Sound of the Underground (album) written with the aim of launching their own girl group. The song was originally recorded in 2001 by London girl group Orchid, who disbanded before gaining a firm record deal. It was chosen by Girls Aloud's manager Louis Walsh as their debut single. "Sound of the Underground" was 2002's Christmas number one single and spent a further three weeks at number one. "Sound of the Underground" and another Xenomania production, Sugababes' "Round Round", have been called "two huge groundbreaking hits", credited with reshaping British pop music for the 2000s. Following the single's success, Girls Aloud proceeded to begin recording their
The Promise (Girls Aloud song) theatre, where Girls Aloud watch themselves performing as a 1960s girl group on screen. "The Promise" was promoted through numerous live appearances, including a high-profile performance on "The X Factor", and served as the opening number of 2009's Out of Control Tour. The song was praised and appreciated by most contemporary music critics, who lauded the song despite it being unusual for Girls Aloud. "The Promise" was awarded Best British Single at the 2009 Brit Awards, the group's first win at the ceremony. "The Promise" is an homage to 1960s music, particularly Phil Spector's famous Wall of Sound technique. It