Melody Thornton is arguably the second most talented SINGING-member of Robin Antin‘s Pussycat Dolls pop group (although Kimberly Wyatt has certainly proved herself with new band Her Majesty and The Wolves) and after many past rumblings about a solo career, the time has finally come for Thornton to shine. Released independently on June 16th, Thornton’s first single, “Sweet Vendetta” is a lovely Motown throwback that really showcases her vocals. This retro-inspired pop song really goes to show how just under-utilized Thornton was as a member of The Pussycat Dolls. Sure, Melody would chime in on the occasional riff or two, but everybody knows that PCD was the Nicole Scherzinger show. Now that she’s solo, she seems ready for the inevitable journey from member of a highly successful pop group to struggling solo artist. Thornton recently took the time to speak to Rap-Up TV, saying:
“I’m hoping by next year I should have something together as far as an album goes, but we’re just doing it song by song. I did ‘Sweet Vendetta’ on a shoestring budget. I’m funding it myself, independent artist.” {SOURCE}
In an interview with The Source, Thornton explained her influences for the new album, reportedly called Hit The Ground Running, as being 60s influenced, citing influences like James Brown, BB King, Aretha Franklin and the Jackson 5. While working on the new album, Thornton has collaborated with the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Polow Da Don and Lil Wayne and expects an album release sometime in early 2012. Thornton recently finished up a stint on UK reality series, Popstar to Operastar, being eliminated third. Listen to “Sweet Vendetta” below and download it on U.S. iTunes HERE.