It’s been three years since The Pussycat Dolls’ debut-album, giving the music industry three years with one less embarrassment. Unfortunately, they returned to the studio and produced Doll Domination (Interscope).

Maybe the album was just an excuse for a cover photo shoot capturing the Dolls’ pleather, spandex and glitter clad bodies. Nothing climbs the pop charts like sex appeal, something the Dolls no doubt understand.

Thanks to itty-bitty, teeny-tiny wardrobes, the Dolls have managed to make a name for themselves. It’s a shame that there isn’t an ounce of musical talent to back it up. Their 16-track CD plays one mistake after another.

Honestly, whose idea was it to include so many songs? There’s only so much pain one person should be asked to inflict upon him or herself.

Doll Domination sounds essentially the same as the group’s debut album, PCD, with its karaoke-for-amateurs sound and abundance of piercing cries. It’s painful. The involvement of producers and a studio is a mystifying thought. There doesn’t seem to be any supervision, structure or consistency in the album.

At least they didn’t attempt to play any instruments. It’s hard to imagine, but it could have been worse.

A few hip-hop hotshots- Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly and Missy Elliott among them-lent their over-qualified vocals for a little bit of variety. Snoop Dogg’s introductory vocals offer some diversity on “Bottle Pop,” an electro-pop song that ultimately falls flat, as even he can’t clean up the Dolls’ mess.

Similarly, Missy Elliott made her contribution on “Whatcha Think About That,” another repetitive chant with simplistic wording and a quasi-empowering message. There isn’t a noteworthy or redeemable moment to be heard here.

Amidst these horrifying creations, the Pussycat Dolls did manage to produce something close to a gem; “When I Grow Up.” It’s hard to tell if this track simply isn’t as awful as the rest or if it could be good all on its own. Either way, it stands out. This song doesn’t showcase their singing abilities, but it possesses a continuity that seems to be otherwise lacking in the rest of the album.

Most of the songs are over-synthed and under-sung, resulting in monotony and headache for the listener.

Somehow, “When I Grow Up” escaped disaster and the balance came out just right.

Lightning doesn’t strike twice, so the Pussycat Dolls shouldn’t expect another musical miracle. In the future, it would be best for everyone if the Pussycat Dolls stayed out of the studio.

They are far better suited for runways and calendar spreads.