Top 5: Best Girl Groups

For a very long time, the music industry was considered a man's world. From Elvis Presley to the Beatles, male musicians dominated the charts and soared to new heights of success. Then something fantastic happened -- Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard broke through the glass ceiling with the release of their smash hit "Where Did Our Love Go?" as the Supremes. This marked the birth of the modern girl group and, since then, women all over the world have been banding together in hopes of replicating (or surpassing) the success of the Supremes.

This list counts down five of the all-time greatest girl groups. Those selected for this list have had tremendous success and have made a positive impact on the music industry. These five girl groups are innovative, glamorous, and, most importantly, divinely talented.

05. TLC

Members: Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Years Active: 1990-2005, 2009-present 

Number of #1 Singles: 4

Number of Platinum Albums: 4

Signature Songs: "Creep," "Waterfalls," "No Scrubs," "Unpretty"

Much like the Supremes before them, TLC became visionaries in a genre dominated by men. This trio blended R&B and Hip-Hop together to create a unique sound that many groups have since attempted to replicate. The combination of T-Boz's smokey vocals, Chilli's sticky sweet voice, and Left Eye's rapid fire rapping was a winning combination that led to an estimated 65 million records sold.

Unfortunately, in-fighting nearly tore the group apart and Left Eye's tragic death in 2002 hindered TLC's future success. While they've attempted the occasional comeback, Chilli and T-Boz have largely been unable to recapture the magic of their heyday.

04. Destiny's Child

Members: Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams

Years Active: 1997-2006

Number of #1 Singles: 4

Number of Platinum Albums: 5

Signature Songs: "No, No, No," "Say My Name," "Independent Women," "Survivor"

From SWV to En Vogue, there's been no shortage of R&B girl groups. However, none has ever quite been as influential as Destiny's Child. Originally a quartet, Destiny's Child weathered numerous line-up changes before settling into their magic formula of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. This incarnation broke records when their hit single "Independent Women" spent a staggering 11 weeks at number one and its proceeding album Survivor sold nearly 700,000 copies in its first week. Their instantly recognizable vocals have made them a force to be reckoned with and are still much-loved by their fans.

After the release of their fourth album, Destiny's Child announced their split. Since then, they've gone on to pursue solo careers. Unlike most other girl groups, each member of this trio have achieved solo success by carving out niches within the music industry. While reunions are regularly squashed by Bey, Kelly, and Michelle, fans were treated to a brief moment of DC3 goodness when they reunited for Beyoncé's 2013 SuperBowl Half-Time Show performance.

03. The Supremes

Members: Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard (original line-up)

Years Active: 1959-1977

Number of #1 Singles: 12

Signature Songs: "Where Did Our Love Go?," "Baby Love," Stop! In The Name of Love," "Love Child"

In the 1960s, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard reigned supreme. As Motown's most successful group, this trio maintained an image of elegance and autonomy during a period of civil upheaval. While Ross was portrayed as the group's lead singer, the Supremes had incredible harmonies and should be celebrated for achieving such tremendous success during a period of time when women were not considered viable commodities in the music industry.

Following the dismissal of original member Florence Ballard, the group was re-branded as Diana Ross & The Supremes and Ballard was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. This incarnation continued to rack up the hits right up until Ross' departure in 1970. While the group continued to produce music without Ross, they failed to replicate the success they once had. In the years that followed, Diana Ross embarked on a successful solo career as a singer and actress. Even still, her time as a Supreme remains an ever-present iconic moment in popular culture.

02. Girls Aloud

Members: Nadine Coyle, Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts

Years Active: 2002-2013

Number of #1 Singles: 4

Number of Platinum Albums: 6

Signature Songs: "The Sound of the Underground," "Love Machine," "Biology," "The Promise"

When it comes to girl groups, the UK knows how to get it right. Unlike their American counterparts, these groups eschew the lead singer format in favour of spotlighting each individual member. This is the formula that Girls Aloud was born out of. Initially put together for the 2002 reality TV program Pop Stars: The Rivals, these fierce songstresses skyrocketed to the top of the charts with their debut single "The Sound of the Underground." With the production team of Xenomania behind them, Girls Aloud released a staggering 21 top ten hits in the UK and each of their five studio albums have been certified platinum. The group is also credited for altering the landscape of pop music in the UK and many of their songs are considered examples of innovation in the genre.

Unlike the other groups on this list, Girls Aloud have never had any line-up changes. This is a feat practically unheard of in the realm of girl groups. Despite this, the group called it quits in 2013 following their Ten: The Hits concert tour. While the girls have each pursued solo careers, it is Cheryl Cole that has taken off as a major force in the music industry. As a lead artist, she has four #1 singles and is set to release her fourth album later this year.

01. Spice Girls

Members: Melanie "Sporty Spice" Chisolm, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown, Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton, Geri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell

Years Active: 1994-2000, 2007-2008

Number of #1 Singles: 9

Number of Platinum Albums: 4 (their first album is certified 10x platinum!)

Signature Songs: "Wannabe," "Say You'll Be There," "Spice Up Your Life," "Goodbye"

During the testosterone-laden wave of boy bands in the 1990s, a girl group rose to prominence that forever altered the music industry. The Spice Girls were a five piece girl group that rose to fame with their debut single "Wannabe." Their messages of female empowerment and the importance of individuality resonated with audiences. This beloved group became a phenomenon and invaded just about every aspect of day-to-day life. Their success extended beyond their radio hits, leading to the release of branded merchandise from dolls to bubblegum. It's hard to imagine the '90s without their distinctive brand of feel-good pop music and their encouragement for their fans to stay true to who they are.

Unfortunately, the meteoric success the Spice Girls experienced was not enough to keep the group together. During the middle of their Spiceworld tour, Geri left the group. Even though the four remaining members carried on without her, they would release just one more album before disbanding in 2000. Since then, each member has explored solo careers as singers, songwriters, fashion designers, and television personalities. Even 18 years after their debut single, fans are still clamouring for a reunion.

Note: Certifications listed here are based on those of the groups' native countries. For example, Spice Girls' and Girls Aloud's certifications are based off of those received in the United Kingdom while Destiny's Child's are based off those received in the United States.

It's worth mentioning that girl groups like SPEED, Girls' Generation, Morning Musume, and Wonder Girls have experienced tremendous success in Asia and are easily worthy of being included in best of lists.

Top 5: Best Albums of 2013

Last year was a big one for women in music. Pop divas ruled the charts as the likes of Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé blazed their way to the top. To celebrate what was a fantastic year in pop music, here are the top five best albums of 2013 by female artists.

Lady Gaga, ARTPOP

Three years after the monster success with Born This Way, Lady Gaga released her hotly anticipated follow-up ARTPOP in the fall of 2013. An eclectic mix of flashy electropop numbers, this album features all the trademarks of a Gaga album. Its lyrics are experimental and its sound is dancefloor ready. Overall, it is stylish and fun yet 100% bizarre. Would we expect anything less from Mother Monster?

Recommended Listening: “Venus,” “Do What U Want,” “Donatella,” “Gypsy,” “Applause”

Demi Lovato, DEMI

Landing at #1 on the Canadian album charts, Demi Lovato’s fourth record DEMI proved to be a rousing success for the pop dynamo. With a radio-friendly sound, the album is at once accessible yet vulnerable. Lovato’s vocals are flawless while her lyrics are relatable. In a year that saw Disney alums vying for the pop diva crown, Demi took it home with this personal and entertaining album.

Recommended Listening: “Heart Attack,” “Made in the U.S.A.,” “Neon Lights,” “Really Don’t Care,” “Shouldn’t Come Back”

Kelly Rowland, Talk a Good Game

Though former fellow bandmate Beyoncé may have surprised the world with her self-titled album released in December, Kelly Rowland proved she deserved to be in the spotlight with her fourth solo album titled Talk a Good Game. This record featured an assortment of sensuous slow jams and painfully personal ballads. Rowland bared her soul on the album and it stands as a truly beautiful piece of work that merits being called the best R&B album of 2013.

Recommended Listening: “Freak," "Talk a Good Game,” “Down on Love,” “Dirty Laundry,” “You Changed"

Ariana Grande, Yours Truly

Ariana Grande’s debut album Yours Truly proved to be a sleeper hit last year as it took home the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 in its opening week. A glorious collection of throwback R&B tunes, Yours Truly is timeless and elegant. Grande’s range is superb and her delivery is impeccable. If anything, this album should be regarded as the greatest Mariah Carey album that isn’t actually performed by Mariah Carey.

Recommended Listening: “Honeymoon Avenue,” “Right There,” “Tattooed Heart,” “Piano,” “Daydreamin’”

Namie Amuro, FEEL

With the likes of Cher and Britney Spears tossing their hats in the ring, it was Namie Amuro who pulled out all the stops this year in the genre of electronic dance music. The top selling album by a solo artist in 2013 in her native country of Japan, FEEL is Namie Amuro’s eleventh studio album. Sung primarily in English, this record is a modern collection of slick dance hits that is sure to get anyone up and moving. Amuro’s vocals are spot-on and the beats on this one are crazy. If there’s one must-have album of 2013, it’s FEEL.

Recommended Listening: “Can You Feel This Love,” “Hands on Me,” “Poison,” “Supernatural Love,” “Stardust in My Eyes”  

Review: Kelly Rowland, Here I Am

Plagued by numerous delays, the hotly anticipated third album by Kelly Rowland dropped in the summer of 2011. Here I Am proved to be an eclectic mix of R&B and electronica, marrying the two genres Rowland had been working under at that time. It was preceded by the smash hit "Motivation" and helped to re-introduce the R&B diva to the public.

Here I Am opens with the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, hair whipping "I'm Dat Chick." Aided by a grandiose electronic composition, Rowland's vocals are brash and saucy on this infectious dance track. After the explosive introductory cut, Rowland offers more traditional R&B jams. "Motivation" is a scintillating sex jam with a seductive Rowland delivering some of the steamiest lyrics heard since Prince's heyday. Similarly, "Lay It On Me" pushes more of those same buttons with its sassy lyrics and Rowland's dominating presence on the track. It serves as a standout on the album with its effortless piano melody and catchy chorus. Another solid offering is the self-love anthem "Feeling Me Right Now." Interpolating a piano arrangement with a heavy electronic composition, "Feeling Me Right Now" is an impish track that encourages self-confidence. Unfortunately, the album is bogged down by some so-so material. "Work It Man," despite its playfulness, is standard R&B fare and even though "Turn It Up" features strong vocals by Rowland it fails to really reach the necessary climax the song requires to be great. "All of the Night" likewise struggles to stand out due to its forced sensuality. Nevertheless, Here I Am manages to end on an impressive note. Rowland briefly slows things down with the beautifully airy ballad "Keep It Between Us" which features breathy vocals on romantic lyrics. She follows this up with the two best songs on Here I Am -- "Commander" and "Down For Whatever." The David Guetta-produced "Commander" is a dance anthem with a bombastic arrangement and some of the most confident vocals Rowland has given in her career. It is high energy and extremely infectious. Likewise, "Down For Whatever" is a dynamic club hit with a swinging electronic composition that is reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez's smash "On The Floor" and features solid vocals on Rowland's part. For those who picked up the deluxe version of the album, the empowering ballad "Heaven & Earth" serves as another standout on the album. This Ne-Yo-penned and produced track features Rowland pushing herself vocally and ultimately delivers the powerful message of never settling for anything less than happiness.

Prior to releasing Here I Am, Rowland declared that she would not be boxed into one specific genre and yet Rowland seems to be having the most fun and being the most confident on the dance songs present on her third album. She courageously refuses to adhere to the conventions expected of an R&B artist on Here I Am and for that she should be applauded. The flow of the album is spot-on and invites the listener on a journey through genres. While the album could have used more cohesion and would have benefited from trimming some of the R&B filler in favour of including some of the material she'd released in the European market, Here I Am is a fun record that clearly shows that Rowland is a grown woman who is fearless and is willing to take risks.

Recommended Listening: "I'm Dat Chick," "Motivation," "Lay It On Me," "Feeling Me Right Now," "Keep It Between Us," "Commander," "Down For Whatever," "Heaven & Earth"

Grade: A-

Review: Kelly Rowland, Ms. Kelly - Deluxe Edition

After the perceived underperformance of Kelly Rowland's sophomore effort Ms. Kelly, Rowland returned to the studio and reworked the album re-branding it Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition. This version eliminated several songs from the previous release and either replaced them with updated remixes or with new songs all together.

One of the complaints of the original release of Ms. Kelly was that it was bogged down by ballads and midtempo tracks, Rowland addresses this from the get-go with the re-release. The album opens on the slick Freemasons remix of her dance anthem "Work." The already sassy song is improved upon with an Indian influence that gives the track an exotic feel. It stands strong as one of Rowland's most remarkable works. Among the new material on the album is a Bobby Womack cover, "Daylight." This feel-good track is bright and effortless, adding a playful dimension to the re-release especially since Rowland genuinely seems to be having fun on the song. "Like This" returns from the original release of Ms. Kelly to complete the trifecta of party songs that open the album before the rest of the record slips into a series of ballads. "Love," "Better Without You," "This Is Love" and "Every Thought Is You" all return but the distinctly vulnerable "Still In Love With My Ex" is disappointingly absent. The other scrapped songs along with "Still In Love With My Ex" are replaced with four ballads. The first is the unremarkable "Broken." The lyrics are predictable and Rowland seems to be going through the motions over the dull arrangement. However, it proves to be the exception as the remaining ballads become selling points for the release. "No Man No Cry" is a polished and modern track that finds a confident-sounding Rowland moving on following a failed relationship and "Love Again" is a superbly soulful old school R&B jam where Rowland gives one of her finest vocal performances to date over a simple yet moving piano arrangement. However, the true standout amongst the new material is the incredibly emotional ballad "Unity." A favourite amongst fans, "Unity" features impassioned goosebump-inducing vocals by Rowland and a beautifully layered composition of strings, piano and percussion. It is perfection. Closing the album are two club remixes of "Daylight" and "Comeback." The length of these mixes is a bit excessive and clashes with the overall tone of the album. That said, it anchors the album enough to satisfy those looking for a dance fix and mirrors the opening of the album. Still, they feel more like bonus tracks than intentional album cuts.

Kelly Rowland made a valiant effort with Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition. The vast majority of the new songs included on the release are beautifully composed and sung well. There are some definite standouts and some could have possibly become hits with the right promotion ("Unity" especially). Rowland also seemed to be very aware of where the weaknesses of the previous version laid. She smartly removed "Ghetto" and "Flashback" but, unfortunately, she also left off two standout tracks ("The Show" and "Still In Love With My Ex"). Nevertheless, Ms. Kelly: Deluxe Edition is a solid offering from this R&B diva and should be bought alongside the previous version of the album. However, those who are more digitally-inclined can simply purchase the digital-only Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe which is an EP featuring the new songs to supplement the standard Ms. Kelly.

Recommended Listening: “Work” (Freemasons Radio Edit), “Daylight,” “Love Again,” “Unity,” “No Man No Cry”

Grade: B+

Review: Kelly Rowland, Ms. Kelly

Largely viewed as a career low point for R&B diva Kelly Rowland, Ms. Kelly was Rowland's sophomore effort that failed to match the success of its predecessor. Its singles struggled on the charts despite fairly solid sales figures for the album itself. Nevertheless, Ms. Kelly serves as one of Rowland's most cohesive bodies of work and is most certainly an underrated R&B record that set Rowland on the course towards producing more personal and meaningful music as a solo artist.

The album opens on the club-favourite "Like This" featuring rapper Eve. Its popping arrangement and Rowland's assertive confidence on the track make for a fun dance record that is fondly remembered among Rowland's fans. Rowland also burns it up on the standout track "Work" with its pounding rhythm and playful lyrics. "Work" is sexy and sassy in the best way and serves as a solid dance anthem with an arrangement perfectly laid out for intricate choreography. The winding "Comeback" is another solid effort with its urban influences and Rowland's seductive vocal delivery. Similarly, "The Show" is a remarkably sensual cut that provides a preview of the sex jams that would later punctuate Rowland's music. Unfortunately, these club tracks are few and far between on Ms. Kelly. The album itself is ballad and midtempo heavy which, interestingly enough, was also a major issue with Simply Deep. Still, much of the album is co-written by Rowland so the material comes across as deeply personal. The simmering ballad "Every Thought Is You" is airy and features effortless vocals on Rowland's part. "Still In Love With My Ex" serves as the standout amongst the slower tempo songs. Its lyrics are vulnerable and honest while Rowland's vocals are pained and emotive. The song is powerful and could be favourably compared to the work done by diva supreme Mariah Carey. It truly is unfortunate that "Still In Love With My Ex" never emerged as a single. The Solange-penned "Love" is a solid midtempo track with an underlying piano melody and a hopping arrangement laid over it. Rowland pushes herself vocally on the song and is to be commended for doing so. "Better Without You" sees Rowland settling into a gorgeous breathlessness across the track's weightless composition while "This Is Love" is a beautifully-written orchestral ballad that attempts to capture love within its nearly five-minute running time. The latter song closes the album sweetly and highlights a rarely seen side of Rowland where she indulges in love and romance rather than raunchy sex and he-done-me-wrong break-up jams.

In retrospect, Kelly Rowland should be proud of the work she put out with Ms. Kelly. It features solid R&B ballads and has lyrical depth and diversity while its dance tracks are infectious. Her voice on the album is warm and layered while maintaining the slight sweetness she's known for. Yes, the album could have used more uptempo tracks but it is remarkable for its lack of filler tracks. Ms. Kelly is start-to-finish a cohesive urban album that should be celebrated and viewed as a milestone in Rowland's career as a solo artist.

Recommended Listening: "Like This," "Comeback," "Work," "Every Thought Is You," "The Show," "Still In Love With My Ex," "Love," "Better Without You," "This Is Love"

Grade: B+

Review: Kelly Rowland, Simply Deep

Following the monster record Survivor, it was Kelly Rowland who first achieved solo success apart from Destiny’s Child with her duet with rapper Nelly on his track “Dilemma.” She quickly followed this up with her Platinum selling album Simply Deep. Her debut effort served to introduce her to the masses as a solo artist and proved that she could stand independently from her band mates.

Taking elements from rock and infusing it with R&B, Simply Deep makes heavy usage of guitars and features effortless vocals from Rowland. She indulges in her lower register and stretches her vocal muscles with tracks like “(Love Lives In) Strange Places” and “Beyond Imagination.” She tackles deep subject matter with the opening track “Stole” and shows herself to be an emotive story-teller on the song painting a poignant portrait of teen suicide. Much in the same vein, Rowland is equally as introspective on most other songs on the album with the majority focusing on romantic trials and tribulations ranging from love songs (“Simply Deep”) to pained ballads of love gone wrong (“Everytime You Walk Out That Door”). The latter serves as a standout on the album and shows her range amazingly. Simply Deep also contains a few up-tempo songs such as “Love/Hate” and “Past 12” but it is “Can’t Nobody” that shines the brightest. The track’s brash and stomping rhythm commands movement and features Rowland at her sassiest. Its sound would later be imitated by Amerie (“1 Thing”), Jennifer Lopez (“Get Right”) and Beyonce (“Crazy in Love”) guaranteeing each a hit song, perhaps indicating that Rowland is more of an innovator than she is given credit for. Another standout on Simply Deep is the airy “Train on a Track.” The song served as Rowland’s final single off of the album and features sweet vocals, a weightless composition and is the album’s most viable commercial option.

While Simply Deep grants Rowland a sound unique to her independent of the one Destiny’s Child had cultivated, it fails to truly create an identity for Rowland as a solo singer. The album is bogged down by an overwhelming number of mid-tempo songs that ultimately works against it. The imbalance gives the album an ambient sound and makes it easy to tune in-and-out. It is two or three tracks too long and could have benefitted from more dance songs. Nevertheless, it is an incredibly cohesive work that does not try to please every possible listener. Its rock/R&B sound is consistent from start-to-finish. Additionally, the album contains numerous standout tracks outside of those released as singles, a feat usually not accomplished on a debut album. Overall, Simply Deep is a valiant effort by Rowland and is an album sure to please most fans of the R&B genre.

Recommended Listening: “Stole,” “Dilemma,” “Haven’t Told You,” “Can’t Nobody,” “Love/Hate,” “Simply Deep,” “Past 12,” “Everytime You Walk Out That Door,” “Train on a Track.”

Grade: B-