And here I thought they were laying the brand to rest after riding the high of their ultimately successful album, PCD. But alas, I was mistaken! The Pussycat Dolls are back with a comeback single–and boy, it’s a hot one. “When I Grow Up” isn’t so much a departure from the sound of the first album as it is a continuation of the music that’s worked for them in the first place. It’s busy, it’s flashy, and it sounds like a musical carnival ride. There’s tons to be said about the song, but this is a well crafted, of-the-moment pop track. Simple as that. Nice to see you’ve come to your senses and given up the solo career, Nicole. It’s not you really…it’s your last name. Fire that agent for allowing you to enter the business without changing it.

And…Beyonce? Yep. Another leaked track from her latest recording sessions. This one’s called “Should Have (Now I Know)”. It’s a trippy, pulling track surrounded by moans and laments and a super sliding, slippery back beat that reminds me of “Starstruck” by Santogold and “Discipline” by Janet. I’m enjoying it, if nothing else because this one doesn’t have any Beyonce-invented words that end up being added to the next year’s dictionary.

So it’s been a full week since the leak of Danity‘s fabulous Welcome to the Dollhouse, and I refrained from posting a complete review until I allowed myself time to hear the album several times over. I ended up liking some tracks more than I did during the track-by-track leak last week, but the overall rating of the album remains the same.

I’ve continuously said it, but this is a strong release. “Sucka For Love”, which I included in the download section below, is a truly shimmering moment. It’s like getting sucked into a warm tunnel of glitter (Mariah Carey‘s vagina). Even “Ecstasy” and “Lights Out” shine for me, though they weren’t initial favorites at first; they’ve got such unforgettable melodies above drippy bass beats…I love it! The phrasing is really key on these songs, as well as the entire album; it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with the girl’s stuttering, stops, and sexified grunts. The CD may not be full of five-scale riffs, but its undeniably slippery with talent. And those are just the non-dance oriented tracks!

“Damaged” remains a jewel of pulsating perfection, and seems to get richer with age. I still can’t get over the first bit of each verse. Aubrey’s such a st-st-stutterer and it’s so, so appetizing. “2 Of You” is the unexpected garage-rock-lite tune breaks the Danity trip-hop mold, and sounds so much better on a booming stereo system. The hand-claps are all shades of brilliant here: it’s just smart pop! “Pretty Boy” grows steadily. If I’m not wrong, it feels more polished than the initial leak during the first single competition. And of course there’s “Strip Tease”, the Pussycat Dolls-esque racy romp through cabaret beats and a perfect electro stinger during the chorus. I just love it when Shannon(?) breaks out the “I know you like it, the way I do it private” bit in the first verse. It’s sex.

All of the tracks share a similar warm synth sound, making the album a well meshed compilation of beautiful electro-hop. Don’t wait around for some vocal exercises on this album, because they’re not here. Just bounce-happy melodies and seriously sharp pop bars. I remain confident in my ranking. This is top notch, Bad Boy produced or otherwise.

DL: Danity Kane – Sucka For Love
DL: Danity Kane – 2 Of You
DL: Danity Kane – Strip Tease
DL: Danity Kane – Bad Girl ft. Missy Elliot

The single has been decided for the ladies of Diggity Dang Dinny Do Danity Kane, and the result is (shockingly) “Damaged,” the ode to being broken goods and looking for a rebound. Hopefully they’ll toss that other song entirely.

Additionally, the group revealed the new name for the second album: Welcome To The Dollhouse.

Thankfully, there aren’t any other hip-hop influenced, sex-pot sextets around in the industry sharing the name “doll.” Right? Additionally, props to the band for the genius shout out to the essential independent movie, Welcome to the Dollhouse from 1995 with Heather Matarazzo. I can only assume they’re seeking to replicate the movie poster on their album cover. Break out those elastic hair ties, ladies.

DL: Danity Kane – Damaged