** N Dubz - Thumbz uP ** (Uncle B - N-Dubz)

Member Name: izzoh

Product:	Uncle B - N-Dubz
Date:	30/05/09 (200 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Catchy, Variety of songs, Great beats, lyrics which make sense.

Disadvantages: the adlibs might drive you crazy.

This is the first album from the young threesome act who come under the 'hip-hop and RnB' genre of music, although they could squeeze into garage and even a little bit of grime if you want to max it as much as possible. Or in other words Pop with a street smart style (as N Dubz themselves put it)

N Dubz consist of three young people from London, two males and one female who have worked hard to make it in the very hard music industry and I would like to point out that no matter what you think of them or their music... if you have heard of them to the point that you have an opinion then they have achieved more then many others trying to represent this kind of music at the moment. The album is a little bit focused on their 'hard' life and how they have had to learn from 'the streets or the slum' as they put it. But many people don't realise that some of London's suburbs are pretty bad and what they talk about it a normal day of life for many young people. But regardless of that the lyrics are not too hard and nothing too heavy on the old emotions.

So, my first thoughts were, should I get the album. I've heard a couple of their tracks, quite catchy, heard the name quite a bit and I must say considering the squeaky voices that seem to be associated with N Dubz I find that their music is very catchy and makes me move my head, so I thought, why not, lets get the album. Oh and they have also one a MOBO award for best newcomers and as this album has gone platinum they must have something going for them.


The album was released on 17th November 2008 and has a total of 17 tracks and lasts an average of approx 50 minutes. I must say that I am fond of all the tracks on this album which is unusual for me as there always seems to be a dud one or two. But N Dubz have excelled and I can not fault any of their songs and I never skip tracks because I enjoy them all! (Yes I was surprised too!) So here are my favourite sounds from the album...


* Wouldn't you *
As the seventh song to be released as a single from the album it reached number 65 in the charts BEFORE even being released. This is where they introduce their most popular adlib to the album... 'Na Na Niiiiiii'. I have no idea what it means but when you hear it, you know your listening to N Dubz.
This has a great feel to the song and a great beat which really gets you into the song. The female lyrics are smooth and even though there is a lot going on I think the raps from the guys and the female lyrics fit well together. Based on the idea of having a real relationship but not committing to that person, it is an easy to listen to song and I think structured really well to keep the song flowing and not just looping the chorus again and again.

* Strong Again *
This was the third single from the album although it wasn't fully released as a CD. It got a lot of air play and I believe definitely made N Dubz a music name. With the 'a-ha-ah' and 'na na niiii' they ass their own twist to a semi-normal track. A great well sung chorus and a catchy tune. Oh and if you listen to the lyrics it's actually a very uplifting tune.

* I swear *
Probably one of my favourite songs on the album. A great beat and fantastic music. N Dubz sound really comes into its own in this track. Their slightly crazy voices work so well on the chorus and I think it's a great track. I defy you to not nod your head to the beat. A perfect mix of rap and vocals mean you don't get bored and tells a great story of infidelity.

* Ouch *
My first introduction to n dubz was to this song and I love having it turned up as loud as I can. A brilliant soft introduction which adds suspense to the song (and the story if you listen to the words). A steady beat throughout and catchy lyrics won't let you forget this song.

* Secrets *
The slow jam of the pack, something which might surprise you as you get towards the end of the album but it is one of my favourites because the laid back sound really hits the RnB spot and the tempo is perfect for it to be a chillaxing song but enough to keep your head nodding. The tune is actually heart-warming in an odd way if you listen properly.

* Love for My Slums *
This track was number one on channel u for several weeks and it is one of the more heavy tracks where hip hop is more apparent in the influence. It varies itself from the other songs because it comes across as slightly more serious and the collaboration with underground rap artist Baker Troble gives it a more professional slightly edgy appeal.


* My Conclusion *

My main concern with this album was that the songs were all going to sound the same and constant rapping which meant nothing. I'm not saying their lyrics are full of life and meaning, but they are well written and actually have a story if you listen properly. I found most of the tracks had their own little special something and after listening to the album over and over again I am still not bored with it! No-one can say they have listened to this album with out having to giggle somewhere. It really is quite an amazing piece of work.
I felt there was enough of a mixture between singing, rapping and music in order to keep me entertained and the beats are definitely ones which I can dance too. I am pleasantly surprised and will definitely be buying their next album.

For everyone who has already pre-judged these guys, I suggest giving them a chance. They are definitely not everyone's cup of tea but they were mine.... With a cherry on top!

(Also published on Ciao under myself izzoh)

Summary: Don't jusdge a book by its cover. A brilliant album.