It may be 2011 already but I still could not help but not resist posting my thoughts about Out of Control by Girls Aloud. Released in 2008, the album is actually not the first that I have heard from the talented girl group. Another point that I would like to make is that I actually did not fall in love with the sound of the girl group immediately. Heck, I only heard of the group two years ago which is a massive failure on my part. Anyway, let us go on now to the ‘meaty’ portion of this post, shall we?

Lasting almost an hour long, the album contains a dozen tracks that showcase the girl’s versatility as artists. The album kicks off with The Promise which I actually think is an amazing choice from the girls. The single, with all its horns, is absolutely fantastic. It is not your typical girl group song with the instrumentation telling the listener that the track is downright unique.

The Loving Kind sports the lovely sound from the synths that can only come from production house Xenomania. The track, in one word, could be said as addictive. By addictive, I mean this is the track that you could be playing all over and over without even getting tired of it. Everything falls into place in the track – the melody, the vocals, and the instrumentation work well altogether. The lyrics are also great and very easy to sing along with as well.

Rolling Back The Rivers In Time has Nadine Coyle kicking things off vocally with no instrumentation present whatsoever. The track then suddenly turns into a catchy tune with its chorus doing most of the damage. Love Is The Key starts with a Gregorian Chant-like intro with all the chants hummed. The track is filled with lots of portions when you can hear the girls just talking and not even singing. The track feels a bit country as well.

I do not feel Turn The Stone that much sadly. However, I can say that the instrumental of the track is something that I do love. Untouchable is actually one of my personal favorites in the album. Nicola Roberts starting the track vocally is a huge plus. She is the perfect choice to kick off the track and I am glad the girls decided that she better do that. Living In The Country has this amazing introduction with the mosquito sounds introducing the country vibe before the synths jump in unexpectedly.

Still, we must not forget to give credit to production house Xenomania for doing a marvelous job in producing this album. They utilized the strengths of the girl group very well and the product is a record that many people will love.

In conclusion, this album has proven (to me at least) why Girls Aloud became a very successful girl group. There are lots of positives that can be said for the album. I may have listened to the album at a very late time but I do not regret it at all. Out of Control simply delivered in every aspect imaginable. Let us just hope that this planned reunion for the girl group results to a record – may it be a single or an album, it simply does not matter as long as there is something released.

Best Track: Untouchable
Other Recommended Tracks: The Promise, The Loving Kind, Living In The Country, and Rolling Back The Rivers in Time
Date Released: November 3, 2008
Label: Fascination