Danity Kane (U.S. Version)
Danity Kane's concept isn't revolutionary--bind five gorgeous, vocally gifted girls together at the hip and the world is bound to take notice--but its role as a reality TV band is: Here, finally, is the reason to stop raking contestants over the coals and accept that the tube can spawn some seriously hot music. Whether they're aMaking the Bandfluke or a solid indication that the TV talent pool is deepening season by season is anybody's guess, but there's no denying these ladies, hand-plucked by Diddy, pack a post-R&B; sizzle roving ears won't soon tire of. With a vibe more En Vogue than Destiny's Child--spot-on harmonizing, synchronized vocal tumbles, the occasional righteous yelp--they strut their way through 14 solid tracks, some whispery ("Ooh Ahh," "Stay With Me"), some noisy ("Back Up"), all sexy. Club cut "Show Stopper" featuring fellow Bad Boy artist Yung Joc is the disc's first single and breakout track, but look for another song, "Heartbreaker," to outlast it: with its languid acoustic guitar and midsong break, it casts a booty-swiveling, body-rocking spell.--Tammy La Gorce