Name:
CrownArtist: GirlSpice
Genre: Pop, electronic, R&B
Label: Permanent Reminder
-- part one --
01. Strike Up the Band
02. Doctor, Doctor
03. In a Dream
04. Clear as Crystal
05. Good Lookin'
06. Slow
-- part two --
07. True Love
08. Delirious
09. Messin' Around
10. Night Time Lovers
11. Sidekick
12. Thunder
CROWN - PART 1 (Scroll for first six songs)The girls kick off their comeback album with a bang, starting with number one single "
Strike Up the Band", a ferociously unapologetic EDM pop track with provocative lyrics that fits in perfectly with GirlSpice's discography. It's controversial, ridiculous and most importantly, down right dirty, all the makings of your average GirlSpice hit. While it thankfully doesn't give an indication of what's to come on the album, it's a great way to kick off the record, especially with it being the group's tenth, as it successfully incorporates everything GirlSpice embodies in pop music and celebrates that unashamedly.
While
Crown may be somewhat of an overall departure in GirlSpice's pure pop sound that usually follows throughout their albums, favouring slightly more urban influences this time, "
Doctor Doctor" is another classic GirlSpice track through and through. Featuring a playful theme to the song, catchy lyrics and an irresistible pop beat, the girls clearly had their fanbase in mind when including this track on the record in order to appeal to some of the old-timers who have been following the group since their 2007 debut. While most songs on the album focus on one member specifically to give them each their time to shine, "Doctor Doctor" is pretty equally shared out, which is likely to make it a fan favourite from the record. While not being quite as brash or risky as "Strike Up the Band", the track makes for a safe, likely single choice thanks to its commercial sound and fun lyrics, which could score the girls another easy hit.
"
In a Dream" is track three on
Crown and features perhaps the most experimental sound on the album as the girls' relaxed, distorted vocals blend perfectly with the trippy, summery electronic pop sound of the track. It's not quite your average club banger from GirlSpice and features more sweet, innocent lyrics from the group as they sing "Don't take away the sweetness of this feeling / I'm deep in the bliss of a kiss in a dream". Sophia takes lead on the track, a suitable fit for the style of the song as her light, airy vocals work perfectly with its uplifting, dreamy feel, while the girls sing together on the immensely catchy chorus that has all the makings of a bona fide GS classic.
"
Clear as Crystal" could mostly be compared to lead single "Strike Up the Band" for its energetic EDM sound and while the two tracks don't accurately represent the album's entire sound, they certainly bring the tempo up, throwing some club-ready GirlSpice tracks into the mix. It marks the last heavily electronic/pop inspired sound on the album before the girls showcase their more urban tracks that start to first appear mid-way through
Crown. GirlSpice's most successful solo member, Nadia Berry, takes lead on the bold track and her powerful vocals match perfectly with the song, its highlight being the explosive dance breakdown following the chorus featuring prominent horns. Once again, it's a unique sound to hear Berry's voice over the track and showcases her versatility as a vocalist.
"
Good Lookin'" shows the first signs of the more urban approach taken to the album and while it's still a catchy pop track, the blend of the two genres makes for a refreshing twist on your average GirlSpice hit and one that surprisingly works well with their vocals. Chantal takes the lead on the song with charismatic, feisty vocals drenched in attitude, her outspoken personality matching perfectly with sassy lyrics such as "Don't wanna hear the same old lines / I've heard 'em a thousand times". It's nothing extraordinary or all that different and the lyrics leave a lot to be desired, but if you don't over think the track and enjoy it for what it is, which you should do with most GirlSpice hits, then it's entirely enjoyable.
GirlSpice's
Crown takes a sexy, sultry turn for 80s inspired track six, "
Slow", and the track's subject comes as no surprise to the listener as the girls croon "Slow, slow, real slow, slow / Show me what you're working with / Down low, low" over a slick mid-tempo production with hints of throwback disco. If there was any worry about the group being vocally lacking without Kimberly's presence, this is the song to go to, they harmonise perfectly together on the chorus and sound both impressive, yet sexy. No one's over singing or ruining the nature of the relaxed track, it's like soothing honey to the ears and proves their vocals are perfect for songs like "Slow". It's likely to be a grower with fans and may not be a standout for some on the album, but it certainly does its job of adding some sensual, sophisticated vibes to the record.