N-Dubz - Against All Odds

(Universal)

Despite musically approximating a holiday fling between Cascada and East 17, London’s cuddly rap anarchists N-Dubz have become the UK’s best-loved chart stars. Little wonder in light of Against All Odds: every chord progression and electro hook is nigh-on parodic in its pop accomplishment.

Raging across the hit parade with urban comrades Chipmunk, Wiley and Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz are a cartoonish paradox: for every ‘street’ misogynist caper (see ‘Duku Man Skit’), there’s a moral ballad advocating safe sex (‘Shoulda Put Something On’). But whatever: this is the sound of every car stereo and mobile phone in town. Resistance is futile.