Information AboutGirls Aloud |
Girls Aloud are one of the most successful Girl Groups in the United Kingdom . Created from '' in 2002 , Girls Aloud have achieved notable success, with twelve UK Top 10 hit singles (including two UK number ones) and three hit albums. Internationally their music has also been released throughout Europe and Australasia with plans to release in China and Japan also underway. For a pop group, they receive unprecedented praise from the 'serious' music press, with publications including the {Link without Title} giving rave reviews to their music. All of their (twelve) singles have entered the UK Top 10; a feat no other girl group has ever achieved. They are also one of the only Reality TV acts to have had continued success. FORMATION In '' was launched, with the aim of creating a five-piece boy band and a five-piece girl band. Following the success of Hear'Say (winners of the original ''Popstars'' show), several thousand applicants attended auditions around the UK, hoping for a place in one of the groups. Ten men and ten women were selected from the auditions to go forward as finalists. However, before the first round of the finals two of the original female finalists were replaced: Hazel Kaneswaren was found to be too old to participate, whilst Nicola Ward refused to sign the contract. Two new finalists (Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts) were chosen, and the show continued. During October and November, the finalists took to the stage every Saturday night, singing for their place in one of the two bands. One contestant was eliminated each week until the final line-ups emerged. The resulting female line-up became Girls Aloud, managed by Louis Walsh . The winning Boy Band was called One True Voice and was managed by Pete Waterman . In Christmas 2002 the two bands competed for the symbolic number one position in the Christmas Week UK's singles chart. Girls Aloud won with their single ''Sound of the Underground'' which then stayed at number one for four weeks. Disney Channel viewers later voted this as best single of 2002-2003 at the Disney Channel Kids Awards. Originally tipped to be more successful than the girls, One True Voice released just two singles, achieved little success and quickly disbanded. SUBSEQUENT CAREER Sound Of The Underground Era After a hectic start, Girls Aloud took several months to record their album and did not release their second track until May 2003 to ensure they had an amazing follow-up under their belts. That they had and they followed their debut single with the number two hit ''No Good Advice'', proving that they weren't going to be one-hit wonders. This track went on to become one of the biggest of the year, and was also the first winner of the tongue-in-cheek Popjustice £20 Music Prize . The video, whilst widely known as the girls' least favourite to make due to ripping costumes and other problems, was also labelled one of the sexiest moments of of the year. Girls Aloud's debut album, ''Sound of the Underground'', was released in May 2003 . It went to #2, behind Justin Timberlake, in it's first week in the charts and received a relatively good response. One track 'Girls Allowed' was penned for the girls by ex- Westlife star Bryan McFadden . Also released in 2003 were the singles ''Life Got Cold'' (charting at number three), and '' Jump '' (number two) – a Cover of a Pointer Sisters song, which featured on the Soundtrack to the 2003 film '' Love Actually ''. Both were popular and helped to increase sales of the album, which went Platinum after a re-issue at the end of the year. The new version included ''You Freak Me Out'' (which appeared on the soundtrack of '' Freaky Friday '') and a cover of ''Girls on Film'' - known as one of the girls best b-sides. ''Jump'', a huge hit and international success, was included on this album - being recorded too late to be included on the original. In 2003 band member Cheryl Tweedy was convicted of assaulting a nightclub toilet attendant and sentenced to community service. The victim had claimed the attack was racially motivated, but the singer was acquitted of this charge. What Will The Neighbours Say? Era The group's first 2004 single, ''The Show'', also entered the singles chart at number two. It had been promoted beforehand by a clever campaign that also introduced the groups new look. The shoot showed an empty set of chairs with the girls' names on - which later became the single cover with the group sat in them. ''Love Machine'' – a track which became one of the year's most popular songs and joined ''Jump'' as a dancefloor classic - also peaked at #2 in the UK Charts. ''Love Machine'' was nominated as ITV 's Record Of The Year , but was beaten by Busted 's ''Thunderbirds Are Go''. ''Love Machine'' went on to be used in advertisements for Homebase and was covered by the Arctic Monkeys on Radio 1 's Live Lounge in 2006. They hit number one again with their next single, a cover of The Pretenders classic ''I'll Stand By You'', released toward the end of November. This was the official single of the 2004 Children In Need appeal, helping to raise money for the charity. It sold almost 60,000 in it's first week of release - a rarity in the year it took just 25k to reach the top spot. Their second album, entitled '' What Will The Neighbours Say? '', was released on November 29 th 2004 and entered the album charts at number 6, going platinum in under one month. ''What Will the Neighbours Say?'' featured the production and song writing work of Xenomania , a British production house. The success of the album led to the girls announcing a tour for the following year. The name comes from a lyric in ''Love Machine.'' It received outstanding reviews from critics and adoration from fans as it improved on their debut. Although Girls Aloud are often criticised for not writing their own songs – a common trend among pop artists – Girls Aloud have co-writing credits for five out of 14 tracks on their second album: ''Big Brother'' (Cheryl Tweedy), ''Hear Me Out'' (Sarah Harding), ''Thank Me Daddy'' (Kimberley Walsh), ''I Say a Prayer for You'' (Nicola Roberts), and ''100 Different Ways'' (Nadine Coyle). They also co-wrote the B-sides ''History'' and ''Loving Is Easy'' (both ''Wake Me Up'' b-sides.) By the start 2005, Girls Aloud were at the height of fame. Not only had they picked up a Glamour Award for 'Band of the Year' and been voted as some of the world's sexiest women, they were also nominated for a Brit Award alongside McFly and Natasha Bedingfield . The girls' eighth single, ''Wake Me Up'', was released on February 21 st 2005 and charted at number four, continuing their string of top five singles. This was the final single to be taken from their second album. In September it followed in the footsteps of ''No Good Advice'' by picking up a second Popjustice £20 Music Prize. Later in the year the official Girls Aloud forum was filled with rumours new group Pussycat Dolls would cover the song, but luckily for most of the fans this rumour was not true. Chemistry Era In late 2005 the group worked on their third album, ''Chemistry'', after a short break following their sell-out UK tour. The first single to be taken from the forthcoming album, ''Long Hot Summer'' (which charted at number seven), was the group's ninth consecutive top ten hit. Slightly before this a debut DVD release surfaced, which showed behind the scenes footage, videos, performances and various other things. It was followed by the release of a calendar, official book and tour DVD. ''Chemistry'' was released on 2005 at number 11 but with high sales that would have been worthy of number one for 22 weeks out of the year and went platinum soon after. ''Biology'' entered the UK charts at number four in November 2005 making them the only girl group to ever match the Spice Girls record of ten consecutive Top 10 singles in the UK. It also reached number one on the iTunes Most Downloaded Chart, number one on the TV Airplay Chart and eventually number two on the Official UK Download Chart. Their cover of Dee C. Lee's ''See the Day'' gave them another top ten hit in December 2005 in the all-important Christmas week, charting at number nine in that competitive week. With this single they became the first girl group in the UK to achieve 11 consecutive Top 10 singles in the UK from debut release to 11th single. ''See the Day'' is Girls Aloud's biggest hit on Radio Airplay since ''Sound of the Underground'', peaking at number six on the Radio Airplay Chart and topping the TV Airplay Chart. In an interview with POP Magazine published in February 2006 , Girls Aloud said that their next album will be their fourth studio album rather than a Greatest Hits compilation as many articles have suggested and which most pop groups usually release after three studio albums. The girls also promoted in Australia and New Zealand that month. Arriving on the last Thursday of the month, the tour lasted just one week and the girls reached number 26 in the chart. ''Whole Lotta History'' became the fourth single from ''Chemistry'', released on March 13 th 2006 . It entered the UK Singles Chart the week prior to it's release due to a new rule stating that singles could enter on the Sunday before release based on download sales. It became the 4th highest 'download only' entry at #80. The week after it officially debuted at number six - as the #80 position was outside the recorded Top 75, this became the weeks highest new entry. The single is accompanied by a video filmed in Paris, making it their first video to be filmed outside a studio, and outside the UK. The girls embark on their second UK Tour - and their first Arena Tour - in May 2006. Another tour DVD is expected to be released before Christmas. In May 2006, Polydor Records launch and plays on their official website. It's becoming increasingly unlikely that Models will be released as no video has yet been filmed at under a month until release. To add to the confusion a Radio Edit has been recorded so perhaps it will get a later release. Despite most of the girls falling (except Nadine) in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women 2006, Girls Aloud are still the sexiest girl band around with all 5 members in the top 100. No other girl band has had all 5 in the top 100 in the same year. TOURS Despite being the successful contestants of the talent show, , they tend not to sing live, with the majority of their fast paced performances on-stage done through miming (lip synching). However, they proved their effectiveness as a live group through the "What Will the Neighbours Say" tour in 2005, in which many of the numbers were sung live. The girls also sang live during promotion in Australia and of the ballad singles in the UK. Member Nadine stated on the Australian talk show "What You Want" that they enjoy getting a chance to sing live because many UK venues don't even provide real mics to sing with. After hitting the No.1 spot with the debut the girls and other Popstars: The Rivals contestants planned to perform in various areas of the UK. However, due to supposed lack of interest the tour was cancelled. Louis Walsh, then their manager, stated the girls would go on their own tour in the near future. What Will The Neighbours Say? Following the success of the What Will The Neighbours Say? album - the girls set dates for their debut tour. The tour (What Will The Neighbours Say? Live 2005) was a theatre tour during which they performed at 24 different locations in 30 dates. Support acts were Cookie and Kute, along with Triple 8 (only at the Hammersmith gigs) - a band including the boyfriend of band member Kimberley Walsh. The set list was as follows: The Show, Here We Go, Girls On Film, No Good Advice, Graffiti My Soul, Teenage Dirtbag, Wake Me Up', Life Got Cold, Deadlines and Diets, I'll Stand By You, Love Machine, Real Life, Girls Allowed (including 'C'est Chic' interlude), Jump and Sound Of The Underground. 'Le Freak, C'est Chic' was performed by Sarah & Nadine in between of album track 'Girls Allowed', as part of a disco dance. The surprising cover of 'Teenage Dirtbag' by Wheatus was one of the shows highlights - edited with new lyrics. Album track 'Real Life' was also a popular performance, it given a samba re-working and started as a bluesy ballad. Chemistry This year the girls are heading another tour, appearing in various arenas across the UK. Dates for the tour were revealed in October, before tickeys went on sale in November. Because the venues are much larger than the ones used in the previous tour, the girls are performing fewer dates. Tickets can be purchased here. Unlike their 2005 tour, there is no Irish leg of the Chemistry Arena Tour - something which many Irish fans have complained about since the announcement. It is believed that dates in Ireland were planned to be added before Christmas but were scraped after their latest releases did not perform as well as earlier ones in the Irish Charts. Girls Aloud are also set to appear at the V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire on August 19th & 20th , 2006 . GIRLS ALOUD: OFF THE RECORD Girls Aloud have recorded a six-part series for Wikipedia page. DISCOGRAPHY Albums Sound of the Underground
# Sound Of The Underground # No Good Advice # Some Kind of Miracle # All I Need (All I Don't) # Life Got Cold # Mars Attack # Stop # Girls Allowed # Forever and a Night # Love/Hate # Boogie Down Love # Don't Want You Back # White Lies # Love Bomb (UK Bonus) # Everything You Ever Wanted (UK Bonus) Sound of the Underground (Re-Issue)
# Sound of the Underground # No Good Advice # Life Got Cold # Jump # Some Kind of Miracle (New Version) # All I Need (All I Don't) # Mars Attack # You Freak Me Out # Girls Allowed # Forever and a Night # Love/Hate # Boogie Down Love # Stop # White Lies # Girls on Film (UK Bonus) # Sound of the Underground (Enhanced Video) # No Good Advice (Enhanced Video) # Life Got Cold (Enhanced Video) You Freak Me Out was recorded for the Freaky Friday soundtrack. What Will the Neighbours Say?
# The Show # Love Machine # I'll Stand By You # Jump # Wake Me Up # Deadlines and Diets # Big Brother # Hear Me Out # Graffiti My Soul # Real Life # Here We Go # Thank Me Daddy # I Say a Prayer for You (UK Bonus) # 100 Different Ways (UK Bonus) Chemistry
# Intro # Models # Biology # Wild Horses # See the Day # Watch Me Go # Waiting # Whole Lotta History # Long Hot Summer # Swinging London Town # It's Magic # No Regrets (UK Bonus) # Racy Lacey (UK Bonus) Australian and New Zealand Version The Australian and New Zealand version of the album was released on 20th February 2006. The album's only difference (aside from the fact it doesn't include Racy Lacey and No Regrets) is that it features 'The Show' (track 6) and 'I'll Stand By You' (track 13, bonus song.) Both these tracks are available on What Will The Neighbours Say. Singles Sound of the Underground
''CD1'' # Sound of the Underground # Stay Another Day # Sound of the Underground (Remix) ''CD2'' # Sound of the Underground # Stay Another Day (Instrumental Version) # Exclusive Interview with Girls Aloud ''Cassette'' # Sound of the Underground # Stay Another Day No Good Advice
''CD'' # No Good Advice # On a Round # No Good Advice (Dreadzone Vocal Mix) # No Good Advice (Enhanced Video) ''DVD'' # Sound of the Underground (Video) # No Good Advice (Audio) # Photo Gallery # Behind the scenes footage from the No Good Advice video shoot ''Cassette'' # No Good Advice # On a Round "No Good Advice" won the inaugural Popjustice £20 Music Prize in 2003. Life Got Cold
''CD1'' # Life Got Cold # Girls on Film # No Good Advice (Double Funk Clean Vocal Mix) # Life Got Cold (Video) # Photo Gallery ''CD2'' (Poor distribution in 1st week) # Life Got Cold (Album Version) # Life Got Cold (Radio Edit) # Life Got Cold (29 Palms Remix Edit) # Life Got Cold (Stella Browne Edit) ''Cassette'' # Life Got Cold (Album Version) # Life Got Cold (Radio Version) # Lights, Music, Camera, Action! Jump
''CD1'' # Jump (for My Love) # Girls Allowed # Grease ''CD2'' # Jump (for My Love) # Love Bomb (Album Version) # Jump (Almighty Vocal Mix) ''Cassette'' # Jump (for My Love) # Girls Allowed (Almighty Vocal Mix) This single appeared on the '' Love Actually '' soundtrack. The Show
''CD1'' # The Show # Jump (Flip and Fill Remix) ''CD2'' # The Show # The Show (Gravitas Club Mix) # The After Show (Interview) # The Show (Instrumental) # The Show (Enhanced Video) ''Limited Edition 3" CD'' # The Show # Jump (Flip and Fill Remix) # The Show (Ringtone) Love Machine
''CD1'' # Love Machine # The Show (Flip & Fill Remix) ''CD2'' # Love Machine # Love Machine (Gravitas Disco Mix) # Androgynous Girls # Love Machine (Enhanced Video) # Love Machine (Karaoke Video) # Club Game ''Limited Edition 7" Picture Disc'' # Love Machine # Love Machine (Tony Lamezma Mix) I'll Stand By You
CD1 # I'll Stand By You # Real Life CD2 # I'll Stand By You # I'll Stand By You (Tony Lamezma's Club Romp) # Medley (What Will The Neighbours Say Medley) # I'll Stand By You (Enhanced Video) This was the Official Children In Need 2004 charity single. Writers: Chrissie Hynde / Tom Kelly / Bill Steinberg Producer: Brian Higgins Wake Me Up
CD1 # Wake Me Up # I'll Stand By You (Gravitas Vocal Dub Mix Edit) CD2 # Wake Me Up # Wake Me Up (Tony's Lamezma's "Love Affair") # History # Wake Me Up (Video) # Wake Me Up (Karaoke Video) # Motorbike Game 7" Picture Disc (Limited Edition) # Wake Me Up # Loving is Easy # Wake Me Up (Gravitas Club Mix) "Wake Me Up" won them their second Popjustice £20 Music Prize in 2005. Long Hot Summer
CD1 # Long Hot Summer # Love Machine # Jump CD2 # Long Hot Summer # Long Hot Summer (Benites Beats) # Real Life (Live From The Hammersmith Apollo) # Long Hot Summer (Video) # Long Hot Summer (Karaoke Video) # 'GA Autos' Garage Game 12" Vinyl # Long Hot Summer # Long Hot Summer (Tony Lamezma Rides Again) # Jump (Almighty Vocal Mix) iTunes Download (iTunes Exclusive) # Long Hot Summer (Live From G-A-Y Version) Biology
CD1 # Biology # The Show (Tony Lamezma Club Mix) CD2 # Biology # Nobody But You # Biology (Tony Lamezma Remix) # Biology (Video) # Biology (Karaoke Video) # Butterfly Game iTunes Download # Biology # Nobody But You # Biology (Tony Lamezma Remix) See The Day
CD1 # See the Day # It's Magic CD2 (with FREE Signed Christmas Card) # See the Day # I Don't Really Hate You # See the Day (Roundhouse Mix) # Album Medley # See the Day Video) # See the Day (Karaoke Video) # Game iTunes Download # See the Day # I Don't Really Hate You # See the Day (Roundhouse Mix) # Album Medley Whole Lotta History
CD1 #Whole Lotta History #Crazy Fool CD2 #Whole Lotta History #Teenage Dirtbag At Carling Academy London #Whole Lotta History (Tony Lamezma Mix) #Whole Lotta History (Video) #Whole Lotta History (Karaoke Video) #Game 'Download Only' #Whole Lotta History - Live Acoustic Version 'Whole Lotta History' entered the UK Charts at number 80 the Sunday before its release. This is due to a new chart rule which states that songs can enter the chart the week before their physical CD's hit the shops through download only sales. Girls Aloud were the fourth highest entry with only downloads to contribute to their entry. As this is outside the Top 75, it is not listed and when they jumped to #6 the next week this was actually classed as the weeks highest new entry. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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