Rocktrospectiva: The Charming And Stylish "We Are The Pipettes" Turns 20

Released on 17 July 2006, "We Are The Pipettes" was the debut album from a British girl group with a pop style inspired by the sound of the early 1960s, but which was eventually overshadowed by the arrival of Beatles British Mania. Now with an indie pop sound, the three members—Gwenno, Riot Becki, and Rosay—played in a band called The Cassettes and had already achieved some success with a few singles, making it essential to release an album. 

 

Prior to its release, tracks like "I Like A Boy In Uniform (School Uniform)," as well as the incredible "Dirty Mind," "Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me," and "Pull Shapes," had already been released. While many didn't like the album because it didn't maintain the inspirational momentum of the singles, they did their best to encapsulate the 60s trend with contemporary culture, fitting it perfectly into the diverse era of the 2000s. The band's synchronization was evident on the album, and of course in the videos; the outfits and choreography were well-rehearsed, and their aim was to recapture the throne they had lost to the British Invasion. As is often the case, people expected their sound throughout the album to be inspired by Spector's famous Wall of Sound, fused with bands of the time like The Go! Team or I'm From Barcelona. However, they emerged with a unique style that, while having some revival elements, made them sound fresh and different in a certain way. 

 

Empowering Girl Power, a blend of innocence with hints of sexual aggression, a touch of French feminism, and a sound that emerged from consuming similar styles of bands, was evident in the three girls. Each had her own personality, from the housewife to the sexy librarian to the mod and avant-garde one. This amalgamation of personalities gave the album its unique touch. Besides the standout tracks, there was also the story of the bad girl "Judy," reflecting the eternal struggle of girls seeking to rebel against their parents, from their clothing to the music they listen to and the joy of feeling young, alive, and free. Gareth Parton's production was what ultimately crowned an album full of beautiful and dignified sound, emphasizing the all-encompassing power of a 60s girl band updated for the 2000s. 

 

The album also featured interesting tracks like "Because It's Not Love (But It's Only A Feeling)," as well as new songs such as "Sex," "Shy Did You Stary," and "I Love You," which helped shape the album. In conclusion, it was a modern indie pop album that drew on the pop sound of the 60s and was received as a breath of fresh air amidst the indie rock and electronica sounds that were prevalent at the time, at least during the project's existence.

We Are The Pipettes Track List:

1. We Are The Pipettes

2. Pull Shapes

3. Why Did You Stay

4. Dirty Mind

5. It Hurts To See You Dance So Well

6. Judy

7. A Winter's Sky

8. Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me

9. Tell me What You Want

10. Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling)

11. Sex

12. One Night Stand

13. ABC

14. I Love You