11 Ciara - Goodies (feat. Petey Pablo)

avg: 7.43

👑 Pop Royalty: 10 (Doug, Mack., Henessy Lake, Tafty), 9 (Nina West, ...ready for it, blacksquare, RyanFM, Viper*, Bror)

❌ Pop Flop: 4 (jimwatts, 777666jason, ElectroBoy), 5 (Julian_)

Ciara registered the same average as the Pussycat Dolls, 7.43, but pips them to 11th place due to receiving four 10s compared to their two.

American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress Ciara Princess Wilson was born to be in the Pop Princesses series with a middle name like that, even if she's more associated with 'Crunk&B'! She was originally a member of a group called Hearsay as a teenager, no not that one, this trio:

She departed that endeavour at just 15-years-old and turned to writing after landing a job through her manager. She would pen for the likes of Mýa and Fantasia during this time. Ciara states that no-one believed in her as a performer until producer Jazze Pha saw potential. He thought she had Janet Jackson-esque star quality and introduced her to L.A. Reid, who signed her up to LaFace records.

Ciara got to work on a demo alongside Sean Garrett who had co-written 'Yeah!' by her label mate Usher. Lil Jon, who is also featured on that record and produced it, then began to work on the full version of 'Goodies' and is credited as its producer, as well as a songwriter. He provides crunk beats, a sound popularised by 'Yeah!' and also layered an oscillating whistle sound on the track. It was originally titled 'Cookies' but Lil Jon encouraged Ciara and Garrett to revise it. Ciara wanted to write 'Goodies' as a response track to songs like the aforementioned 'Yeah!' and also Petey Pablo's 'Freek-a-Leek', contrasting promiscuity with female agency. Pablo was selected as the featured artist for 'Goodies'.

'Goodies' was not only the title of Ciara's debut single but also her first album. However, things could have been very different. I just watched a Ciara interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, to gain further insight on the story of the song and discovered that her label almost shopped it to Britney Spears. Ciara did not know this at the time but was disappointed to later learn of it, as she felt that it was her baby, despite having a lot of admiration for Spears. Of course, that did not transpire in the end, so she would soon get to reap the benefit of its success...

First, a music video needed to be shot. Ciara's video was directed by film-maker Benny Boom who later worked on the 2Pac biopic All Eyez on Me. His music video credits also include a certain group of pop princesses that Ciara narrowly beat in the tie-break for 11th, as he directed the video for PCD's 'Beep' with will.i.am. The visuals for 'Goodies' allowed Ciara to show off her dancing talents too. The music video features cameos from the likes of Monica, Jazze Pha and Lil Jon.

'Goodies' charted at #68 on import alone in the U.K. before climbing to #1 the following week. This broke up the run of Elvis re-issue chart-toppers that had impacted the top spot for the previous fortnight. She specifically dislodged his 'One Night' / 'I Got Stung' release in early January 2005 and blocked the 'A Fool Such As I' one. Other new entries in the top 10 that week with Pop Princesses connections include 'Breathe In' by Lucie Silvas at #6, featured on the second volume, plus StoneBridge and Therese's 'Take Me Away' at #9; Therese was one of the writers for Dannii Minogue's 'Perfection'.

'Goodies' was an even bigger deal Stateside as it spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was the longest-running female debut #1 since Debby Boone's 'You Light Up My Life' in 1977, which spent 10 weeks at #1, at that time the overall record.

Doug, Mack, Henessy Lake and Tafty wanted the goodies more than anyone else, awarding Ciara their 10s. Meanwhile, jimwatts, 777666jason and ElectroBoy weren't being too dramatic but gave 'Goodies' its lowest scores nevertheless, with 4 from them all.

I had Goodies and Don't Cha quite close to each other and on the cusp of the top 10 when I did my 2005 ranking so interesting to see them the same here, both are quite iconic songs for their era and I'd say they deserved to be top 10.

I think the only other song I really care for so far is All About Us, that was one of the songs I liked the most from the Now album, even if listening to it now, it sounds quite unmistakably like their big hit.

Ciara was such an unexpected number 1 for me. When you think Janet, Mary, Toni, Brandy never got there!

Goodies is pleasant but I was always a 1,2 Step truther (and I quite enjoyed Oh too!)

Another urban pop classic that isn't top 10 (both 'Don't Cha' and 'Goodies' were my 8.5). A bit crazy of results so far I must say.

Edited Wednesday at 22:505 days by AllStarBySmashMouth

Don't Cha too high

@Lee_J11 Said it best though in regards to Ciara, it was always about 1, 2 Step for me.

But also... then came Lose Control

'Goodies' is rather good but she's definitely bettered it many times since.

10 P!nk - Trouble

avg: 7.49

👑 Pop Royalty: 11 (troublepink, pavi), 10 (Juranamo, Josh!, Lukuzz)

❌ Pop Flop: 3 (vibe, Tafty), 4 (gooddelta)

P!nk just about troubles the top 10 with an average of 7.49.

'Trouble' was chosen to lead her third album Try This in 2003. The song was written by P!nk and fellow musician Tim Armstrong. He had originally penned it for his band Rancid but the song failed to make the final cut for their latest album. Armstrong had previously built up a working relationship with P!nk as she toured with his side project the Transplants. He was then approached to work with her on tracks for Try This. The two got together and created ten songs in two weeks. Nine of these would make the final cut. 'Trouble' was revisited during these sessions and partially re-written, hence P!nk's credit on the song.

'Trouble' is a pop-rock song that sees P!nk playing up to a rebellious image. Melodically it bears a resemblance to Nirvana's cover of 'Molly's Lips' by The Vaselines. Tim Armstrong produced 'Trouble' in addition to being its main writer. The production incorporates rock instruments, such as its choppy guitar riffs, but mixes this with dancier beats.

Sophie Muller directed the western themed video. Muller is a longtime collaborator of several pop princesses, including: Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kylie Minogue and Gwen Stefani. P!nk ends up at a saloon bar in the 'Trouble' video and seduces a sheriff played by Jeremy Renner. As aforementioned in the commentary for 'Don't Cha', the Pussycat Dolls also appear in this video, back when they were still a burlesque troupe and not yet a pop band. They can be seen dancing on top of the bar towards the end of the video. The visuals also feature child actress Kelsey Lewis who had previously starred in the video for P!nk's 'Family Portrait' too.

'Trouble' is responsible for P!nk's sole Grammy that is tied to her studio albums (as her others are for features on 'Lady Marmalade' and Herbie Hancock's 'Imagine') - winning for 'Best Female Rock Vocal Performance' at the 2004 ceremony. However, the song did not set the charts alight in the U.S.A., peaking at #68 due to a lack of radio support. The song was more successful here, as it neatly became her 7th U.K. top 10 hit when it peaked at #7. 'Be Faithful' by Fatman Scoop remained at #1 that week while P!nk was the second highest new entry, behind Atomic Kitten's 'If You Come To Me' at #3.

In 2005, Shakin' Stevens won the reality TV show Hit Me Baby One More Time. The premise of this programme was to watch famous singers performing a hit of their own and covering a contemporary song. He sang his #1 smash 'This Ole House' (albeit a cover version in itself) and covered 'Trouble' during week 2 of the show - beating out Jaki Graham, Belinda Carlisle, Haddaway and Doctor and the Medics in this heat. Haddaway's cover choice was Britney's 'Toxic' which is of course still to come in this rate. Shakin' Stevens beat out Tiffany, Carol Decker, Hue and Cry, Shalamar, Chesney Hawkes and 911 in the grand final of the show. He put out a Double A-Side release of 'Trouble' and 'This Ole House' following his time on the show and this reached #20 in the U.K. singles chart.

To the surprise of no-one, P!nk's 'Trouble' received an 11 from... troublepink! She also picked up a second maximum score from pavi. However, it was time for this to go for both vibe and Tafty, as they gave P!nk her lowest score of 3.

One of Pink's all-time bests, such a bop.

“Goodies” is decent but a bit plodding.

“Trouble” is quite repetitive but despite that it does work well.

'Dont Cha' is great. Surprised it has missed top 10 tbh.

'Trouble' is another fun and feisty P!nk track. Not much I don't like of hers tbf.

I used to think Trouble was one of Pink’a best but I overplayed it so much that feeling expired. Goodies however is a timeless classic!

Edited Thursday at 19:334 days by Doug

I really like 'Trouble', it's got a nice raucous energy and I like the guitar licks.

9 Nelly Furtado - Turn Off The Light

avg: 7.81

👑 Pop Royalty: 10 (jimwatts, Paddington James, blacksquare, 777666jason, Dobbo, ElectroBoy), 9.5 (Juranamo)

❌ Pop Flop: 2 (Henessy Lake), 4 (DaTilt)

It's lights out for Nelly Furtado next as she departs this rate with a 7.81 average.

The Canadian singer, daughter of Portuguese immigrants, had musical prowess from a young age. She learned to play the trombone and ukulele at 9 years old and started writing songs just a few years later. Nelly would also pick up the guitar and keyboard in time. Furtado moved to Toronto in 1996 with the aim of pursuing music. She initially worked at an alarm company to make ends meet but got her foot in the door after meeting Tallis Newkirk, member of hip-hop group Plains of Fascination. Furtado contributed vocals to their song 'Waitin' 4 the Streets'. Her next move was forming a trip-hop duo with Newkirk, called Nelstar. However, she was not satisfied with their musical direction so they parted ways.

In 1997, she performed at a talent show called Honey Jam. This attracted the attention of Gerald Eaton, the lead singer of Canadian band The Philosopher Kings, who then helped Furtado to create a demo alongside fellow band member Brian West. The material the trio created was shopped around to record companies and got her a deal with DreamWorks Records. This was signed by A&R executive Beth Harper who is married to Garbage drummer and record producer Butch Vig. Nelly's first release was the song 'Party's Just Begun (Again)' which was included on the soundtrack of Brokedown Palace. Next, it was time to get to work on her debut album. She continued to collaborate with Eaton and West on this, in addition to Jon Levine, on the track 'Well, Well'.

'I'm Like A Bird' was chosen as the first single from Whoa, Nelly! and proved to be an international success. This song was solely written by Furtado and the same was true of follow-up 'Turn Off The Light'. This song is about loneliness, as she reflects on the more vulnerable side that comes with the strength of independence. Sonically it blends elements of pop, trip-hop and blues rock. Furtado has cited the band Big Sugar as inspiration, in addition to 'Wonderwall' by Oasis, as she noted that the guitar chords are similar to that.

Like 'Trouble' in 10th place, the music video for 'Turn Off The Light' was also directed by Sophie Muller. The shots of Furtado singing in a swamp, while swimmers dance around her, are particularly memorable. She is also surrounded by dancers during scenes at a temple. The flag of the Azores appears behind Nelly while she sings and plays guitar in an old house.

'Turn Off The Light' was another success for Furtado and even peaked a place higher than 'I'm Like A Bird', when it made #4 here. She was the highest new entry that week in 2001 while Five spent their second week at #1 with 'Let's Dance'. The song also made the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, at #5 to be exact. 'Turn Off The Light' was a huge deal in New Zealand, becoming the EOY #2 for 2001 there, only behind Craig David's 'Walking Away'.

'Turn Off the Light' makes the world a little more magical for: jimwatts, Paddington James, blacksquare, 777666jason, Dobbo and ElectroBoy - who all gave this song a 10. However, the experience was decidedly more dim for Henessy Lake, who gave Nelly her lowest score of 2.

One of the few big standouts on this edition.

Trouble I find really weak for a P!nk lead single unfortunately, I was super interested to hear what would follow the classic Missundaztood album and wasn't taken by it at all. The Shaky cover going top 20 is such a strange chart happening really!

I do think Turn Off The Light was such a strong follow up to save Nelly Furtado being a one-hit wonder, which kind of felt possible to me for a few months after the release of I'm Like A Bird. Obviously she was nothing of the sort in the end.

Interesting fact about New Zealand. I wonder why they took to it so much (not to mention Walking Away!).

8 Rachel Stevens - Some Girls

avg: 7.94

👑 Pop Royalty: 11 (777666jason), 10 (Doug, Juranamo, blacksquare, lewistgreen, JosephStyles)

❌ Pop Flop: 3 (Henessy Lake), 5 (DaTilt, pavi)

Dreams of number 1 last forever as Rachel Stevens has to settle for 8th place in this rate, with a 7.94 average.

Stevens got off to a strong start with her post-S Club solo career when her debut single 'Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex' reached #2 in the U.K. chart. However, the follow-up was a non-event, as title track from debut album Funky Dory floundered at #26. Her next move was crucial...

'Some Girls' was written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson. The former was hot property after producing 'Freak Like Me' for the Sugababes. He had also recently reached the top 10 alongside Liberty X and Kelis, with 'Being Nobody' and 'Finest Dreams' respectively. Richard produced 'Some Girls' with Pete Hoffman. Their synth-pop work on the song includes a glam rock inspired schaffel beat throughout. Hannah Robinson's earliest writing credits were for S Club Juniors and she, like Richard X, also worked with Sugababes and Liberty X. Away from 'Some Girls', some of her best known compositions include 'Chewing Gum' by Annie, also produced by Richard, plus Ladyhawke's 'My Delirium'. Hannah and Richard were inspired to write 'Some Girls', a song about women who perform sexual favours in exchange for stardom, after learning of real life anecdotes in the industry. Richard X said he was surprised 'Some Girls' was chosen as a Sport Relief single, due to the risqué nature of the lyrics.

The track was originally written with Girls Aloud in mind as potential performers. However, the song went to Rachel after Simon Fuller heard a demo of 'Some Girls' and contacted Richard X to ask if Stevens, an act he was representing, could record it. Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief, also faxed him to ask if he could use it for Sport Relief and the rest was history. However, no 'Some Girls' commentary would be complete without the rumours surrounding Geri Halliwell at this stage of the song's history. Ginger Spice was after the song too but was quickly shot down. Halliwell then reportedly locked herself in a car in protest after things did not go her way. This ordeal is forever immortalised in 'Me Plus One' by Annie. The song includes lyrics such as...

"Take a look at yourself
Get out of the car
You know it's time
you've got to let it go"

The drama. Next, it was time for Rachel to lay down vocals and get to work on visuals.

The music video for 'Some Girls' was directed by Paul Weiland but written by the aforementioned Richard Curtis, so had Sport Relief ties, such as athletes Colin Jackson, Pat Cash and Audley Harrison appearing in the video. Elsewhere, Stevens and a group of women walk through a sewer and later parade the streets as men look on. Richard X stated on his own website that he hated the music video.

'Some Girls' was a successful course correction for Rachel but her dreams of number one as a solo artist had to live on, as this song, much like 'Sweet Dreams My LA Ex' would also stall at #2. It was beaten by disco house classic 'Lola's Theme' by Shapeshifters. Still, it was a second solo top 3 hit for Rachel and also helped out sales of her Funky Dory album, which re-entered at #13 when 'Some Girls' was tacked on to a reissued version. This song would also be included on Rachel's second album Come and Get It. 'Some Girls' was the 40th best-selling song of 2004 in the U.K.

777666jason particularly likes to put this record on as he gave Rachel her sole top score of 11. Meanwhile, Henessy Lake would probably not want to be locked in a car with 'Some Girls' playing, instead scoring Stevens with her lowest mark of 3.

Boyfriend deserves to be low its naff

Cant get it back i can take or leave so doesnt bother me being this low

Tide is high (get the feeling) should be a lot higher some of yall just haveno taste

All about us is naff should be lower tbf

Dont cha now thats a bop should be way higher someone only giving it a 1 like wtf give your head a wobble

Goodies ewww I was probably generous with a 4 tbf

Trouble is a great song but not pinks best maybe a place or 2 higher

Turn off the lights is a bop id argue Nellys best a few others come close though

Some girls is anathem should of been top personally, ouch at that call out Jade 😮 but Rachel is a queen shame she gave up on her solo career fast

Lola's Theme was the right chart topper that week, but what a top two! A great pop song from an unexpectedly brilliant pop album. And the Annie story is always wonderful.

A very ‘’meh’ section for me unfortunately!

Trouble is fine but not something I ever find myself returning to. Some Girls is similar for me too, I like it but it’s not one of my fave Rachel singles. Can’t say I really cared too much for Nellys effort either. I’m definitely much more of a ‘Loose’ Nelly girly 😂

Edited Sunday at 09:391 day by Lee_J11