
It’s all that you could ever want, over and over again: A lush, disco melody on repeat, “Want” is the sugary surprise single that led the march for Imbruglia’s solid fourth studio album, Come to Life.

Sadly, the song was never quite given its due credit, eventually peaking at #22 in Australia and #88 in the UK.

10. Gossip – Heavy Cross (Listen)
Did any other song send a chill running down our spines this year quite like Beth Ditto‘s howl of “I choose you!” just one minute into “Heavy Cross”? Doubtful. The song itself is a rocking smash, complete with jagged guitar riffs and disco-tinged drum beats, but it’s the Fred Falke remix made this release truly sublime.

The single premiered quite well overseas, including the #2 position in Germany and Switzerland, as well as the #14 spot on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

9. La Roux – Bulletproof (Listen)
Say what I have about Elly Jackson‘s nasty attitude or her oft-insufferable falsetto, La Roux’s debut provided some of the catchiest, hookiest tracks of 2009. Add some bright, colorful ’80′s-flavored beats to one unstoppably catchy chorus, and there you have it: “Bulletproof,” a track that more than validated all those “One to Watch” list predictions last year.

“Bulletproof” took the #1 position on the UK charts, a #1 slot on the US Dance Charts, and a gold certification in Australia and New Zealand, amongst dozens of other countries.

8. Annie – Anthonio (Listen)
With the 2008 Don’t Stop campaign at a halt for more than half a year, “Anthonio” was the much-needed reassurance that the Anniemal was still alive and well. Soothing, melodic italo-disco sweeps over the speakers as the singer recalls the tale of the no-good, dirt bag who left alone and pregnant. What more could you ask for?

While it never landed a spot on the main Singles charts, “Anthonio” climbed to #5 on the UK Indie Chart.

7. Girls Aloud – Untouchable (Listen)
The word epic is far overused in modern society, but this song cannot be properly described by any other term: Clocking in at just under seven minutes, “Untouchable” is the Girls Aloud’s own “Bohemian Rhapsody,” complete with euphoric flares of synthesizers and a classic Xenomania beat.

In the greatest Pop Injustice of 2009, “Untouchable” charted just outside the Top 10 position in the UK at #11, effectively ending the girl group’s run of twenty Top 10 singles.

6. Florence + The Machine – Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) (Listen)
I’d seen some references to Florence over the summer, but it wasn’t until her performance of “Rabbit Heart” on Later…with Jools Holland that I realized just how magical this witchy woman and her music actually were. Honorable mentions go out to the equally deserving subsequent singles from Lungs, including “Drumming Song” and “You’ve Got the Love.”

“Rabbit Heart” peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart.

5. Bat For Lashes – Daniel (Listen)
Haunting vocals, warm droplets of synthesizer, and an endless, searching sense of loneliness, “Daniel” quickly became the clear, crowning victory of Bat For Lashes‘ Two Suns sessions.

“Daniel” peaked at #36 on the UK Singles Chart.

4. Royksopp – Girl and the Robot (Listen)
Combine Sweden’s Pop Princess with Norway’s electro-geniuses, and you’ve got yourself the greatest robot love song from a Swedish chanteuse since Margaret Berger‘s “The Robot Song”…and that’s saying a lot.

The song took on the #2 position on the Norweigan Singles Chart and a surprisingly modest #25 position on the Swedish Singles Chart.

3. Britney Spears – 3 (Listen)
Considering it’s Britney (bitch), “3″ is pretty low on my “Best Of” list. With a less-than-stellar video (the director’s cut having redeemed the original), Britney’s ode to playing Yahtzee with a friend or two (or Freudian exploration of fantasy, depending on who you ask) walks the line between sexy and sleazy a bit too unevenly, at times coming off childish and tacky (which is why I’m ready for a break from further Max Martin collaborations.) Subject matter aside, it’s still an unbelievably catchy record, and one hell of a Britney classic.

The single was an instant success with radio, nabbing the #1 spot on US radio, as well as a position in Top 10 charts all across the world.

2. Ellie Goulding – Under the Sheets (Listen)
Up until a few months ago, newcomer Ellie Goulding had released nothing but a few demos and behind-the-scenes videos on her MySpace.

“Under the Sheets,” her debut release, is a gorgeous, multi-layered tapestry of hypnotic electronica and breathy vocals, not all that far from the major league stuff of Imogen Heap and Björk. The song’s replay-ready quality, coupled with a yelp-at-the-top-of-your-lungs harmonies has, for better or worse, sprinkled all sorts of high expectations around the upcoming release of her debut album in 2010.

“Under The Sheets” has since peaked at #53 on the UK charts.

1. Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Listen)
A crashing anthem of a chorus. Hitchcock references. A vogue-ready middle eight. Hooks a plenty. Nonsensical syllables abound. Fame. Death. Sex. Love. I’m a free bitch, baby.

As the most powerful, raucous celebration of pop music in years, “Bad Romance” has finalized Lady Gaga’s transition from a flavor of the month to an icon in the making. Though she may credit “Speechless” as her greatest song to date, it’s “Bad Romance” that takes the title in my book blog.

The song took the #2 spot on the Hot 100, as well as a #1 ranking in several countries internationally, including Canada, Italy, Sweden and the UK.

As if there were any question, “Bad Romance” is the best single of 2009, bar none.

When I saw the first candids of Jade Ewen on-set for the “About a Girl,”  I thought to myself “WOW, self…she’s a sassy minx.”

Who would have thought this girl and the one featured above would be one and the same? She looks like she’s just sat down for her first day of school! The nervous side-glances to Amelle and Heidi, the awkward posture and nervous giggles…it’s precious!

Even if the new line-up may seem a little strange at the moment, it seems to me that the three ‘Babes are getting along better than any previous configuration. There’s a much lighter tone in the interview. It’s almost as though they…like each other?

On a side note, what was with that answer to the dreaded Keisha question? Did Amelle and Heidi really oust her? Maybe it wasn’t the label’s decision after all…

What, what…WHAT?! I KNOW.

The Sugababes 4.0 have just covered Florence and the Machine‘s “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)” for Radio 1′s Live Lounge…for the first time live under their new formation, no less!

I need to know who made this happen. Was it Jade?

EDIT: I got so excited, I forgot to actually REVIEW the damn song. This is probably one of my favorite covers of the year…I’m absolutely blown away.

Amelle‘s lower register is chilling, Jade’s voice is more powerful and controlled than I expected, and Heidi? Well, those sugary sweet vocals are the icing on the cake here. I just can’t stop playing the song!

Is this the best Sugababes line-up yet?

Thank you to Matt for bringing this to my attention, as well as blowing my mind.

Today I received a press release in my inbox regarding the November 9 release of the Sugababes‘ second single off of Sweet 7, “About A Girl.”

Since suspending my disbelief was simply not an option about halfway through reading, I decided to share some of the many moments throughout that made me…reflect on the situation.

2009 sees a new chapter in the Sugababes’ incredible history with the exciting introduction of stunning new member Jade Ewen, who joins Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah following the departure of Keisha Buchanan, who left to pursue a solo career.

Oh really, she just left then? I believe it. NOTHING FISHY TO SEE HERE. LET US MOVE ON.

For their 7th longplayer aptly titled ‘Sweet 7’, the girls decided to retool the Sugababes magic. “It was about remembering what we are,” says Amelle, “and thinking about what we can be. We love this band. We love what we do. And we love the fact that every album is different from the last.” Three albums into her tenure as a ‘babe’ she can say this stuff.

This is almost unfair. Amelle, discussing who ‘we’ are as the Sugababes? Before you even have the option of slowly leaning back and thinking, “That’s a bit silly. She’s not really a Sugababe,” they’ve ALREADY read our minds: “NO. She can say this stuff…SHE’S BEEN HERE FOR ALMOST FOREVER.” They’re quite literally justifying her ‘Babe-ness!

Rihanna herself was working in the same studio as the Babes and after they finished recording tracks, the girls would ask their first producers Stargate what she thought of the material. The thumbs were up. Something was immediately beginning to catch fire.

And now, the actual dialogue from what actually transpired that night:

Amelle: Oi, thanks Sean Kingston!
Heidi: Slamming track. God, I’m just so excited about this!
Jade: Me too!
Heidi: WHO THE FUCK ARE YO–oh, right. Hey look, it’s Rihanna recording next door to us!
Amelle: Wow! Let’s ask her what she thinks.
Sugababes: RIHANNA.
Rihanna: ~You can see my heartttttt, beating….~
Sugabaes: RIHANNA.
Rihanna: ~Know that I must pass this test…~
Sugababes: RIHANNA.
Rihanna: ~So just pull th–~ WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT. WHO? WHAT.
Amelle: Do you like this?
Rihanna: HUH?
Heidi: OUR SONG?
Rihanna: HUH?
Jade: It’s with Sean Kingston!
Rihanna: ….*Thumbs up.*
Sugababes: *Gleeful celebration.*
Rihanna: *Middle finger.*
Soundboard Technician: Who the fuck ah’ they?
Rihanna: I don’t know. I think they’re, like, Diddy‘s new Making the Band group or some shit. SOMEONE GET ME SOME DARKER SUNGLASSES.

They were hob-nobbing with those that have shaped the sound of Beyonce and Lady Gaga and finding something with them that was distinctly their own.

Editor’s note: Not their own.

The girls Twittered the results as they were happening to their loyal fanbase in the UK, lending the whole thing an extra layer of dynamically modern instant returns. “We wanted to make the album as Sugababes as possible and wave the British flag, we‘ve pushed ourselves and stepped it up” says Amelle.

Yes, if any of the ‘Babes tweeted about the recording process, it was…well, it was Keisha who did that. How the hell does one ‘wave the British flag’ when you enlist American producers that make you sound serviceable to American radio anyway? And WHY is Amelle the only one contributing quotes to this thing? ISN’T SHE THE ONE IN THE CRAZY HOUSE RIGHT NOW?!

The new record is marked by a glistening neon sheen. It sits ahead of the contemporary curve of welterweight R&B with an endless succession of tracks to choose as singles. They say that this is the Sugababes record they are proudest of.

Some of them might even say, “This is the first Sugababes album I’ve ever recorded.”

If you can feel the confidence bouncing out of the girls in their shiny new form right now, you wouldn’t be wrong. “We’re having fun. We’re so excited to have Jade in the band and embracing the next chapter. This is us. And we want to be Sugababes as badly as ever.”

Yes, I’d have to say if there were any quality I’d pick out as eminating from the current line-up of the ‘Babes, it’s confidence.

Eesh.