kimberley walsh - Can't Stop The Pop

Girls Aloud – Something Kinda Ooooh

‘Something Kinda Ooooh’ gave Girls Aloud their mojo back and deftly silenced rumours that the group might be about to split.

Initially mooted as the lead single for Girls Aloud’s second album, ‘Wake Me Up’ instead served as the fourth – and final – release.

Expectations were high for Girls Aloud’s first (proper) post-greatest hits single. But did ‘Sexy! No No No…’ deliver?

‘Long Hot Summer’ is generally regarded as being among Girls Aloud’s worst singles. But it’s not really that bad…is it?

In the face of underlying uncertainty over Girls Aloud’s long-term future, ‘The Show’ could’ve played things safe. Needless to say, it didn’t.

Despite some fleeting doubts over the song, ‘No Good Advice’ cemented Girls Aloud and Xenomania’s status as a dream partnership.

Releasing ‘Untouchable’ as a single came at a cost as, somehow, this six-and-a-half-minute opus had to be squashed down into a radio edit.

Surely even Sugababes and Girls Aloud could conquer the pitfalls of a high-profile pop collaboration and charity single? Well…

‘The Loving Kind’ feels like the product of a perfect moment in time where Girls Aloud’s critical acclaim matched their commercial success.

Ballads rarely – if ever – factor into a discussion of Girls Aloud’s best songs. But ‘Whole Lotta History’ is a notable exception to the rule.

Craig Herman / 14th December 2020 / Girls Aloud

‘Sound Of The Underground’ set a new benchmark of what a TV talent show winners’ single could be and just how far its impact could spread.