By Colin 
Who would have thought it? Reality TV may not be known for producing long-term musical success stories, but Girls Aloud proved to be the exception. Formed on Popstars: The Rivals back in 2002, they have gone on to defy expectations. In just five years, they released four studio albums, a greatest hits compilation, and have played to packed-out crowds across the UK.
Their appeal leans heavily toward a younger demographic. The songs are bright, accessible, and catchy enough to stick after just one listen. Their image, too, holds obvious appeal, especially for those who pay more attention to the posters than the music. But dismissing them as just another manufactured pop group would be a mistake. Girls Aloud have shown time and again that it is possible to emerge from a reality TV show with staying power, credibility, and a catalogue of proper pop gems.
Tangled Up opens with ‘Call the Shots’, a polished, confident single that offers a major improvement over the overly processed and underwhelming ‘Sexy! No No No…’. That earlier track remains the weakest inclusion here, but what is most impressive is how few missteps there are. This is a group that continues to deliver albums packed with potential singles. While some acts pad out releases with filler, Girls Aloud have consistently created pop albums that feel focused and deliberate.
Polished pop with energy and style
The pace rarely lets up. Most tracks bounce along with the kind of energy that fits perfectly into both radio rotation and club dancefloors. ‘Close to Love’ is an obvious standout, designed to fill floors with ease, while other cuts flirt with electro-pop and eighties-inspired production without ever sounding like pastiche. Only the final track slows things down, and even then, it avoids falling into tired ballad territory.
This is not a record trying to be cool or cutting-edge. It is proud to be pop. That clarity of intent is part of its strength. At a time when the charts are often filled with safe, forgettable ballads or trend-chasing singles, Tangled Up offers something different: unashamed fun, bold production, and memorable hooks. It knows what it is, and it does it exceptionally well.
Whether you are buying for a younger relative or just craving a dose of well-crafted, high-gloss pop, Tangled Up delivers. Alongside the Sugababes, Girls Aloud continue to set the standard for British girl groups. Their legacy should not be overlooked. If anything, albums like this prove that great pop never really goes out of fashion.
Colin