PCD (2005)

PCD is the debut studio album by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls. It was released on September 12, 2005, by A&M Records. Largely produced by Ron Fair, the record's musical style is a fusion of pop, R&B and dance-pop. Its lyrics focus on themes of sexuality, love, and feminism.

In 1995, the Pussycat Dolls were created as a burlesque troupe by choreographer Robin Antin. After attracting media attention, Antin struck a joint venture with Interscope Records to develop the Pussycat Dolls into a brand in 2003, with Jimmy Iovine assigning the project to Fair. Following the recruitment of singers Nicole Scherzinger and Melody Thornton alongside troupe members Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, and Kimberly Wyatt, the recording of PCD commenced in 2004. As one of the executive producers, Fair enlisted producers such as Kwamé, Polow da Don and Rich Harrison. Collaborators on the record included rappers Busta Rhymes, will.i.am, and Timbaland.

PCD received mixed reviews from music critics, who were favorable towards the selection of dance-pop tracks but criticized the album's balladry and covers, considering it contradictory to the group's sexual image. Exceeding industry expectations, the album became a commercial success, debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200 and reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including number one in New Zealand. It went on to be certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for combined sales and album-equivalent units of four million in the United States. As of 2020, PCD has sold nine million units worldwide.

PCD produced six singles—"Don't Cha", "Stickwitu", "Beep", "Buttons", "I Don't Need a Man", and "Wait a Minute". "Don't Cha", "Stickwitu", and "Buttons" all reached the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and in numerous countries worldwide, with "Stickwitu" nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards (2007). The Pussycat Dolls further promoted the album with televised performances, including those at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards and the American Music Awards of 2006. Touring extensively, the group embarked on the PCD World Tour (2006–2007), while performing as supporting acts on the Black Eyed Peas' Honda Civic Tour and Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour.