dumblonde: The Dream Is Never Done

This is a review I wrote back in July 2015 after dumblonde released 5 songs from their debut album, effectively an EP in length, prior to their full length studio album.

After months and months of speculation, teases, and promises, the Alternative Dance/Pop duo Dumblonde (stylized as dumblonde) has finally delivered music.  Now the question, was it worth the wait?  First lets introduce those who may not know who or what exactly Dumblonde is.

Dumblonde consists of two former Danity Kane members, yes the same five piece girl group who began to dismantle on national television in 2008 and eventually broke up; and then reunite in 2013 as a quartet only to breakup yet again in 2014.  A Messy run to say the least!  Shannon Bex and Aubrey O’Day have come together as Dumblonde to make sure their dream is never done!  This time around Bex and O’Day have complete control over their sound, image, stage show, etc. which is something being on Bad Boy with Danity Kane didn’t allow them.

REVIEW: Danity Kane 'DK3' Snippets & Review

Danity Kane DK3 Album Snippets

Finally after the drama which the world saw after the DK4 reunion back in 2013 which was officially confirmed at the 2013 MTV VMA's, a lot has happened to girl group Danity Kane.

They  have been in the studio recording music for their anticipated 3rd studio LP.  They went on a tour across the United States.  During the tour is when things began to take a torn for the worst.  First Aundrea Fimbres announced she was not going to continue on with Danity Kane because she wanted to start a family.  Next Danity Kane released a comeback single "Lemonade" featuring Tyga, which had great initial buzz but fizzled off after a video and promo didn't help push the potential Urban summer hit.  Following the tour in early August an altercation broke out in a studio/meeting session when Dawn Richard allegedly punched Aubrey O'Day unprovoked in the back of her head.  Then once again Danity Kane AKA DK3, officially broke up.

Fans were left in awe at the girls for continuously promoting sisterhood, women respect, ladies coming together,  and overall love for eachother only to let an argument turn physical and ruin the business the three ladies worked so hard to create once again.

Out of nowhere Aubrey and Shannon Bex released a video on Instagram confirmed since the fans never gave up they didn't either and that an album would be released for the fans as a gift.  Which is a bit odd, because its a gift in which fans will have to pay for.  Oxymoron.

Well, here is my review of the tracks from the snippets

Can A Girl Group Ever Last?

Who would have though after reaching such career heights as setting the record of being the only female group in Billboard history to have their first two albums debut at number 1, two Top 10 singles, and selling out tours, Bad Boy’s Danity Kane wouldn’t be able to avoid disbanding. Created by MTV and Diddy to search for an international superstar female group, the new installment of Making The Band 3 introduced us to many girls vying for the chance to be part of the group in 2004.

After seasons of auditions and broken dreams, Diddy finally picked five girls to fill the part; Shannon Bex, Aundrea Fimbers, Aubrey O’Day, Dawn Richard, and Wanita “D. Woods” Woodgette. Making The Band viewers easily fell in love with the chosen members through the course of the show and watched them achieve unthought-of success, most television-created bands wouldn’t achieve. Danity Kane’s debut album, Danity Kane, was released in 2006 along with the R&B influenced Top 10 Hot 100 single “Show Stopper.” When it came for the groups second album, in 2008 they released Welcome To The Dollhouse, and earned another Top 10 single with the Dance Pop, club ready “Damaged.”

Things on the outside, as always with girl groups, seemed great; success, fame, and dreams being lived out for the whole world to see. After various things were reported about Danity Kane (involving speculated solo deals, joining other groups, members leaving), in a later season of the show, Diddy took it upon himself to fire two members, Aubrey and D. Woods. Trying to continue the group as a threesome, surprisingly Shannon wasn’t on board for a DK3. Leaving only Aundrea and Dawn to be featured in the current season of Making The Band 4 which just ended; By Diddy releasing Aundrea out of her contract as well as the other three members; keeping only Dawn on the Bad Boy roster.

This brings up the question; will there ever be a girl group who lasts without a lineup change or member going solo? It seems like all of the most popular groups experience line up changes or disbandment. From The Supremes you had Diana Ross who went on to receive solo success. TLC, owned the 90s but came to a halt after Left Eye passed away. In Destiny’s Child you had Beyonce head the group perfectly, to create the perfect solo career. Other instances of girl groups losing members or breaking up include SWV, En Vogue, Spice Girls, Blaque, Dream, and 3LW. It almost appears to be fact, that girl groups successful or not, just don’t last! There are just certain things in groups that cannot be overlooked by members, and this usually results in a party wanting to go solo or being unhappy with how they’re treated.

It’s clear that groups such as Danity Kane create successful careers collectively; and for some members successful solo careers as well. The only thing left to wonder when it comes to your favorite girl groups is, how long will they really last and which member(s) will be going solo in the near future.

Danity Kane Steals the Show...Together or Not!

Tonight's episode of Making The Band: The Final Chapter featured Day 26, Donnie, Diddy, and no one other than Danity Kane. Although Danity Kane only consisted of Aubrey, D. Woods, Dawn, and Shannon on the show, they still managed to steal the show even without Aundrea.

During the show Day 26 performed 3 time,s to promote their sophomore album which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. As well as Donnie Klang who performed a song off his album entitled "Pick It Up." It was a tad bit funny to hear Aubrey discredit Dawn, and speak over her after Dawn stated that everyone supported Aubrey's stint on Broadway. Aubrey backfired and said it was only D. Woods who supported her! Ouch!

Shannon said she spoke to Aundrea and her reasons for not coming were basically that she was the emotional one of the group, and was taking time to be with her family. Pretty much that she didn't want or need to deal with the expect Diddy BS, is what I'm thinking! I truly hope Aundrea finds a home at a great label who will support her solo career, because I could seriously see her being an easy well liked solo artist.

What the future holds...

As for Diddy's sacred little Dawn, she is supposed to be joining Diddy as one of his female band mates on his Last Train To Paris album/phase he's going through currently. Pretty much meaning he will give Dawn extra air time for exposure on his Making His Band show-pretty slick huh, ugh I think not. This pretty much is to boost Dawn's appeal for her Bad Boy solo debut album, which Diddy himself said was coming soon. I do not see this being a big album, and I still cannot dig Dawn's voice for an entire album, so she definitely better bring it, especially to make Pop fans enjoy her music. Dawn was rocking the latest, "I'm trying to be a major solo artist hairdo" so I'm gonna lose the weave and have a short-do, infamously made by Rihanna. Keri Hilson, has done the same to her hair!

D. Woods, seemed to appear on the show basically for self promotion reasons. Especially since after not showing up on the last finale which she was asked to appear on. Any who she is said to have heard from various labels who are interested in singing her, as well as working on her solo debut album. She made it seem as if she was already in pretty good hands, so the future will only tell how that ends up going for her. Previous rumors stated she was involved with another girl group

Sweet Miss Shannon, seemed to come into her own, on tonight's show, where she actually seemed to speak up, and tell how she saw things. Very good to see Shannon almost become a new person tonight! Not to mention of all of the girls she looked the best by a mile. She stated that she was getting involved with some web site, and said who knows, you may see her becoming/going Country for a solo debut album. Probably the best sure route for her, but I would definitely like to see Shannon become a Pop artist, over Country. If she had the right promo team, she could be something in the Pop world, various people have stated she was the best dancer in Danity Kane.

Last but definitely not least we heard from the fiery little diva in the making, Aubrey. Oh god I love me some Aubrey! She knows exactly how to bring the attention onto herself, which is what you need to make yourself a bigger star, than you currently are. Her future solo endeavors include going back to Broadway for another musical, as well as focusing on Fall 2009 reality TV show, which will probably be about her day to day life and her journey to make her solo debut album. Something to look forward for, but she better hope it doesn't get canceled cause that would not be a good look in any way!

As a whole...

Danity Kane seems to be in the same mind set, and Diddy pretty much agreed with them. The four seemed pretty open for a Danity Kane reunion, except the thing was, nobody wanted it to be right now! They all are to concentrated on their solo projects to commit to a Danity Kane album. So that goes for the internet hoax about their third studio album, From The Ashes, which they were supposedly said to be in the studio recording. Diddy even went to say on the show in front of all four of five members that there would not be another Danity Kane, unless it was the original 5 members. Though ironically he went on to say he will create another superstar female group, who will hopefully respect the opportunity more and learn how to deal with things that come along with groups, although saying , not that these ladies (Danity Kane ) didn't... Kinda odd, but yeah-it's Diddy!

The way I see it, is if Danity Kane doesn't reunite within a year, maybe two years max, who is really going to be checking for them! They will becoming part of the past, another group to be and go in the mid 2000s. I did enjoy their music as a group, but if they don't get their act together collectively soon, IMO there will be no need for a DK reunion, as sad as that may sound!

Diddy Is and Was the Cause...Danity Kane No More ?

So on tonight's part 1 of the season finale of Making The Band 4, Diddy started the show out by getting straight to the point that everybody, well more than 50% of whats left of Making The Band's viewers wanted to know.

HE quickly stated than he was going to release all members of Danity Kane from their contracts except Dawn. Yes he did release Aundrea from her contract, which in my opinion was a really messed up thing to do. Aundrea waited all along this season's filming of Making The Band, to find out if Danity Kane would be getting revamped in any sort of way possible, and Diddy flat out drops her! I mean I think he could have at least gave her a 1 or 2 album contract.

In the end Diddy certainly got his wish, since he is only left with the only member of Danity Kane, who he truly wanted from the git go: Dawn Richard! It's pretty clear to see that if DK doesn't get back together that Diddy will release an album from Dawn on Bad Boy. He already supposedly has Dawn writing music for Cassie (epic fail, including her half shaved head and all) so it only seems legit for him to give her the solo deal that's been speculated for years now.

The only shocking event left to see is next weeks part 2 of the finale, where Danity Kane is said to possibly be in whole (5 members) on stage with Diddy. Though I really do not see this going very far, Diddy is bluntly rude with Aubrey, even if she slightly changed he wouldn't like her vibe. Pretty sure I'm not the only one who see's that too. I just thought it was funny in which the order of their solo pictures that they showed--Anybody else notice it was in the order of who Diddy is in good terms with most currently: Dawn....Aundrea...Shannon...D. Woods...Aubrey!

I also was not feeling Dawn's over the top happy, I must move on, attitude during her photo shoot on tonight's show, very arrogant and overly cocky. Again I do not think she will ever be a huge solo star-time will tell.

Danity Future : As I Currently See It!

The way I see it coming along as of now is that this season of Making The Band we will get to see Danity Kane come together as a trio, being Dawn-Aundrea-Shannon, and I think they may make music together. Not an album, but I do see them releasing a single or two, so Diddy can test the waters to see if people still are vibing Danity Kane.

Then I see the following season finding a way to reach out to D. Woods and maybe Aubrey, but def. D. Woods. Then I see the four of them (all minus Aubrey) them doing sort of another test trial by releasing a single digitally. And if it does well enough, creating and releasing an album.

Then for the next season I see them making the entire group reunion, and inviting Aubrey back to be a part of Danity Kane. Giving her a chance to do her own thing (which some may consider wild) and then have her see what she'll miss without Danity Kane. But in the end I do think see (as of now) all 5 girls of DK getting back together and releasing an album again together. It'll be called 'Danity Reunited,' or something like that.

IMM [In my mind] it isn't smart for Diddy to think about giving Dawn a solo career this early in the game. He needs to establish her group b4 thinking solo terms and contracts. All I know is I think Danity Kane no matter how many members are in it, 3,4,5 (don't know about 2) they should release new music, they really were a successful group. Is it a publicity stunt, ehhh, maybe, probably is. But they did make music as a 5-some well! As of now, I guess DK will remain damaged!

Danity Drama: 'Don' Through Day | Making The Band 4 Season 4

So, once again Making The Band/Diddy and MTV are really keeping every one's attention on Danity Kane, Day 26, and Donnie Klang with Season 4 of Making The Band(MTB).

Still the most interesting artist/group on the show has got to be Danity Kane by far. Not to mention they seem like the group who has or should I say had the most potential. With two number 1 albums and two Top 10 Hot 100 singles (YES, they should have more with two albums, but that's the Bad Boy Way-sell what matters, albums not singles) under their belt it all seems to becoming to an end for one of the 00's most promising new female groups. Do they ever last? There was Destiny's Child, 702, 3LW, and Dream (fellow Bad Boy group) just to name a few!

With Aubrey posing for February/march 09's issue of Playboy, D. Woods working with her group, Shannon's place in the group unknown (rumors her her leaving because of Diddy drama, not being in the trailer, and not wanting another season), only leaves for two certain members left. Aundrea who has told Diddy she wasn't happy with the group previously, and then there is what many believe Diddy is hoping to make his next check with (as a solo act), Dawn. Hmmm, don't think that solo career would last, let alone if it semi-worked!

Day 26, attempts to create more buzz with their dramatic fights in the preview as they prep their 2nd album (YES, already that's what I'm thinking) since their first failed to create any major buzz single wise. As for them, they can only hope that they can pull it together-As O-Town, Da Band, and Danity Kane have all proved to not stand the test of time.

As for Donnie Klang, he is really put in a bad position as Diddy puts all of his thoughts and ides toward the two groups, and little for Donnie. Doesn't he know it's harder to established fan base for a single artist rather a group? Not to say that he receives little to no air time on Making The Band. Personally he deserves another chance, especially since Diddy (You are not a cool rapper anymore, if you ever were!) corrupted his debut, by being the featured guest on his debut single ("Take You There")! "Dr. Love," could really become a hit for him.

Clearly with all of the issues- Staged or not bring on the next season of MTB4 Season4!
Let's just hope Diddy didn't stage the Danity Drama, because that will lost fans of theirs for sure, on the account of him!

No Shannon! 3 -> 2 = Danity Duo

Wow! So look here. Does it surprise anyone that Shannon Bex supposedly quit Danity Kane? I sure hope not, because it shouldn’t! Shannon didn’t seem to happy on the live season finale of Making The Band after Sway said, that MTV basically renewed the show for another season, and saying that they were going to find new members/replacements for Aubrey & D.Woods.

Plus Shannon was way to mature for Diddy and his childish BS of how he tried to blame Danity Kane for the issues which he was going to bring upon them as he insinuated that he wanted D.Woods out, after kicking out Aubrey.

By now, if Shannon’s departure of the group is true, then I think Aundrea is only staying around in hopes that Diddy will give her a solo deal. Because we all know with Shannon gone Diddy is just one step closer of having his goal achieved, Dawn with a solo deal on Bad Boy. Not to mention Diddy called Aundrea out as a “problem child,” and practically put her in the same group as Aubrey & D.Woods. Thats a diss Diddy!

I could see a label picking up Aubrey as a solo artist; I just hope the same could be possible for Shannon and if so that she’d sell and become at least a B-list pop star, since she seems so nice, genuine & deserving.

So much for Welcome To The Dollhouse outselling Danity Kane and releasing more singles than it as well. Good luck Danity Duo-doubt a newly reformed DK will reach the short lived DK peak!

A Trio, Best Way Now!

Wow, so Diddy actually wasn’t “kicking” Aubrey O’Day out of Danity Kane as a publicity stunt. Big surprise that Wanita “D.Woods” Woodgette left the group as well, I think not; especially since their Ebony & Ivory friendship. Which I did find really ironic because back when the members were finally chosen as the group, Aubrey and Aundrea were best friends and it seemed genuine. Didn’t really see or notice when they kind of went their own ways.

It leaves the possibility for any sort of group with the label Danity Kane, and under Bad Boy Records, really in an odd direction. The best route for them in my eyes would be to continue as a trio. But most likely and as already speculated, Diddy is probably going to hold auditions for a Making The Band 5. To me, that’s doing way too much. Its bad enough Diddy practically broke the group up, rather letting them do so on their own, but you know in his mind he is thinking of this.

Poor Shannon, never really had a big role in the group (meaning never had many exciting solo parts), or on the show, yet was and probably is the nicest member of the group. For that only reason I hope for success of Danity Kane only if they continue as a trio or unless Diddy signs each to a solo deal. New members are out of the picture for me, it just won’t be the same.

Bye Bye Aubrey! Not a good move Diddy...

OK, what in the world was Diddy thinking of kicking out Aubrey O’Day from Danity Kane, even if he only did it for a publicity stunt. It’s going to make fans of her, not like him, and lose respect for the band in general if he pulls stuff like this. Girl groups have line up changes on their own, Diddy get out of the girl [ish] business and let them do the breaking up, and line up changes on their own.

Aubrey may not be the best singer in the group, but she playas very important role in the group if you ask me, even if you call her the crazy/slut/fake whatever it may be, she does add a lot of spunk to DK which would not be there if she wasn’t.
I did not see the episode of this past weeks Making The Band, but it’s not marketable move. She’s an interesting person. So if you are for real Diddy, bad move!

Is Anybody Listening vs. Question Existing

So...
I just think I've realized something. Rihanna's song "Question Existing" was originally planned for Danity Kane. But Danity Kane reportedly turned it down and didn't accept it as a song, because it didn't have their sound or something to that extent. [There was even an episode of MTB 4 Season 2 where they listened to "Question Existing."] Regardless, I personally think that the song they chose in it's place was, "Is Anybody Listening." Because to me the songs kinda have similar meanings. And bot hare mid-tempo/ballad songs, both asking questions.... hmmmm!

But If I had to chose a better song or one that I like more, it would definitely be, "Is Anybody Listening." I truly think it is the best song on their album. Everything from the vocals, ad lib's, beat, and style of the song is more than GREAT! I really think and hope for this to be their second single from Welcome To The Dollhouse. Although since they are trying to conquer the Dance-Pop world, and the fact that the second single, "Ride For You," a ballad [such as "Is Anybody Listening,"] and it didn't to well as a second single, they are probably going to go with a up beat, dance track as a second single. And Dawn's "Light's Out," is the most popular on iTunes from the album as of now too! Hint, Hint! [And I do like "Lights Out" too!, but not as much : / Cuz I DO NOT like "Bad Girl," which is the other front runner... : (]

Regardless, "Is Anybody Listening," to me is the best song from Welcome To The Dollhouse, and I think it should be the second single!

DANITY KANE better than their DOLLHOUSE

So overall I was disappointed by this album[Welcome To The Dollhouse]! I really expected a great album that I would totally want to buy, but this wasn't the case. I heard the entire album on MTV's The Leak, and tracks that I liked from the show I didn't even like as much while listening to the album. I do think, "Is Anybody Listening," is a great track though. Probably the standout track from the entire set. Followed by "Poetry." These two songs showcase their vocals, although probably not in the best light, but it allows for DK's sound to blend and mix (harmonize) well. Tracks like, "Bad Girl," and "Ecstasy," which both feature artists, aren't anything special at all to me. I do think many of the songs are OK, but the CD isn't a grabber at first listen. When I say that I mean, most tracks will take me time to get to like. Just as the first single, "Damaged," it had to grow on me, as well. Other tracks that were OK to me included "Sucka For Love," & "Lights Out". Maybe it's because I liked the R&B feel over the Dance-Pop feel but overall I have to agree that from a first listen, their debut CD, Danity Kane, was much better.

Review is also posted on iTunes & thanks to MTV's The Leak for streaming the album prior to it's release!

Damaging Video? | I think so!

OK, so I just saw Danity Kane's new video for "Damaged." It was rather disappointing if you ask me.

First off near the end there was way to many ad-libs going on, and it totally destroyed the songs appeal if you ask me. The version I have is way more simple, and just sounded better that way. I mean usually I'm all for the single version to be different from the album/video version but I think they were doing way to much this time around.

Second, why in the world is Diddy talking all throughout the end of the video! I don't wanna hear that, do you? I mean if he wanted to be featured he needed to rap or worse yet, sing! His voice at the end was extremely unnecessary and useless.

Third the futureristic thing that the majority of the video was surrounded around was unique, but I really don't think it goes with the song. Plus there was way more laying on those bed type things rather than them dancing. Didn't Dawn say it was generally or mostly a dance video, or am I wrong?

Regardless I do think it was very important for Diddy/Bad Boy to release the video before the album's release, but if it doesn't make it big soon, It really will have been to late, and won't even boost album sells. To me, I think if Danity Kane has another chart topping album(this year/time around) they will have been very lucky.

Sorry Diddy, MTB 4 Season 2 just was moving way too slow this time if you ask me. The video should have been released like 2 weeks earlier. So it could possibly be topping like the TRL countdown by the album release date(3.18.08) so they could perform it then! Duh!