When we first heard about the new Pussycat Dolls single, it was tempting to gloat about Nicole Scherzinger coming back with her tail between her legs.

OK, it’s fair to say that Nicole’s solo stuff didn’t set the charts on fire, despite some high profile collaborations. But secretly we’re glad she’s back where she belongs. Aren’t you?

The song is a fairly standard riff on every kids dream of being famous.

Now, When I Grow Up isn’t quite up to the same standard as Don’t Cha, but it isn’t a bad start. Interestingly, the Armored Stereo blog says that it sounds like Scherzinger is still peddling her solo material, but recognises that she’s got a great voice all the same…

For our part, it’s nothing like a vehicle for Scherzinger. Her solo stuff was mostly too-smooth R&B material. Pussycat Dolls do loud, ballsy pop with infectious choruses. Their image is younger, scrappier and more fun than anything Nicole did alone.

It’s still debatable whether this will be the high-impact single the Dolls need to secure their return to pop. However, it’s a good enough start, and the video’s a pretty hot reminder of why we liked the Pussycat Dolls in the first place.

When I Grow Up is due for release in the UK on 8 September 2008.