THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS: The Pussycat Dolls (Universal).

THE debut album starts off well for this manufactured dance/pop act. Nicole sings all leads and back-ups while Kimberly, Carmit, Ashley, Melody and Jessica are just eye-candy. Thanks to some big-name help, the first songs are attitude-laden, girl-power songs including Don't Cha, which features Busta Rhymes. The Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am re-works a BEP track, My Humps, and turns it into the sultry Beep, while Timbaland keeps the pure dance going with Wait a Minute. Then the attitude wanes on the sappy Stickwitu, and never recovers. A potentially good dance album that doesn't make the grade.

MELISSA PHILLIPS