My Top 10 British Girl Groups

I just finished watching a 'Top 10 Girl Groups' video on the old YouTube. I was pleased with the results but I kind of feel we Brits were extremely unrepresented. The British music scene has always been at the forefront, we churn out the best and the most talented. If you want to argue; read my list and then come for me. I am about to make a lot of valid points that, and I am sorry, will prove how right I am. Us Brits are unmatched when it comes to pop! I wanted to make a Top 10 list of my own, but it is giving me an anxiety rash trying to think of an order. So, you may not agree with the placement (and neither will I in about 14 minutes), but enjoy and thank me later for infiltrating your ears with the beautiful sounds of these British gals.

10. Neon Jungle

These are the newest girls on my list, but they have made a major impact on my life and playlists. They screamed on to the scene with 'Trouble' just over a year ago. Since then they have had 3 top 20 singles and a top 10 album. I am excited for what they do next because they have such an edge and a style that I really enjoy.

9. Atomic Kitten

Things weren't looking too good for the kittens when they first started out. Given one last chance before they were to be dropped from their record label, they released 'Whole Again'. Then BANG they exploded. Two number one albums and three number one singles in the UK alone. These ladies were fun, had a little bit drama along the way but they came back on 'The Big Reunion' with original member, Kerry Katona, and just reminded us all of the magic - and lets face it they were biggest stars of the show.

8. B*Witched

I may have just broken the only rule I set myself for this list - they aren't British. However you can't deny the connection they had to my fair island. Their first four singles went in straight at number one! This was unheard of for a girl group (except the Spice Girls of course). They made denim on denim cool, and there wasn't one British kid who didn't try the irish jig at the school disco. It was unfortunate circumstances that led them to leave the music industry but thank the gods that ITV2 brought them back for 'The Big Reunion'.

7. Mis-Teeq

I was infatuated with these three ladies. They created a connection from urban to pop music. Alesha Dixon's MCing skills are unmatched. I learnt every single freaking word of everyone of her raps. I can still be found to this day casually rapping 'I said get up, get up it's a one night stand, here I come again ....'. It was infectious. The only reason they stopped making music was because their record company went bankrupt (not the Mis-teeq ladie's fault!) I just hope they take advantage of the nostalgia people are loving and finally reunite.

6. Little Mix

The first band to ever win The X Factor! Two number one singles! Sold out worldwide tour! These ladies are unstoppable. Creating anthemic girl power songs with a style all of their own they have become the face of British girl groups. I had the honour of seeing these ladies live and they are a force. Their vocals are flawless! Don't believe me? Then watch them sing 'Good Enough' from their last tour on YouTube. You're welcome.

5. All Saints

These women were labelled the alternative to the Spice Girls, and as a die hard Spice Boy I wouldn't give them the time of day. However if I am honest to my family and friends (its time) - I was a huge fan, I just kept it on the down low. 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores' were and still are some of my favourite songs of all time. I knew all the words to Nicole's little speech at the beginning of 'Never Ever' and I would recite it daily. They had 5 UK number ones, charted in America and had one of the best comeback singles of all time in 2006 (see above). Plus a little side note - How good is Melanie on The X Factor New Zealand? Putting Natalia Kills in her place - yes gawd.

4. The Saturdays

Okay before I start the ass kissing, I just found out 'Higher' was released five years ago - once again age just punched me in the face. Wipe away my tears and away I go. I love The Saturdays. They are a guilty pleasure that I don't actually feel bad about. You name me a good song and I can name a Saturday equivalent. They just created happy, dance music. Everyone knows the words to most of the songs. No they won't go down in the history books for songwriting, but who cares. They were fun and crowd pleasers. 16 top 20 singles proves that.

3. Girls Aloud

Another girl band that should be celebrated for giving us fun, unadulterated instant pop classics. They churned out song after song that could fill a dance floor or give a young lad such as myself a private iPod playlist he could enjoy without fear of ridicule. I have had the honour of seeing these ladies live and they were phenomenal. It was a giant party with the worlds greatest soundtrack. Two number one albums and four number one singles, they were perfect and had an undeniable sound all of their own.

2. Sugababes

Forget the drama with line up changes, that's old news and the jokes are boring. Lets just look at the work these six ladies created. Between them they have two number one albums, six number one singles and a combined 8 million records sold in the UK alone. They also had major success in Australia and the rest of Europe with a Brit award to boot. They have mixed many different genres of music within their discography and there isn't one song I would skip. Right now they are on a 'hiatus' but I think we all know thats it for the babes and its a major shame.

Notable Mentions

Cleopatra

Honeyz

Booty Love

Mutya Keisha Siobhan

Stooshe

Precious

M.O

The 411

Alisha's Attic

Number 1

Spice Girls

How it started

 I mean, who else? Who else has achieved the world wide success these ladies did? They came, they saw and they fucking conquered! You couldn't move for Spice Girls memorabilia in the late 90's. Lets put their success into a nice little list.

Three UK Number one albums.

One Greatest Hits album

Nine UK Number One Singles

Five BRIT Awards 

Three American Music Awards

Three MTV Europe Music Awards

One MTV Video Music Awards

Three World Music Awards

Three consecutive Christmas number one singles.

"Wannabe" is the most successful song released by an all-female group.

$77 Million Dollars at the box office for 'Spice World'

'Spice' is the 18th biggest-selling album of all time in the UK

It is also the biggest-selling album of all time by a girl group, with sales of 28 million copies worldwide. 

A musical written around their music.

In total they have sold over 85 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling female group of all time, one of the best-selling pop groups of all time, and the biggest British pop phenomenon since Beatlemania.

Bow down Bitches!

Return Of The Girlbands

For a while it seemed like Little Mix and The Saturdays were having to hold the fort down when it came to girlbands. However we can now all take a joint sigh of relief - we have some more girlbands breaking through. There has always been a hole in the music industry where girlbands just couldn't make the cut. Ever since the Spice Girls, Sugababes, Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child and Girls Aloud all left us to fend for ourselves we have needed a group of females to come out and kick the boyband's arses. Little Mix and The Saturdays have done a dame good job but they need a little help. And lets face it, The Saturday's next album is a Greatest Hits, this is normally the beginning of the end. They will say that they are going on a break and we all know what that means. The Spice Girl's break lasted 7 years and they only came back with one single and one tour, Girls Aloud's break lasted 3 years and they only came back with one single and one tour and Destiny's Child's break is currently on it's 7th year. 

So now we have a bunch of new ladies ready to take the stage. I have shortlisted 4 girlbands that I am quite excited about. Lets go -

Neon Jungle

This british 4 piece have already made waves with two singles in the top 10 and a 3rd released this week already in the iTunes top 10. I like these girls because they have an edge about them. They aren't singing your generic pop music, they have more of a dubstep vibe about them. Although saying that my favourite song so far is 'Louder', its a pop ballad that really showcases their voices. And yes, all four of them can sing. I was a bit unsure of them when I first heard them with their song 'Trouble' as I wasn't quite sure why they were shouting at me, but I have warmed to them in a big way and I am very excited for their album.

M.O

Another british band we should be taking notice of. Once again they are taking a step away from the happy pop music and they are bringing a more urban vibe. I first heard them as a soundtrack on a TV show and had to find the song instantly. The song was 'Ain't Got Time', the chorus was so catchy and I guarantee that with one listen you will be singing the words as you walk around town. The single didn't do great in the charts but I am happy to say it hasn't stopped them, they are releasing new music and videos as I type.

Fifth Harmony

You may already know who these are as they were finalists in last years The X Factor US. They were put together on the show after all auditioning solo, and what a great idea it was (except maybe Camila, she kind of shines on her own). I fell in love with their voices straight after hearing them sing Shontelle's 'Impossible' - if you get the chance YouTube it. They released a couple of songs after leaving that were extremely pop and sold them to a tween market. However their latest single 'Bo$$' is showing some growth, some may argue too much growth but at the end of the day they aren't stepping on Miley's toes with this song - its fun, very powering for a female and a good time.

GRL

I can almost guarantee that you have heard these ladies sing, or at least one of them. These are the five girls singing behind Pitbull in his song 'Wild Wild Love' and the blonde lady is the singer on LMFAO's single 'Party Rock Anthem'. However they no longer have Feat. infront of their names and they have released music on their own. There has been a lot of comparison to the Pussycat Dolls - it's an easy one to make as they have the same creator, Miss Robin Antin. And to be honest I don't think they should be judged for this, the Pussycat Dolls are no longer around so why not bring 5 fresh faces to come and fill the void. They are fun and I absolutely love their latest single 'Ugly Heart'. I have a feeling these grl's will be around for a bit, I mean Britney Spears has already given her approval and who are we to argue with Queen Pop herself.

I HATE CHRISTMAS SONGS!

So its the beginning of December and of course every radio station, music channel and shopping establishment think there is only one type of music we want to listen to - Christmas songs! I may be a one man army when it comes to my hatred of christmas songs and for that I apologise, but as soon as I hear Noddy Holder scream 'IT'S CHRISTMAS' I can feel my eyes just roll into the back of my head. 

I understand people's love for them, they are happy songs that remind us of this great time of year. It's just I don't choose to listen to them. This will be my 25th Christmas that I have experienced and just for once I would like to not be slapped in the face with them. I work in a restaurant so of course all the other music has been shunned for the christmas cheer. I wouldn't even mind if we had a new bunch of christmas songs to enjoy, but we don't. We get the same ones again and again. Every 'Top 20 Christmas Songs' on the music channels is the same 20 songs. 

However, me being me, I do enjoy a bit of hypocrisy and there is some Christmas songs I do not hate.

• Mariah Carey 'All I want for Christmas'
• Danity Kane 'Home For Christmas'
• Destiny's Child '8 Days of Christmas'
• Boney M 'Mary's Boy Child'
• Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson 'Winter Song'
• Britney Spears 'My Only Wish'
• Greg Lake 'I Believe in Father Christmas'

My all time favourite Christmas song is by Jackson 5. 'Santa Claus is coming to Town' will get me in the mood for yuletide celebrations.

One thing that irks about some christmas hits is the songs that aren't actually about Christmas. You pair any random, slow, romantic song with a winter themed video and BAM you have a Christmas song. Every year they are brought back and we accept them as christmas songs. For example - 

• East 17 'Stay Another Day'
• S Club 7 'Never Had a Dream Come True'
• Spice Girls '2 Become 1'
• Gary Jules 'Mad World'
• Every X Factor single

I don't mean to spread hate especially within the season of joy its just they really bother me, there is no other type of music we are forced to listen to straight for a month or two. And in all honesty do you like Christmas songs? The last Christmas song to get to number one was in 2004 with Band Aid and before then it was 1990 with Cliff Richard! I am however excited to hear Leona Lewis' and Kelly Clarkson's Christmas albums though - their voices slay me.

Craig's Big Reunion

So Itv2 have announced there will be a second season of 'The Big Reunion'. First of all they will do a season following the first bunch of bands and then a whole new crop will be announced. I can imagine we will probably see East 17 and a bunch of boy-bands that made the girls cry in the 90's. However, I feel like they should take advice from me. I am a voice that speaks for boys and girls alike after all. So I have picked 7 bands that will make the show epic, instead of a chorus of middle aged woman singing along to 'Stay Another Day' - they could showcase just how much talent has been forgotten. So, my 7 picks are as follows-

1. Spice Girls
These were the 90's, there is no one bigger or better. It would be quite a coup to get these ladies in one room for so long (they are all quite busy) and I am pretty sure they don't need the show as they could announce a tour tomorrow and it would be sold out the day after. Still throw some money at them and we could get some magic.

2. The Pussycat Dolls
Nicole and the girls were amazing. They pumped out song after song that everyone fell in love with (you would be surprised with how many words you know of theirs). The girls can put on a show with legs flailing everywhere and Nicole reaching those notes only she can. It would be nice to have all 6, but 5 will do - it has been 4 years, we have suffered enough without them.

3. S Club 7
I picked these even though I was strictly Steps back in the day. Their songs are catchy as hell and we all know the words. Some of us even know the dance to 'Reach' - just saying. I feel if they don't do something soon people will get over this nostalgia kick we all seem to be on and they will miss out on some serious dollar.

4. All Saints
They tried a reunion not long back but it didn't take off, even though I bought the album and it was really good. They were the smoother, cooler version of Spice Girls. 'Pure Shores' still remains as one of my favourite songs today. After Nicole's recent woes a nice tour would be good to get her mind off things.

5. Mis-Teeq
These were clearly our answer to Destiny's Child, and they didn't disappoint. I fell in love with their music almost as soon as I heard 'Why'. Alesha's MC-ing was amazing and I proudly still know most the words to them. Their songs were cool and slick with a nice RnB edge. I just hope Alesha hasn't got too big to play second fiddle to Sabrina.

6. Danity Kane
You may be asking yourself who these are. Well shame on you. I my self am so immersed in American pop culture I am willing to give you an education. This group was formed by Diddy for MTV's 'Making The Band'. They released 2 number 1 albums in America, but their time was cut short due to conflict with management and themselves. They have since announced they will be coming back as a foursome (without D. Woods) and I think this would be an amazing opportunity to finally make it in the UK. YouTube 'Damaged' or 'Bad Girl' to witness the magic of Danity Kane.

7. Cleopatra
I was in love with these sisters. I bought every single one of their singles and my Dad even stole a cardboard cut out of them from a music store for me. Cleo's voice floored me everytime, she recently tried out for 'The Voice' and got to the semi-finals. I feel this was beneath her and she could be doing so much more. If the group reunites they could show just how much our music scene has missed them. 'Touch of Love' truly shows off their vocals - listen and enjoy.

I'm With The Band

I am going to lose some major man points (not that I had a whole lot to begin with) but I feel like it is time to make this statement. I love Girl Bands. I own a bunch of their albums, I watch all of their music videos and I pretty much know most the words to all the songs (including some of the dance moves, something I am not 100% proud of).

I am not sure if it is a feminist portion of my brain that loves them so much, but I support them so much. I want to see a girl group do well. When they get a number 1 I do feel proud. For example when The Saturdays got their first number 1 I told people as if it was my own personal news, I wanted/needed people to know. When a girl group enters a talent competition I instantly want them to win (can you imagine my happiness when Little Mix won 'The X Factor'!) Some of my favourite concerts I have ever been to were girl bands (Spice Girls and Destiny's Child in particular).

I often feel alone in my love for girl bands. They aren't a popular thing to admit you like. I will get the occasional 'oh yeah, I liked that one song' but never 'I love their album!'. Girl bands come and go so quickly because it so hard for them to get a fanbase. Younger girls who these bands are marketed for only want to fully support the new hit boy band and then younger boys will never admit to liking them for fear of ridicule. Older folk won't even give them the time of day, instead casting them off as girls being used for their appearance and having no talent.

So as a favour from me to you I thought I would create a little playlist of girl band songs for you to fall in love with and join my crusade to get them the respect they deserve. So here goes -

Spice Girls - Let Love Lead The Way

Destiny's Child - Through With Love

Sugababes - Ugly

Little Mix - Cannonball

Girls Aloud - Sexy! No No No ...

2NE1 - Lonely

Stooshe - Black Heart

The Saturdays - Fall

Atomic Kitten - Someone Like Me

En Vogue - Free Your Mind

All Saints - Pure Shores

TLC - Dear Lie

The Pussycat Dolls - I Hate This Part

B*Witched - Blame It On The Weatherman

Honeyz - Won't Take It Lying Down

Eternal - I Wanna Be The Only One

Cleopatra - Touch Of Love

YouTube them, Spotify them and bask in the girl group goodness. These are probably the more slower songs by these bands but they are some of my favourites.

Divas Live

I have been to my fair share of concerts. For some reason about 80% of them are female performers. I love a show where a female is singing her heart out and putting on a spectacle for us to sit back and watch in awe.

My first ever concert was the Spice Girls. It was when they were a 4 (I have since seen them as a 5 on their reunion tour). It was amazing, it felt even better because we got the tickets for free (they arrived in the mail and we didn't question it). Since then I have made sure I go to concerts of all my favourite singers.

When seeing a show I prefer arena gigs. The production value is awesome - there is fire, lasers, screens, lights, smoke and on multiple occasions flying. One of my favourite concerts I ever went to was Destiny's Child on their Destiny Fulfilled and Lovin' It (they were sponsored by McDonald's). at the beginning the whole arena went black, then the screen came on and simply said 'Say My Name' and BANG toaster pop and the girls were on stage. I almost pissed myself with excitement.

I have been to smaller venues to see the likes of The Veronicas, Ke$ha and Ellie Goulding. These are special because it is purely about the talent. Their voices are perfect and there is a real vibe of community as the whole crowd is feeling the music. Another thing I like to do is festivals - I haven't been to as many as I would like to but I will always be thankful for V Festival for getting Taylor Swift. I got so close to the stage and I was in awe.

When huge acts come to England, more precisely Manchester I have to go. I have seen Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera live and it. was. awesome. They live upto the hype and standing in the same room as them gets me a little bit starstruck.

I don't have a lot of gigs to look forward to right now except from V Festival and Ellie Goulding. I hope to see a lot more and 30 Seconds To Mars have just announced a tour so I will be looking for someone to go with me. There is something about being in  dark room, sweating and listening to music that just gets me.