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Posted by: Jay ☆ 20th April 2020, 10:19 PM

'Spiceworld'
3rd November 1997

1. Spice Up Your Life
2. Stop
3. Too Much
4. Saturday Night Divas
5. Never Give Up on the Good Times
6. Move Over
7. Do It
8. Denying
9. Viva Forever
10. The Lady Is a Vamp
+ Step to Me [Japanese Bonus Track]

---------------

A discussion thread for us to reminisce about the Spice Girls' sophomore album 'Spiceworld'!

Chat about everything to do with the 'Spiceworld' era - the singles, album tracks, music videos, performances, B Sides etc! Feel free to post your own reviews / ranks.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 20th April 2020, 10:19 PM

https://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Spice-Girls/SpiceGirls-Sing07SpiceUpYourLife.jpghttps://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Spice-Girls/SpiceGirls-Sing08TooMuch.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/DswBd4I.jpghttps://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Spice-Girls/SpiceGirls-Sing10VivaForever.jpg

Posted by: Jay ☆ 20th April 2020, 10:37 PM

I'll start the topic off by linking this recently made fan-made video for 'Denying'! It's really well done and offers a tantalising glimpse of what a 5 piece Spice Girls would look like in a music video nowadays.

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 20th April 2020, 10:58 PM

Love the album great cover, brilliant lead single and all round great pop album, shame geri leaving over shadowed some of the era.

Posted by: schizo_spice 20th April 2020, 11:08 PM

I think it's the best album released by a girl group.

It was ten tracks of diverse brilliance (Latin, Motown, RnB, jazz, pop) that work so well together. Vocals are great from all five and so distinct. Beautiful harmonies and a great feeling of togetherness.

Great artwork and single choices aswell.

Faultless, it would've been very difficult to top this album no matter how things had panned out with Geri.

Posted by: Jade 🐠 20th April 2020, 11:10 PM

I think 'Spice' just about edges this album for me on the whole but it does house my two favourite Spice Girls singles in 'Viva Forever' and 'Spice Up Your Life'. I hold it in very high regard too and the added element of the accompanying movie gives it even more charm. My ranking would be:

01. Viva Forever
02. Spice Up Your Life
03. Stop
04. Step to Me [Japanese Bonus Track]
05. Too Much
06. Saturday Night Divas
07. Denying
08. Do It
09. Never Give Up on the Good Times
10. Move Over
11. The Lady Is a Vamp

Posted by: Jay ☆ 20th April 2020, 11:12 PM

This might just be my favourite album of all-time! It's definitely in my Top 5 anyway.

23 years later and it still holds up as one of the best pop music albums ever, for me. I'll never find this album boring, I love it as much at the age of 32 as I did when I was just 9 years old!

I agree that it's quite a diverse listen with the different genre influences, yet it feels cohesive.

It's crazy to think that this album was pretty rushed, recorded when they had spare time during the Spiceworld The Movie shoot. Perhaps that added pressure is what helped drive their creativity and result in something so great.

I think the artwork is my favourite album cover of theirs too. I don't think it's as iconic an image as their debut album, but I do prefer it!

What an exceptional singles run too! They could have pushed it further than those 4. While Viva Forever was certainly strong enough to be a stand alone release, it would still have been brilliant for it to be a Double A Side with Never Give Up on the Good Times. Do It, even though it has its haters, sounds to me like it could have been a hit too.

Posted by: Andrew. 20th April 2020, 11:48 PM

I've listened to this and 'Spice', I found the latter a bit fillery oop but I love this so much, I agree it's so diverse and innovative for a girl group album! Queens did that. Damn I really wish I'd seen them in Murrayfield last year Apart from the singles (actually my four favourite spice songs!), my favourite is Never Give up on the good times. *pretends to be shocked etc*

01. Stop
02. Viva Forever
03. Too Much
04. Spice Up Your Life
05. Never Give Up on the Good Times
06. Do It
07. Saturday Night Divas
08. Move Over
09. The Lady Is a Vamp
10. Denying (the only track I'm not keen on)

Need to return to this more

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 20th April 2020, 11:52 PM

I agree its prob the best album by a girl band it's so strong from start to finish.With stop missing out on number 1 I do think they should have gone with 5 singles with viva forever as a stand alone, for me never give up on the good times would have been the choice as I think at worst they would have got another top 5. Spice world was always a hard album to follow and and it was so good for me it left forever possibly more disappointing than it actually is.

Posted by: Mr.X 21st April 2020, 12:37 PM

Definitely the best ever girl band album. It has iconic songs, but also amazing album tracks without the massive duds that let Spice down (like Mama).

Do It is the worst track but even then it is a good song (just cringe lol) but it all works in context I guess.

As a whole, it is a near-perfect pop album with a near perfect run of singles.

Things I would change:

- Add Step To Me to all standard releases across the world. I would place it right after Denying:

1. Spice Up Your Life
2. Stop
3. Too Much
4. Saturday Night Divas
5. Never Give Up On The Good Times
6. Move Over
7. Do It
8. Denying
9. Step To Me
10. Viva Forever
11. Lady Is A Vamp

- Release Never Give Up On The Good Times with a tour montage video later in the Summer of 1998, like in September. With a celebratory single mix and two of the other girls singing Geri's lines, it would be an amazing bridge between Viva Forever and Goodbye, I think, and keep the Spice alive post-Geri and provide us with a new Spice classic!

- Release a Delux edition in late Novemver/December 1998 with Goodbye on it and a couple of other tracks and remixes. Maybe a Christmas edition would have been appropriate for the time, but also including a single version of NGOTGT, My Strongest Suit and maybe a couple of unreleased tracks? It would also very much enhance Spiceworld's sales quite a lot if it was released around Christmas... We could now be looking at 2million sales just in the UK...

Posted by: Spiceboy 21st April 2020, 01:19 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 21 2020, 01:37 PM)

Posted by: Spiceboy 21st April 2020, 01:27 PM

Quite simply THE best girlband album of all time, and definitely one the THE best pop albums of all time. I always feel a bit ripped off whenever I see best album lists and of course Spice Girls are simply not credible enough to be featured on them because I genuinely think that this album is worthy of being in all the lists!!! It's perfectly crafted from start to finish and it has so many different musical styled infused in it. While it got good reviews on release it deserved to get smash reviews it is incredible, the opener and the closure to the albums are so impactful they just begin and end the journey perfectly!

Viva Forever is of course the stand out track and my favourite song of all time, Saturday night divas is my favourite non-single track (closely followed by Do it).

1. Viva forever
2. Stop
3. Too much
4. Spice up your life
5. Saturday night divas
6. Do it
7. Never give up on the good times
8. The lady is a vamp
9. Move over
10. Denying

I mean there's not much point rating as every track is an 11/10 for me but I would probably rank them like that although my ranking does change depending on my moods... (Spice up your life and Too much interchange alot as do TLIAV and Move over) but my top 2 are always the same, they are my 2 top Spice Girls songs as a group or solo.

I think the era should have been stretched out more, Do it and Never give up on the good times would have be a great double a-side or possibly Never give up alongside Goodbye or my strongest suit or a new song at Christmas time with the album being re-released with a few bonus tracks... stick Step to me on there at the point too boost it sales. I mean it's still easily the second best selling girl group album, however I feel like it's sales are not justified they deserve to be higher it's a 2million selling album at the very least!

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 21st April 2020, 01:43 PM

Ya that path would have been great and sakes woukd have soared. The deluxe re release was something they didnt do back then but if they had their first 2 albums would be far higher sales.

Posted by: Spiceboy 21st April 2020, 01:48 PM

Just imagine if the individual covers that the likes of One Direction, JLS, The Saturdays, Steps did were a thing back then too... Wow it's sales would have been huge!!

Posted by: Scene 21st April 2020, 01:49 PM

This was the ultimate album for me when I was younger. I always preferred it to their debut and echoing on what someone else said earlier, the album artwork is definitely their best. It's so vibrant

1. Too Much
2. Viva Forever
3. Stop
4. Saturday Night Divas
5. Never Give Up On the Good Times
6. Do It
7. Spice Up Your Life
8. Move Over
9. Lady Is A Vamp
10. Denying

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 21st April 2020, 06:31 PM

My happiest memories of any Spice Girls release was 'Spiceworld'. I remember there being so much around me during that time, compared to the first record, that's because of the amount of merchandise and sponsorship out there and the release of the movie.

I don't think the album was better than 'Spice', they're pretty much on a par with one another. I absolutely love 10 track albums. I do get bored of albums which have 16-18 tracks on them.

I don't think the singles release could have been any perfect. SUYL, Too Much, Stop and Viva Forever. All brilliant choices. It was a shame NGUOTGT wasn't released but not many pop groups at the time could boast having amazing singles and equally brilliant album tracks. 'Spiceworld' had no filler. 'Do It' has always been a favourite. I don't understand why some people don't like it.

My Ranking

1. Spice Up Your Life
2. Too Much
3. Viva Forever
4. Never Give Up On The Good Times
5. Stop
6. Do It
7. Saturday Night Divas
8. The Lady Is A Vamp
9. Denying
10. Move Over

Posted by: vibe 21st April 2020, 06:49 PM

Amazing follow up!! Again impossible to rank.

I marginally prefer spice tho.

Posted by: SamJudd 21st April 2020, 08:43 PM

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 21st April 2020, 09:30 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ Apr 21 2020, 02:48 PM)

Posted by: Spiceboy 21st April 2020, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(Feel_The_Fever @ Apr 21 2020, 10:30 PM)

Yes, this would have brought in so many extra sales, maybe an anniversary release some day could follow that format

Posted by: Mr.X 21st April 2020, 11:25 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ Apr 21 2020, 10:51 PM)

I can just see one letter of S P I C E with the girl in it as a slip case cover so S is Scary just the S cut from the original album cover maybe with Scary edition written underneath. P is Geri slipcase, I is Emma slipcase C is Victoria slipcase and E is Melanie C slipcase

If they really wanted to push sales back then they could have included 5 extra songs 1 song on each edition to create the extra incentive.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 22nd April 2020, 01:48 AM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ Apr 21 2020, 11:51 PM)

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 22nd April 2020, 02:40 AM

Very good, I would have bought the sporty one but some fans would have bought the group one plus all the solo ones.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 22nd April 2020, 03:21 AM

If these had existed and I could only choose one, I would have wanted Baby back in 1997! There's absolutely no way my parents would have bought all 5 for me! (I know this because they only let me have one Spiceworld The Movie tin ).

Posted by: Jay ☆ 22nd April 2020, 05:58 AM

I threw these together on Paint, to be more like what Spiceboy thought of!

I've designed them like it would be a physical CD, so the 'SPICE GIRLS' logo on the side would be printed on the paper that is below the see through plastic tray. The individual letters would be the front covers of the album booklets. Maybe I should have done them like slipcases that would go over the normal Spiceworld album, but the individual booklets is like how The Saturdays did their individual On You Radar covers!

If I'd used Photoshop I could have been more accurate with the positioning of the images and text (they might be slightly off centre or out of line), but it's just a rough concept:

https://i.imgur.com/c53E3uc.png https://i.imgur.com/bhQ4XVW.png https://i.imgur.com/yOxqwjk.png https://i.imgur.com/4ZKvWsM.png https://i.imgur.com/TO4KkEw.png
(Click for larger images)

Posted by: Spiceboy 22nd April 2020, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ Apr 22 2020, 06:58 AM)

Posted by: Maz! 22nd April 2020, 11:16 AM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ Apr 21 2020, 12:37 AM)

I'll start the topic off by linking this recently made fan-made video for 'Denying'! It's really well done and offers a tantalising glimpse of what a 5 piece Spice Girls would look like in a music video nowadays.

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 22nd April 2020, 02:58 PM

Thats a really great video, someone is very talented, this could pass as real professional video for a song, id say the girls themselves would be a fan of this.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 26th April 2020, 12:53 PM

I'm really into playing Denying recently! I am still at it coming last in the recent survivor, tssk x

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 26th April 2020, 03:16 PM

Anyone remember the uk and us open ing sales for spice world?

Posted by: sammy01 26th April 2020, 03:28 PM

Seeing those slip case mock ups in this thread really makes you wonder why they dont milk their old albums more even nowadays. I have the disposable income now that I'd snap up all 5 if they did a limited run of them now limited to say 5k copies each letter. I'm sure they would have no problem flogging them and they have an online store so can just sell them £10 a pop all 5 for £45 and not have a middle man take a cut if the profits.

Posted by: JaneJ 26th April 2020, 04:01 PM

That Denying video is brilliant but the fact that Spice fans need to create stuff to feed themselves due to lack of new content from the girls is kind of sad. The way they treat their fans though smh.

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 26th April 2020, 04:03 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ Apr 26 2020, 04:28 PM)

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 26th April 2020, 05:01 PM

QUOTE(Feel_The_Fever @ Apr 26 2020, 04:16 PM)

Posted by: Spiceboy 26th April 2020, 05:48 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ Apr 26 2020, 04:28 PM)

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 26th April 2020, 05:49 PM

Maybe they will eventually those uk opening sales were great.

Posted by: JaneJ 26th April 2020, 06:41 PM

Kpop factories do that all the time, the fans won't mind but it doesn't look good for outsiders. The girls are already legends, they don't need that. If they want to milk please at least create new tactics please.

Posted by: Hauspital* 29th April 2020, 08:56 PM

Relistened to this album, this evening Another great album and it follows on naturally from the debut and definitely shows growth in terms of vocals and production. Again, the singles are all near perfection, with one of them being actual perfection. 'Never Give Up on the Good Times' is fantastic too and definitely an album track highlight I just can't stand 'The Lady is a Vamp' and hate how it ends an otherwise flawless album.

1. Viva Forever
2. Spice Up Your Life
3. Too Much
4. Never Give Up on the Good Times
5. Stop
6. Denying
7. Do It
8. Saturday Night Divas
9. Move Over
10. The Lady Is a Vamp

Posted by: Spiceboy 29th April 2020, 09:03 PM

QUOTE(Hauspital* @ Apr 29 2020, 09:56 PM)

Relistened to this album, this evening Another great album and it follows on naturally from the debut and definitely shows growth in terms of vocals and production. Again, the singles are all near perfection, with one of them being actual perfection. 'Never Give Up on the Good Times' is fantastic too and definitely an album track highlight I just can't stand 'The Lady is a Vamp' and hate how it ends an otherwise flawless album.

1. Viva Forever
2. Spice Up Your Life
3. Too Much
4. Never Give Up on the Good Times
5. Stop
6. Denying
7. Do It
8. Saturday Night Divas
9. Move Over
10. The Lady Is a Vamp

Posted by: Mr.X 29th April 2020, 09:07 PM

Too Much is high quality pop. What a classy tune

Posted by: Maz! 29th April 2020, 09:45 PM

QUOTE(Hauspital* @ Apr 29 2020, 10:56 PM)

Relistened to this album, this evening Another great album and it follows on naturally from the debut and definitely shows growth in terms of vocals and production. Again, the singles are all near perfection, with one of them being actual perfection. 'Never Give Up on the Good Times' is fantastic too and definitely an album track highlight I just can't stand 'The Lady is a Vamp' and hate how it ends an otherwise flawless album.

1. Viva Forever
2. Spice Up Your Life
3. Too Much
4. Never Give Up on the Good Times
5. Stop
6. Denying
7. Do It
8. Saturday Night Divas
9. Move Over
10. The Lady Is a Vamp

Posted by: schizo_spice 29th April 2020, 10:12 PM

The Lady is a Vamp is good on the album but [great live.

Was definitely a highlight of last years tour for me. In fact it's been a highlight of pretty much every tour.

Posted by: Mr.X 29th April 2020, 10:30 PM

I feel like The Lady is a Vamp is cute but it could be retired in the future tours, like Mama... I feel it's had its time.

Posted by: Spiceboy 29th April 2020, 11:35 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 29 2020, 11:30 PM)

Posted by: vibe 30th April 2020, 07:40 AM

It’s an easier song for them to pull off live for sure .

Posted by: Mr.X 30th April 2020, 09:45 AM

I think both of your comments are true.

Im just not sure it works so well live though. It was probably one of the flattest moments on tour last year, even worse than that pointless Move Over video intro (which only made everyone want that song performed even more lol)...

I remember thinking that the Disco section would have been a perfect moment to do a If You Wanna Have Some Fun or Saturday Night Divas remix but alas...

Posted by: Spiceboy 30th April 2020, 11:20 AM

I have to say I always find TLIAV performances a bit flat. I feel like if it's going to be done it needs to be a big cabaret moment with the dancers dressed up as the people in the song (Sandy, Danny, Marilyn Monroe, The Supremes, Jackie O even drag Spice Girl characters) and it needs to be a big send up with fireworks etc really play up to the song and it's theme. Otherwise perform Move over, Step to me or Saturday night divas.

Posted by: sammy01 30th April 2020, 12:38 PM

Move Over would be awful now, can you imagine lady in white Geri stood there looking stiff and awkward as mel c and mel b throw themselves around and Emma looking lost. They just about got away with Holler with Geri as they did that silly tea thing.

Posted by: Spiceboy 30th April 2020, 01:27 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ Apr 30 2020, 01:38 PM)

Posted by: sammy01 30th April 2020, 01:48 PM

Even back in the Istanbul days the rehearsals have Emma and Victoria saying they couldn't get into Move Over and rock out.

I honestly couldn't see Emma not looking a bit silly during a rocky full of attitude song like Move Over now.

Posted by: Mr.X 30th April 2020, 04:16 PM

I don't agree. There's plenty of scope for them to bring their current personalities into it and let loose. Geri can still do the queen thing around the stage as she wishes and Emma can do her Baby Spice thing whilst the Mels rock out.

And please, lets not talk about the tea bit in Holler last year. It was plain embarrasing. They could have made more of a thing about it instead of just fake drinking tea. They could have brought some boys in leather on stage and sat on them, walk them in a leash like in the Return tour, etc... They can do it, they just need to get their heads around it and go for it!

Posted by: sammy01 30th April 2020, 04:31 PM

You think current Geri is leading men around in leather 😂😂😂

Posted by: vibe 30th April 2020, 05:24 PM

OMG ^ we agree on something

Posted by: Jay ☆ 30th April 2020, 06:46 PM

I kind of liked "the tea thing" in Holler lol, incredibly random but it was fun! Love a bit of drama x

Posted by: vibe 30th April 2020, 09:26 PM

How was it dramatic ?

Posted by: Jay ☆ 30th April 2020, 09:28 PM

Because it was highly exaggerated, generally people don't throw their arms up in the air with a teacup lol.

Edit: We're veering away from Spiceworld discussion, let's try and keep on topic!

Posted by: Spiceboy 30th April 2020, 10:05 PM

Yeah otherwise I'm going to have to use my mod powers and move this discussion to a new thread! (Not that I have a clue how to yet... ... still waiting for my training Jay Jay!)

Posted by: Jay ☆ 30th April 2020, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ Apr 30 2020, 11:05 PM)

Yeah otherwise I'm going to have to use my mod powers and move this discussion to a new thread! (Not that I have a clue how to yet... ... still waiting for my training Jay Jay!)

Posted by: schizo_spice 30th April 2020, 11:14 PM

For me it didn't need any visuals they all seemed so into it when performing it. I couldnt take my eyes off them.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 05:45 PM

HYPE ~

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 06:39 PM

Excited!! Listening to some Melanie C to warm up

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 06:54 PM

The forum listening party for the 'Spiceworld' album will begin at 8:00pm / 20:00 BST! (Just over 5 minutes to go!)

As we simultaneously listen to Spiceworld, comment along in this thread! Show your appreciation for your favourite songs, tell us your favourite tracks. Which album tracks were missed single opportunities? Any favourite lyrics and favourite vocal moments? Share all of your thoughts!

Enjoy yourself! See you all at 20:00 BST!

If you're able to, use your favourite streaming service to play it (it contributes to their sales)! This is optional though, if iTunes is better for you that's ok! I will also post YouTube links throughout the listening session.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 06:58 PM

2 minute warning!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:00 PM

Track 1: Spice Up Your Life

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:01 PM

WHAT an album opener I've been doing a countdown for a while on the forum (my favourite top 40 hits of every year from 1997 onwards - my birth year) and 'Spice Up Your Life' ranked as my second favourite for 1997, only behind Dario G's 'Sunchyme'! Such an infectious song and I love the video too.

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:01 PM

SUYL is my favourite Spice track!!

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:01 PM

SUYL is the best and my favorite single of 1997. Very uplifting and still a bop of a song.

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:02 PM

GENIUS way of starting an album / era. They really meant BUSINESS with this one. I still remember loving it when it was first released and it hasn't aged much for me at all *.* forever spicing up ha life

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:02 PM

My favourite Spice Girls song! A timeless bop, always makes me feel uplifted This song really strongly reminds me of the madness that was the Spice Girls phenomenon towards the end of 1997. They were absolutely everywhere!

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:02 PM

What an opener! So iconic. My favourite up tempo track

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:03 PM

Track 2: Stop

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:03 PM

'Spice Up Your Life' and 'Stop' are such a FUN back-to-back I'm sure I would've been all over this dance routine if I was older than 1 at the time x

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:04 PM

Stop This song is still very iconic who doesn't remember the dance moves

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:05 PM

Stop was never my favourite single but ironically my favourite video. I remember it being on TV during the Feb half term. They were everywhere at this time. Movie and tour era. Amazing times

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:05 PM

What an 1-2 punch to open the album *.*

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:05 PM

A great album opener! So infectious and just all out, in your face, straight up pop!

'Stop' is incredible. It pisses me off that of ALL their singles, THAT was the one to ruin their #1 streak We love girl groups doing a 60's inspired doo-wop pop banger! (this, 'Black Heart' [Stooshe], 'Love Me Like You' [Little Mix] & 'The Promise' [Girls Aloud] - not my fave though)

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Stop
02. Spice Up Your Life

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:06 PM

An amazing one-two punch to start the album! Iconic dance moves, very memorable for being their first single to miss #1 in the UK ( ) but it's absolutely stood the test of time.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:06 PM

Track 3: Too Much

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:07 PM

Too Much the opening song of the movie, i know not everyone's fave but for me one of their fave ballads.

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:07 PM

Too Much is my favourite single. It’s flawless and I can never fault it. Memories of the Spiceworld movie era and Christmas 1997 😍

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:07 PM

'Stop' is great and all, but it's far from a favourite of mine. It's one of their few songs that annoys me sometimes

'Too Much' however has aged brilliantly! It always reminds me of the sequence in the movie. A true sensual jam~~

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:07 PM

'Too Much' has definitely been my biggest Spice grower over the years it's so classy! It gives me huge Spiceworld: The Movie nostalgia too. I was too young when it came out at the time of course, but as a kid me and my brother watched it every single day for two weeks while on holiday

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:08 PM

Too Much is my least favourite single of their original run but it's a lovely, classy track! Melanie C totally OWNS it with her middle 8 too!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:09 PM

I echo that Too Much is such a classy single Their second Christmas #1, the opening song in Spiceworld: The Movie... the nostalgia!

I think I remember reading that this is Victoria Beckham's personal favourite Spice Girls song!

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:09 PM

When I think of 'Too Much' I just remember the opening to the movie. This has never been a favourite (I think it was always a bit TOO serious for my 8/9 year old self), but it's still a very good song!

My younger brothers misheard lyric is iconic though...

"what part of NO, don't you understaaand? I want a man not a boy who fancies Keeeeen". :')

The video is amazing though. I love it when artists spoof popular movies! Emma's 'Poltergeist' rip off *.*

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Stop
02. Spice Up Your Life
03. Too Much

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(JosephStyles @ May 17 2020, 08:08 PM)

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:11 PM

Track 4: Saturday Night Divas

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:11 PM

QUOTE(Jonjo @ May 17 2020, 08:09 PM)

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:11 PM

'Saturday Night Divas' huge Spiceworld: The Movie memories with this one too thanks to the costume changes

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:12 PM

I have to be in the mood for SND but I will say that this song has definitely gotten better with age

Ooh Spotify adverts I’ll get behind 😆

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:12 PM

I love 'Saturday Night Divas' SO much. I think it's coz it's heavily used in one of my absolute favourite moments in the movie (when they dress up as each other! ) It perfectly encapsulates the fun we love with SG but also shows the maturer effort of something like 'Too Much' at the same time.

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Stop
02. Saturday Night Divas
03. Spice Up Your Life
04. Too Much

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:12 PM

Saturday Night Divas is a good album track, remembers me of the photoshoot scene in the movie.

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:13 PM

Saturday Night Divas is good! Very memorable hook.

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:13 PM

'Saturday Night Divas' is nice, but ranks quite low for me in an overall album rank I find the chorus quite clunky, but I do enjoy ~

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:13 PM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ May 17 2020, 08:10 PM)

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:14 PM

I just want to watch the movie again </3

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:15 PM

Saturday Night Divas is a song I've come to appreciate so much more over the years, than I did when I was a child. Smooth bop

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:15 PM

Track 5: Never Give Up on the Good Times

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:16 PM

Never Give Up On The Good Times is a fantastic song that should,ve been a single in the summer of 1998.

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:16 PM

'Never Give Up on the Good Times' is not a HUGE favourite for me on this album but undeniably feel-good!

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:16 PM

'Never Give Up On The Good Times'



The best album track by far for me - we luh! *.*

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:16 PM

The quintessential Spice album track!

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:17 PM

WHAT A SONG.

One of my all time favourite songs. Just utter pop joy! Puts me in a good mood EVERY TIME.

I always remember their performance of this (but I can never remember whether it's Wembley or Istanbul - I wanna say it's Wembley?). It's how I imagined the video. Just colourful, fun and reminded me of a carnival.

BOO GERI for ruining it's chances of becoming their 8th #1

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Stop
03. Saturday Night Divas
04. Spice Up Your Life
05. Too Much

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:17 PM

One of their best songs. Worthy of being a single. This song is definitely up there with SUYL for having that up beat ‘people power/people of the world’ vibe ✌🏼

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:18 PM

BOP!

For me this is their biggest "missed opportunity" as a single. I liked the idea of it being a Double A Side with Viva Forever, but then again that song was strong enough to stand on its own. Geri leaving didn't make this a very viable choice unfortunately.

I'm so glad they performed this during the 2019 tour, it was such a highlight of the show for me. It's such a positive and feel good song!

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:18 PM

NGUOTGT is such a FEEL good track!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:19 PM

QUOTE(Hauspital* @ May 17 2020, 08:16 PM)

'Never Give Up On The Good Times'



The best album track by far for me - we luh! *.*

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:19 PM

Track 6: Move Over

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:20 PM

Move Over is quite the bop! And the 1st Pepsi promo single

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:20 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ May 17 2020, 08:18 PM)

NGUOTGT is such a FEEL good track!

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:20 PM

'Move Over' the iconic Pepsi advert song! Honestly when I'm bored I sometimes watch compilations / playlists of all their adverts

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:21 PM

The live version they did in Istanbul is the best one but this is so iconic. I’m getting Spiceworld album-advert-confectionary-Pepsi-1998 vibes

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:21 PM

'Move Over' isn't a fave of mine Diet, no added sugar bop~

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:22 PM

Although I prefer Step to me as a Pepsi song, Move over sounds so much more iconic, that beat, that vibe!

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:22 PM

'Move Over' bops so hard. I think it served it's purpose perfectly fine as a Pepsi promotional single.

THE RAPPING *.*

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Stop
03. Saturday Night Divas
04. Spice Up Your Life
05. Move Over
06. Too Much

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:22 PM

Can I say... iconic?!



This advert was one of many moments that contributed to the Spice Girls being everywhere and phenomenal. Amazing memories of hearing this jingle~ all the time! Glad it ended up being a full song on the album. Probably a good decision to include it on the Greatest Hits too.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:22 PM

Track 7: Do It

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:23 PM

'Do It' is a less in-your-face moment on the album for sure but still great!

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:23 PM

Move Over could also have made a great single choice! Such a strong album

Really enjoyed Do It on tour!

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:23 PM

Do It Not the favourite song of the girls as we know now because they kept forgetting the lyrics at Spiceworld 2019.

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:24 PM

I think Do It is my favourite album track. Always reminds me of them driving around London in the Union Jack bus and again this song has aged very well

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:25 PM

'Do It' is one of their most underrated songs. It's SO good! Another infectiously feel-good track!

This whole album just puts me in a good mood. <3

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Stop
03. Do It
04. Saturday Night Divas
05. Spice Up Your Life
06. Move Over
07. Too Much

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:26 PM

Do It has such a great message to it, very empowering! Such a fun song. They really brought it with the uptempos on Spiceworld!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:26 PM

Track 8: Denying

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:27 PM

Bloody adverts 🥳

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:27 PM

'Denying' such a welcomed chill moment on this album

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:27 PM

Never been TOO keen on this one. It's just a bit boring, but I guess it's kinda needed to prevent the album from being too in your face/slows the pace a little.

Meh </3

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Stop
03. Do It
04. Saturday Night Divas
05. Spice Up Your Life
06. Move Over
07. Too Much
08. Denying

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:27 PM

Denying Was one of the faves for me on the '98 tour.

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:28 PM

LOVE Do It... another one I think would have been a STRONG ICONIC single for the girls back in the 90's, it SCREAMS GIRL POWER!

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:28 PM

Denying was my fav album track in the 90s. Use to blast this so loud on my cassette Walkman 😇

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:28 PM

I'm still on Do it lol!!

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:28 PM

'Denying' is great! Such a vibe, and their vocals are so lush

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:29 PM

Denying is quite underrated It came last in their survivor... and that still hurts!

Its vibe feels more mature~ compared to some of the other Spiceworld tracks, but it still pops off! It has a bit of an R'n'B vibe that was more present on 'Spice'.

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:29 PM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ May 17 2020, 08:20 PM)

Hello Mr Spiceboy

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:30 PM

Track 9: Viva Forever

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:30 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ May 17 2020, 08:28 PM)

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:30 PM

Best Spice Girls song ever alert seeing this live on tour last year was a life highlight!

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:30 PM

Denying is good but the least good so far I'd say!

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:31 PM

Viva Forever By far the best song ever released! was very happy to see the girls perform the album version on the tour last year

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:31 PM

Their best song, and one of the best girl group songs of all time The video still haunts me to this day, lol ~

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:32 PM

Viva Forever isn’t my favourite single but this is definitely one their best, musically

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:32 PM

What a career-defining moment. Absolutely stunning and breath taking EVERY time.

It honestly baffles me how people who don't like it, seem quite vocal in hating it! It's gorgeous

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Viva Forever
03. Stop
04. Do It
05. Saturday Night Divas
06. Spice Up Your Life
07. Move Over
08. Too Much
09. Denying

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:34 PM

This performance is honestly, one of the greatest and most beautiful live performances of all time:



The 2 Mel's sharing those final moments together

STUNNING.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:35 PM

Viva Forever... what a moment, not just in terms of their discography but in music in general. Such a stunningly beautiful song. They really made several points with this one!

I don't understand how anyone could dislike or hate this one, but there are some on BuzzJack who do

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:35 PM

It’s always amazing live and last year it was so magical and emotional

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:35 PM

Track 10: The Lady Is a Vamp

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:35 PM

And here's a track that isn't stunningly beautiful

Posted by: Maz! 17th May 2020, 07:35 PM

The Lady Is a Vamp is not bad but comes more alive on stage than on the album.

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:36 PM

This album ends on a fairly low note for me as 'The Lady Is A Vamp' is easily my least favourite on 'Spiceworld' oops but it was somewhat fun on tour!

Posted by: Hauspital* 17th May 2020, 07:36 PM

From the sublime to the.... awful lmao.

Imagine what sort of vibe the album ending on 'Viva Forever' would've made? Both in terms of music and lyrics ~ Whoeever tacked this onto the end needs to be fired. Bye x

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:37 PM

The Lady is a Vamp has always been brilliant on tour and it’s such a different sound, not just for the Spice Girls, but also girl groups in general

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:37 PM

Needless to say, Viva Forever is a beauty. So much love

Vamp killing the mood after :') such a clunky tracklist move

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:37 PM

This song is always a fun~ moment on tour, but it's by far my least favourite song on Spiceworld. It is VERY brash and in your face, with some great lyrics referencing iconic celebrities, but idk, something about it holds me back from ever loving it.

Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh, Sporty, yes now that's your lot, we're the Spice Girls ready to go..., etc, is a pretty iconic ending to this album though x

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:38 PM

This song always makes me smile. You can just tell they're having so much fun with it.

Not a favourite ofc, but just a joy and a welcome album closer!

---

R A N K I N G S:
01. Never Give Up On The Good Times
02. Viva Forever
03. Stop
04. Do It
05. Saturday Night Divas
06. Spice Up Your Life
07. Move Over
08. Too Much
09. The Lady Is A Vamp
10. Denying

Posted by: Jade 17th May 2020, 07:39 PM

A really fun session again thanks Jay!

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:39 PM

Thank you very much 😎

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 17th May 2020, 07:40 PM

Thank you Jay, that was fun

Posted by: Jonjo 17th May 2020, 07:40 PM

Loved revisiting that! Thank you Jay One of the very best albums ever for me. The only two I'm not TOO fussed about are 'The Lady Is A Vamp' & 'Denying', but everything else is at least an 8 out of 10 <3

It annoys me how short it is though

Posted by: JosephStyles 17th May 2020, 07:41 PM

Thanks for hosting Jay

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:43 PM

That was very fun, thanks to all of you for joining this listening party and sharing your thoughts!



I guess we should round it off with a Forever listening session next Sunday?

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:44 PM

QUOTE(Hauspital* @ May 17 2020, 08:31 PM)

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:46 PM

QUOTE(Jonjo @ May 17 2020, 08:34 PM)

This performance is honestly, one of the greatest and most beautiful live performances of all time:



The 2 Mel's sharing those final moments together

STUNNING.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 17th May 2020, 07:49 PM

QUOTE(Jonjo @ May 17 2020, 08:40 PM)

It annoys me how short it is though

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 07:59 PM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ May 17 2020, 08:44 PM)

Considering Baby is the cutest~ member, I always found her fairy to look a bit terrifying

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 08:04 PM

I don't get the general dislike for LISAV!? I think it's AMAZING and it's a brilliant end to the album. It's so tongue in cheek, it's yet another musical style to the album and that last bit "Scary, baby, ginger, posh, sporty yes now that your lot, we're the spice girls ready to go.... ladies and gents please take your seats we hope that you enjoy the shooooooooooooooooooo!... Hahaha... Thank you very much!" is just SUBLIME! I remember when I had a CD player that could rewind the CD and I rewound that bit over and over and over again

My only gripe with it is that as it is at the END of the album it should be "ladies and gents please LEAVE your seats we hope that you ENJOYED the shoooooooooooooooow" I always thought it was as a child sang it that way for years and years

Posted by: Mr.X 17th May 2020, 10:21 PM

I am so sorry I missed this as I was out on my state allowed walk and it was a long one today as I hadnt been out of the house in a few days.

BUT when I came here I just had to read most of your comments and jumped on Spotify to listen to it as I react to it here. So here it goes, please indulge me

1. Spice Up Your Life. I mean, what a tune. What a banger. Forever iconic It ws the perfect song to introduce the album and in a way, to capitalise on what they had already achieved. Not many groups delivered such a polished second album after an iconic one. But they delivered it and that no-one will ever take it from them. Spice Up Your Life cements that and they were basically saying 'HERE'S EVEN BETTER!'.

I love it. Even if it has somehow gone down on my preferences, there is no denying how infectious, joyfull it is everytime it comes on. The chorus is ICONIC, I would say on the level of Wannabe, in how recognisable it is. The 'slam it to the left, shake it to the right, chicas to the front' lyrics is sooooooo cute and iconic.

Im a basic fan and I love it

2. Stop. WOW. Time has given Stop it's justice. It was CRIMINAL how low it had sold for such an iconic song. The streaming era hasnt always been kind to the Spice Girls, but Stop got its dues and Im glad.

It's a total, unashamed BOP. That beat is ferociously cool and you can't help but bop along to it. The choreography still is iconic. I remember watching the Return show and looking around the 02 arena and EVERYONE was doing the choreogaphy. Probably as recognisable today as Madonna's Vogue or La Macarena.

It was such a gorgeous moment on tour last year. The vibe was ELECTRIC, the stage was alight with so much colour and they delivered it!! I cant use this word enough: Iconic.

3. Too Much. another song that has really stood the test of time. Such a classy vibe to it, and the vocals are just gorgeous. Mel C eats this and Emma sounds just devine, leading the chorus (it's mostly her isn't it?! The others are basically back up singers there ah)... And Mel C's big vocal is to die for. Honestly, a song and a half.

I've always loved it, the lyrics are really clever and moody, which I always thought suited them. And with time, it's just grown even more on me, and it is now one of my favourites. Definitely the best Christmas #1. They all shine on it and the song has so many particularities to it. The beat is gorgeous and sleek.

The little 'footsteps' sounds in the background in the verses is just stunning!

Also, kudos for going #1 and selling massively well too. 6 #1s in a row is a spetacular run!

4. Saturday Night Divas. Cool, sleek, classic. Beautifully sang by all of them. Emma and Mel C really shine here. I LOVED IT when they did it in Istanbul and was sad they haven't touched it since as they could really mix it well live. In Istanbul, it was a GORGEOUS moment.

It's so sexy and cool, I always bop along to it.

5. Never Give Up On The Good Times I CANT!! It's their best album track and Top5 Spice for me. It is the single that never was, but one of their most signature songs for me. It's so joyous, so alive it rivals Spice Up Your Life. Can you imagine it with a cute single mix?

I had to stop halfway through this to watch their Live at Wembley 98 performance, as it was so gooooood! Last year watching it live was really cool too, one of their best. BUT they always delivered this song live to be honest. Earls' Court WAS A MOOD!!!! That dance break was amazing

When Mel B sings' 'EVERY BODY NEEDS SOME ATTENTION' half way in, it's so infectious!!!!

I would have totally released this in like September 1998 with a tour video of the song and a couple of performances in awards shows before going on a break. It would have been soooo goood

6. Move Over.

HOLD IT DOWN FEEL THE NOISE
LET'EM KNOW IT'S A VIBE
PICK IT UP, IT'S ALIVE

Iconic. I think we could consider technically this to be the first single from the album right? It came out in the bit in the summer 1997 right? It's so fresh and cool, and a bit rocky in the right places.

The istanbul performance is forever A MOMENT. A MOOD. A VIBE. Shame they never did it any justice since. I didn't like the Spiceworld 98 performance, and they didnt do it in the other tours. Last year's video montage was ok, but I would have much prefered a full performance of it. Or at least, they could have come up between Sound Off and Holler and did a like short version of it before going into Holler. With a rockier and moodier vibe mix, it would have worked!!

Forever amazing that they changed the lyrics to 'masturbation' and 'penetration' on tour in 98

Oh and the Pepsi advert might have been capitalism on steroids but the video is forever iconic. It was a cultural moment and the whole world took notice. No other Pepsi advert was as memorable, though they tried.

7. Do It For me, the worst on the album but that isn't necessarily a terrible thing as it's an album full of bops. It's a good track though and they always did it well live. For me, it is a bit like Mama from Spice: as an studio song, it does little for me, but it always comes up well alive and I always enjoy it then.

The structure of the song is basic, but some of the lyrics are quite good and empowering, positive attitude throughout. A proper Girl Power track and honestly I am enjoying it more than I thought I would right now eheh

8. Denying. A gorgeous tune, that like Too Much really grew on me. I gotta be honest that I never really cared for it when I was a kid. It was alwas a good album track, fun to bop along to. Nowadays I can find a new appreciation for it.

That video that the fan did the other week also really elevated the song. It could have easily been a single too, but so could any track on this iconic album. Their performance of it in the first leg of the Spiceworld Tour 98 was a bit of a mess though, im glad they havent revisited it since. it's cute as an album track and I don't necessarily miss it but it's fun to listen to again.

Mel C's ad libs at the end makes the song, for me!

9. Step To Me Oops I cheated. Step To Me would have slotted in really well here, in my opinion and I wish it was in all standard editions as it deserved better recognition cos it is A BANGER!!

What a song! And to know now that it was actually first recorded for Spice but it was never included there. It certainly fits this album much better in my opinion.

I have always loved their live renditions of this song. From Istabul, to Christmas in Spiceworld, it was always really well done. Mel B's laugh in the beginning in Earls Court is A CLASSIC

With this, they proved they could mix r'n'b, pop and rock in the same song and pull it really well! A MOMENT!

10. Viva Forever. Probably the best ballad ever released by a girl band. It's so gorgeous, poetic and dreamy. From that initial guitar solo to the bridge and the gorgeous break in the middle. Stunning, stunning stunning. I am not sure of any other balad that has such an arresting effect on me.

They have ALWAYS killed this live. It has always been quite perfect and they've always delivered, in every tour:

- The performance in Wembley 98 with the big chorus of kids and Mel B and C bit at the end will forever be a Best Of moment in their career.
- Christmas in Spiceworld was just pure magic and took the song somewhere else
- The Return Tour's performance was probably one of my favourites of them, ever. Was a stunning moment. That dance breakdown is forever iconic and probably one of the best moments of Emma's career.
- Spice World 19 was also just stunning. From that Queer Tango intro to the butterflies confetti and the gorgeous ending



Also, Emma pretty much sings the whole song. She sings back up to all of them after opening the song on her own, and leading on the bridge and the chorus. It's basically her song. Watching her solo last year at Royal Albert Hall was also a moment, she really did it amazingly well on her own

11. Lady is a Vamp also iconic. Yep, it hasnt necessarily stood the test of time as much as the rest, but it is still a gorgeous jazzy number that ends the album well. I know some fans have an issue with it being the last track as the last line kind of suggests the start of the show lol I could see it opening an album,but I don't think it would have fitted well as the first song in the album to be honest.

But it's cute! The 'Scary, Baby, Ginger, Posh. Sporty now that's your lot' is forever iconic though

Overall, a stellar album. Their best. And to know that this was recorded and released in the middle of a world wide promo relenteless tour schedule, filming a movie, preparing for months for Istanbul gigs, performances all over the world in TV shows and Award ceremonies, meetings with world leaders, and an insane of promotional adverts.

They were really on top of the world then and delivered at every corner. I honestly can't think of any other group that had such hights in our life times. Definitely not in such a short breath of time. Spiceworld incapsulates all of that into a whole album.

Sleek, perfect pop. A cultural reset.

P.S.: I got high half way through this, so yes it is a bit extra. Deal with it

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 10:31 PM

No Mr X I'm deleting your post for being so late to the game...

Posted by: Mr.X 17th May 2020, 10:45 PM

Posted by: Spiceboy 17th May 2020, 11:01 PM

Posted by: Jay ☆ 18th May 2020, 12:23 AM

Brilliant write up, Mr.X Agree with pretty much everything you have to say. What a special album it is

Posted by: Spiceboy 18th May 2020, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ May 18 2020, 01:23 AM)

Brilliant write up, Mr.X Agree with pretty much everything you have to say. What a special album it is

Posted by: Mr.X 25th May 2020, 09:31 PM

Melanie C took part in a listening party for Spiceworld on twitter tonight. Most just her saying how much she liked the songs or little bits like 'Spice Up Your Life is great' lol but Here are some takes that I thought were interesting:

Spice Up Your Life:
The perfect introduction to our second album! After the success of Spice, we had an incredible international fan base. We’d been lucky enough to travel most parts of the world. This song was inspired by and really is, a celebration of that.

Stop

And weird little fact: Vanness one of the other judges on Asia’s Got Talent with me, was a dancer in the video! - which is weird for Jason Nevins obviously.

Lyrically this was about our feelings and how our lives had changed towards fame and our frustration with our management at the time, cause we all felt that we needed a little break.

Too Much

#TooMuch is one of my absolute favourite Spice Girls songs. It was a real magical moment in the tour last year.

The video for this is incredible, a really good accompaniment to the movie and I think it’s our best video.

Move Over

I have memories of shooting the advert in NYC, it was a crazy day, there was quite a lot of Police action.

I love the bit in the middle where we all call out funny words. Do I actually say “Melevation”?! And I love the way I say “Recreation”!

Denying:
I absolutely love #Denying ! I think is one of our strongest album tracks that was never a single. Again, written and produced by Paul and Andy, the Absolute boys. It just sounds class!

The funny thing with Denying is all it makes me think about is when Geri used to roller-skate on to the stage in the original tour in 1998 and me, just waiting for her to fall off stage one night, but she never did miraculously!

The Lady Is A Vamp:
We love doing this on stage because we can really show a theatrical side.

Great lyrics referencing lots of fantastic women in entertainment through the ages, loads of fun in the movie as we got an opportunity to dress up as some of those icons and each other.

Posted by: Mr.X 25th May 2020, 09:33 PM

They are never going to stop performing The Lady is a Vamp hey? Also, I dont think they were very 'theatrical' on the last tour with it lol if only...

Was surprised about her love for Denying. The dust they play that song always made me think it wasnt a favourite of the group. But glad it got some appreciation here. Maybe because Vicky Bex is so prominent in it, but it would have been great to see it live last year...

Posted by: Mr.X 25th May 2020, 09:35 PM

Also, the SHADE on Stop being also about their management. Simon really did work them to the ground hey? by 1998, they were burnt out.

I never thought it was about Simon, always just remember it as a take on the level of success, not necessarily relating to the management that put them in that position in the first place (though obviously now it makes sense to me lol)

Posted by: schizo_spice 25th May 2020, 09:43 PM

She didn't say anything about Saturday Night Divas.

They didn't perform it again after 1997 so maybe it's not a fave?

Posted by: sammy01 25th May 2020, 09:48 PM

Mel C just blowing Geri's 'I write everything' silly ego trip out the water. Biff also told how he took them into a small room to write Viva Forever when so many like to claim that was always down to Geri too.

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th May 2020, 09:48 PM

I always thought that Stop was supposed to be about the press!?!? Wow new information!

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th May 2020, 09:52 PM

QUOTE(schizo_spice @ May 25 2020, 10:43 PM)

Posted by: schizo_spice 25th May 2020, 09:58 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ May 25 2020, 10:48 PM)

Posted by: Mr.X 25th May 2020, 10:03 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ May 25 2020, 09:52 PM)

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th May 2020, 10:18 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ May 25 2020, 10:48 PM)

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th May 2020, 10:35 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ May 25 2020, 11:03 PM)

Truly. Their treatment of both Saturday Night Divas and Denying is nothing short of criminal.

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 25th May 2020, 10:51 PM

There was an old thread on DenDen about some of their songs and the Spiceworld album and I remember analysing Stop and this was my interpretation (not in 1997) but year later as a teenager

You just walk in, I make you smile,
that's cool but you don't even know me

(When they first met Simon, he obviously didn't know the girls yet, but as Victoria once said, he came into the office after the'd arrived. I'm sure they charmed in)

Lines from verses 1 and 2

And we know that you could go and find some other
Take or leave it or just don't even bother

And we know that you could go and find some other
Take or leave it cause we've always got each other

(whether it was originally signing with Fuller/Virgin in 1995 or whether they meant it at the time in 1997, both of these lines say "you can sign us up, or go find someone else to manage if you're not interested, we've got each other and we've got girl power)

Caught in a craze, it's just a phase
Or will this be around forever

(Simon was caught up in pushing them harder and for things to be bigger and better. The girls knew it wouldn't last forever but they sure did put the work in, even if they burnt out by 1998)

Don't you know it's going too fast
Racing so hard you know it won't last
Don't you know, why can't you see
Slow it down, read the sign
So you know just where you're going

(I think this verse speaks for itself. They knew some things were going off the rails and that everything was moving so quickly. I also think they were inwardly singing this verse to themselves. How long we can keep this up?)

Not the best song analysis in the world , but hey

Posted by: Jay ☆ 26th May 2020, 02:44 PM

I feel like those lyrics in Stop are like they were hiding in plain sight with the meaning of it! It's funny to think they wrote/recorded and included it on the album all while Simon Fuller was still their manager. It makes me wonder whether when Simon first heard it, if it didn't register with him that that's what the song is about?

It's nice to see Melanie C praising Denying - it seems so underrated. A shame it couldn't have a moment on tour. Would have been interested to know her thoughts on Saturday Night Divas. It's such a great track... if none of them care much for it, that's a shame!

Posted by: Voodoo 4th July 2020, 09:25 AM

Mod Edit: This post, and the posts that follow it, have been moved from the http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=203971&view=findpost&p=6595388 topic to here. The conversation about a lyric in Spice Up Your Life seemed better suited to being in the Spiceworld album topic rather than in the chart topic!

QUOTE(tommie @ Jul 4 2020, 12:19 PM)

I don't do streaming - if anything these recent "scandals" that's caused things to be pulled from streaming has made me more convinced that physical is the way to go.

Posted by: tommie 4th July 2020, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Voodoo @ Jul 4 2020, 09:25 AM)

Posted by: Mr.X 4th July 2020, 03:04 PM

QUOTE(tommie @ Jul 4 2020, 10:28 AM)

The whole Hulu pulling a Golden Girls episode because Blanche and Rose wore mud masks. It's not music related per se, but how long until Spice Up Your Life is seen as "problematic" because of the "yellow man in Timbuktu" lyric and needs to either be pulled or changed? I'll stick to my physical copies, thanks.

Posted by: sammy01 4th July 2020, 03:34 PM

You do realise it is about the clothing of Timbuktu men not their skin colour right?

Posted by: Mr.X 4th July 2020, 05:01 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ Jul 4 2020, 04:34 PM)

Posted by: Jay* 4th July 2020, 05:13 PM

The lyric is “colourful both me and you”, not “colour for”, so it could indeed be about colourful clothing/image (certainly something Spice Girls were known for). I’m sure that even in the 90s, referring to a person’s skin colour in such a direct way wouldn’t have been something they’d consider as fine (particularly Mel B with all that she had and has experienced). I honestly think it’s a lyric that has been open to interpretation but has ultimately been misinterpreted. As far as I’m aware the Spice Girls haven’t acknowledged the lyric; it might not have been something they’ve noticed that some people have had a problem with, thus why they continued singing it in 2019.

I do agree about intention vs. consequence; maybe one day someone will ask a Spice Girl about it and they can elaborate. Personally I find it quite far-fetched that they’d dream up a lyric about an asian man in a traditionally black space as providing colour (of skin tone) for them. Writing a lyric about the colourful fashion they’ve seen on their travels around the globe - more likely.

Posted by: sammy01 4th July 2020, 05:54 PM

The whole 2nd verse of SUYL is meant to be about colourful costume, dancing queen, kung fu, tribal space man. Colourful both me and you refers to the colourful and elaborate outfits.

People just love to offended by anything these days.

Posted by: Mr.X 4th July 2020, 06:58 PM

A quick question to you both: where can you find the information refering to 'yellow man' as a reference to a costume/fashion/clothes?

That is the first time I have ever heard of that being a reference to clothing (outside of this conversation) and certainly it is the first time I see it being used to justify something like this.

Again, no one is saying they did it on purpose. Language grows and adapts - it's normal. Yellow man though is very racist. It's always been.

Also, honestly what exactly is wrong with them changing the lyrics if the lyrics are offensive? Specially offensive to minorities and or people who are racialised? No one is asking them to never sing that song. No-one is asking them to completely change teh whole song. It's one line. No one is asking to cancel the Spice Girls because of it. Much to the contrary. People recognise that it is a line written with good intensions but should be changed to make sure that EVERYONE can enjoy it.

I honestly don't understand the constant resistance to this. The Spice Girls are all about inclusivity. The song itself is about inclusivity. Yet, the song does have a line that is clearly written with good intentions but consequently is offensive. Inclusivity means everyone. People of Asian descente might want to be included respectfully in this too, no?

This is so not a dramatic thing, yet the push back to this conversation ALWAYS makes a drama out of this....

I agree with Jay - they should be asked about it. I thought they were last year, but I see that it was about 2 Become 1 mainly.

Posted by: Jay* 4th July 2020, 09:22 PM

Oh there's definitely no information about the lyric that supports that it was definitely referring to the colour of clothing, that was just an interpretation mentioned by Sammy that I hadn't previously thought about honestly, but it made me think that it does fit better with the "colourful" context of that overall verse, more so than the seemingly random reference to a person's race in a derogatory way. Technically there isn't information to say that the Spice Girls/Biff/Matt Rowe are definitely referring to Asian people either, but of course I understand that this is an obvious interpretation to draw from it - because when removed from the open-to-interpretation context of Spice Up Your Life, "yellow man" is indeed an offensive/racist term.

Regardless of the intended meaning, I would agree that it was a misjudgement to use it as a lyric. Perhaps it didn't occur to them at the time and it still hasn't, because they're thinking of their hopefully differently intended meaning when they sing it, and haven't had it pointed out to them that it can come across as being offensive. It's clunky writing for sure, and hopefully there will be an opportunity for them to address it at some point. If one or all of them ended up conceding that it actually is in fact about skin colour, and then agreed that it should be rewritten for live performances, I'd support it.

Sorry if it came across like I'm justifying the lyric in all respects, it's more that I was thinking about the context of the entire verse and what could have been meant by it instead (and what I hope could have been meant by it!), but that's not to say that people's concerns about the lyric aren't valid.

Posted by: Spiceboy 4th July 2020, 09:43 PM

I had also never heard that reference to the lyrics Jay, and had always assumed it was referred to "yellow men" which is quite derogatory. Your interpretation does make a lot of sense though so now I'm not so sure about the need to adjust that lyric. Would love someone to ask the Spice Girls about this and see what their response was... although not Emma because she probably doesn't remember ("when we wrote that for our 7th album as the final single we were on a spaceship doing kung fu and listening to Abba's Dancing Queen")

Posted by: sammy01 4th July 2020, 10:14 PM

Tuareg men from Timbuktu wear very bright traditional dress which can be in incredibly bright yellow.

https://images.app.goo.gl/iNfeijU1nyM4dTpt9

Posted by: Jay* 4th July 2020, 10:17 PM

QUOTE(Spiceboy @ Jul 4 2020, 10:43 PM)

Posted by: Piers 4th July 2020, 11:17 PM

While I don't know the intent of that line myself, I could understand changing it for live performances because of the perception. Maybe it could be altered depending on the city where they're performing? "London, England . . Timbuktu." "From L.A. to . . Timbuktu." I don't know. I'm spitballing here.

I agree with Mr. X in that words and attitudes do evolve over time...and I've got no interest in arguing against that evolution. What I wish we all collectively could do is understand the context of the year something was created.

I was watching the Michael J. Fox movie Teen Wolf the other day on Amazon Prime. A character uses a gay slur in it. I don't like the word. If someone were to use it today, I would think they should be held accountable. Did I demand for Amazon Prime to take down the movie? No. I get that it came out in 1985, and the general public didn't recognize the weight of that word yet.

Moral of the story. If social media comes for it, I would hope we could recognize Spice Up Your Life was created at a time of less scrutiny over lyrics...and we don't have to pull it from streaming services.

We need to understand that we're evolving...and we're definitely not finished. There are hit songs today that *will* be offensive in 20 years...we just don't know in what way yet. By then, we might see that Lady Gaga once had a song called Stupid Love...and find that inappropriate because "Stupid" could be considered an ableist word by then.

Posted by: Mr.X 5th July 2020, 08:17 AM

Great conversation and Jay, I don't think you were being racist at all. I understand that this is sticky specially for us fans.

But no, I don't think they were refering to people's garments, clothes or whatever. That would be the line 'man in yellow', not the line we have which is a well known racist expression.

Again, intentions do matter but words and their meaning do too. It's a similar thing as them refering to disabled people as 'r*****ed'. It's just not ok, whatever the context.

Let's wait and see if they address it or change it at all. I hope they do.

Posted by: sammy01 5th July 2020, 10:42 AM

It is about the outfits, when they say space man what image do you get? An image of a space man in a space suit. Dancing queen again with the image of an ABBA like outfit, tribal again with leopard print etc.

The song is about bringing people together from all walks of life and they are listing a diverse set of people based on their attire that can come together and spice up their life.

They then list dances.

Posted by: Mr.X 5th July 2020, 12:21 PM

Sammy, I will say it only one more time:

'yellow man' is not 'man in yellow'. One is a racist slang. One is a description of what a man is wearing. Again, no-one is saying it was an intentional derrogative line, but is derrogative nonetheless in this context and outside of it.

Jesus...

Posted by: JaneJ 5th July 2020, 12:41 PM

It's not about clothes you need to replace it with black, brown or white to get the picture. I'm sure they didn't mean it in a bad way and it was a long time ago but it sure can cause uncomfortable feelings for some people.

Posted by: sammy01 5th July 2020, 12:48 PM

It is nothing to do with skin colour or they would have said black, white, brown etc. Who can say what colour a dancing queen or space man is as well?

It was meant as all walks of life who present themselves in all sorts of different and colourful ways come together to spice up your life.

Posted by: sammy01 5th July 2020, 12:54 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Jul 5 2020, 01:21 PM)

Posted by: JaneJ 5th July 2020, 01:01 PM

Some whites call Asians yellow, Sammy.

Posted by: sammy01 5th July 2020, 01:06 PM

I haven't disputed that but if it isn't their intention or meaning then don't get offended or demand change. Some people use the word Ginger in a derogatory way towards red heads but Ginger Spice isn't meant in a derogatory way so it isn't for others to tell Geri if she should be offended or it not be used.

Posted by: Spiceboy 5th July 2020, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Jul 5 2020, 01:21 PM)

Posted by: JaneJ 5th July 2020, 01:32 PM

Yellow man means Asian man. Some might find it racist, some might not. Personally, I don't get offended by this line but I can still demand change. Why not. Change it or not it's their decision. No need to be overprotective. They're all humans after all.

Posted by: schizo_spice 5th July 2020, 01:44 PM

All I know and will say is Spice Up Your Life is an amazing song and that will never change.

Posted by: Jay* 13th October 2020, 09:05 AM

Today marks 23 years since Spice Up Your Life was released!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wfpXI5PKlw&feature=emb_title

It’s one of my all-time favourites. 9 year old me was living for this song! I first heard it/saw them perform it on The Lottery. I remember feeling overcome with excitement, dancing around the living room My mum bought it for me on cassette and I treasured it.

Posted by: Blade 13th October 2020, 09:39 AM

Happy birthday 'Spice Up Your Life' I have no memory of the release as I was just 2 months old but I'm pretty sure that it was the second Spice Girls song that I remember discovering after 'Wannabe', of course. It really helped me to properly fall in love with them

Posted by: schizo_spice 13th October 2020, 10:41 AM

I love that performance they are so into it, its fresh and full of energy.

Posted by: Maz! 13th October 2020, 05:32 PM

23 years omg I feel ancient

Posted by: Spiceboy 13th October 2020, 07:06 PM

Such a tune, and such a magical time in the following months when Spice mania was EVERYWHERE you looked in the UK, such fond incredible memories, I'm so glad I was a child experiencing it at the time!

Posted by: Jay* 3rd November 2020, 12:13 AM

Spiceworld was released 23 years ago today!

Every anniversary for every Spice release always makes me feel a bit " " because it's such a long time ago, and I wonder where 23 years went to! Yet I can still recall how I felt about this album when it was new, the excitement I felt when I received this as a Christmas present in 97 - my first CD. Late 1997 was so memorable in terms of the Spice Girls... they really were everywhere, and as a child it really felt like they had a magical quality... they brought a lot of joy!

I think I'll probably always regard this as the best British pop album ever. It has a bit of everything across its 10 tracks, many genre influences, yet it feels so cohesive... and so Spice Girls.

Let's celebrate! What are your favourite singles/album tracks/music videos from this era? Favourite performances or moments in general?

Posted by: schizo_spice 3rd November 2020, 12:23 AM

23 years wow.

Yes I think its up there alongside iconic British greats like (What's the Story) Morning Glory.

I hope it gets a nice repackage one day.

Posted by: Pearll 3rd November 2020, 11:30 AM

An album! A moment in pop culture history. Quite frankly, I've always thought that this album is overlooked by the GP.

I mean, it has their best song in their discography: Viva Forever.

Spice Up Your Life and Viva Forever are my favourite SG songs to this date. My 3rd favourite song from the album is The Lady Is a Vamp.

Now that I'm 30 years old, I aappreciate way more than I did as a 8 years old lol. That song is an album closer. Pure camp!

Posted by: Chemistry 3rd November 2020, 01:57 PM

I still remember buying this as a six year old (and with buying, I mean my parents getting it for me) and being SO happen with it. I couldn't stop looking at the cover and even to this day I think it's one of the most eye-catching pop albums cover I have ever seen.

It is also their best album in my opinion, I do love Spice and Forever as well ofcourse, but Spice World just has the edge.

Posted by: spiceboy 3rd November 2020, 04:26 PM

Although it was of course a resounding success, this album does feel quite overlooked compared to Spice. For me the progression on this album is really big and it deserved to have similar success if not more than Spice did. Then again Forever was also a progression in sound which also deserved a lot more success so can't really complain...

Posted by: vibe 3rd November 2020, 05:02 PM

I had to wait until bloody Xmas to open it !!!

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 3rd November 2020, 06:17 PM

I don't think Christmas 1997 can ever be topped for me.

I didn't get the album until Christmas Day and I spent the whole day listening to my 'Spiceworld' cassette, eating Spice Girls' Cadbury Chocolates and watching the Istanbul concert on ITV

Posted by: spiceboy 3rd November 2020, 07:32 PM

QUOTE(Spice Girls Net @ Nov 3 2020, 06:17 PM)

I don't think Christmas 1997 can ever be topped for me.

I didn't get the album until Christmas Day and I spent the whole day listening to my 'Spiceworld' cassette, eating Spice Girls' Cadbury Chocolates and watching the Istanbul concert on ITV

Posted by: sammy01 3rd November 2020, 09:39 PM

Tbf they could probably sell the SW19 footage to Netflix or a main stream UK channel but alas.

Posted by: Jay❄ 10th March 2021, 12:41 PM

9th March 1998 - Stop was released as a single, 23 years ago!

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 01:38 PM

Their flop at the time now their 2nd most successful song in the streaming era.

Posted by: Mr.X 10th March 2021, 02:04 PM

TBH Stop was never a flop - it sold really well back then, just not on the standards everyone was used to. But it was bound to happen at some point, no single artist sells more than 300k for ALL their singles forever throughout their whole career.

I think it was mostly saturation and also the press hounding them as they were no longer press darlings by that point (after Simon being fired!) which labelled the song as a flop. The general public always loved it!

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 02:20 PM

It was a flop though back in the day, it barely sold 200k at the time, which was low by not just their standards.

Posted by: spiceboy 10th March 2021, 08:16 PM

It was certified silver so it must have sold over 200k and 200k was not a flop by anyone’s standards.

Posted by: Mr.X 10th March 2021, 08:28 PM

QUOTE(spiceboy @ Mar 10 2021, 08:16 PM)

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 09:10 PM

You have to look at the context though, Stop wasn't any ordinary song it was a song with massive backing from a label pumping huge money into it. It got a Brits performance and I'm sure a lot of advertising £££ spent on it.

They went from 6 platinum singles to a #2 silver single. Yes in the grand scheme of comparing to everyone else it did ok (and only ok) but comparing to them and the absolute massive machine they had behind them at that point it was a flop.

Posted by: Mr.X 10th March 2021, 09:22 PM

QUOTE(sammy01 @ Mar 10 2021, 09:10 PM)

Posted by: schizo_spice 10th March 2021, 09:33 PM

Definitely not a flop, the first spice related release I'd call a flop would be Word Up.

A number 2 single will never be a flop in any context.

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 10:01 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Mar 10 2021, 09:22 PM)

Sure. A few more things though:

- they didnt promote it as much as the rest of the other singles as they were on an international tour at the time so performances of promo were limited compared to the other singles

- even though it didnt sell as much as their previous singles, it was still a very popular song with everyone knowing the choreography (we all remember how influencial it was and how everywhere it was!)

- AND they quickly turned it around by going over 600k/Platinum with their next two singles that same year.

Yes, it sold less than their previous singles but there is no way in hell - other than in the press' dirty minds - that Stop was a flop.

Posted by: Jay❄ 10th March 2021, 10:08 PM

Stop sold 331,000 in 1998! It was within the top 50 best selling singles of the year. It was less than they were accustomed to - I would say it was an under-performance by their own high standards.

Spiceworld sold 191,856 in its first week. It’s so funny that the press was quick to label that a disaster. 23 years later and it’s still far and away the highest first week sales for a girl group in the history of the UK chart. It’s still the second best selling girl group album of all time. Yes that first week sale was not on the level of phenomenal opening sales by Oasis... but I think Spice Girls’ album sales had an element of “young fanbase”. I can easily imagine so many parents waiting until nearer Christmas time to purchase it! It was within the Top 2 for the rest of 1997, swapping around with Celine Dion’s album. Huge! So the fact that the press were so eager to claim it had done poorly certainly shows that they were eager to create backlash. So the same goes for the “only #2” for Stop outcome.

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 10:15 PM

Under performed = flopped it's just people don't like that word

Posted by: Mr.X 10th March 2021, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(Jay❄ @ Mar 10 2021, 10:08 PM)

Posted by: Jay❄ 10th March 2021, 10:39 PM

Also some artists who sold 200k+ of a single and went Top 5 would be considered as a success, even if there was no album available. Yet Stop sold over 300k from an album that had already sold over a million!

I know they had some other singles achieve more while also coming after high album sales (2 Become 1 - Christmas #1, the Spice phenomenon was fresh, Mama/Who Do You Think You Are - charity single/Brit Awards, Too Much - Christmas #1/battle with Teletubbies, Viva Forever - possibly boosted due to the fact Geri left and I suppose the public really were captured by it being such a beautiful song).

Other than the Brits performance (which wasn’t as attention grabbing as WDYTYA) there wasn’t really a factor that propelled Stop to achieve major sales. As noted the overall promotion was less than usual. I would argue that the track lists weren’t as appealing as usual. This is probably clutching at straws, but maybe the artwork being bright pink was a turn off for some. People sometimes have funny reasons for not feeling like buying something.

I don’t agree that under-performance = flop. I’d say there’s... phenomenal success, great success, middling success, under-performing, flopping and completely bombing. Maybe if they’d charted at #6 and the first week sales were 40k and didn’t go silver, I’d say that would have been a flop for them.

Posted by: Mr.X 10th March 2021, 10:46 PM

Exactly.

Headlines is their only flop as a group. By any standards, it was their real first - and only - flop. Stop was, at the time, a hit by all standards bar their own.

Posted by: sammy01 10th March 2021, 11:57 PM

It's a classic now so you guys can chill and not worry that it flopped on release.

Posted by: Tafty 11th March 2021, 12:03 AM

That's fine... if you were talking about a flop single though.

It's definitely an under performance more than it's a flop. Like Jay said, a flop for them would be missing top 3, selling 40k in the first week and failing to go silver (or just about making it). This would have been considered a smash for (pretty much) any other artist at the time, so why do you consider it a flop?

Posted by: Mr.X 11th March 2021, 01:03 AM

sammy01 and the British Press:

Posted by: -Jay- 21st July 2021, 12:11 PM

20th July 1998 - 23 years (and one day x) ago: Viva Forever was released as a single

One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded

Posted by: Mr.X 21st July 2021, 12:23 PM

Truly a masterpiece, perhaps their best ever. It's perfectly written, sang and produced. They all shine on it and live it was always a MOMENT!!

In fact, they always delivered with their live renditions of VF during their tours, always!

1998:


1999:


2007:


2019:


Iconic

Posted by: -Jay- 21st July 2021, 12:50 PM

Melanie and Mel’s outro at Wembley in 1998 is particularly special!

Posted by: Dill Doe 21st July 2021, 12:58 PM

Their best ballad! Too Much is mid tempo. It is a VERY ballad heavy group though. They needed more uptempos on a third album.

Posted by: Quarantilas 21st August 2021, 09:12 PM

I criminally forget through periods where I forget just how incredible Spice Up Your Life is. What a bloody banging track. Easily my favourite Spice Girls Song and easily my favourite „pre-Sugababes“ track of all time

Posted by: -Jay- 21st August 2021, 11:00 PM

QUOTE(Quarantilas @ Aug 21 2021, 10:12 PM)

Posted by: Mr.X 22nd August 2021, 12:37 AM

QUOTE(Quarantilas @ Aug 21 2021, 10:12 PM)

Posted by: spiceboy 22nd August 2021, 01:05 AM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Aug 22 2021, 01:37 AM)

Curious about which Sugababes you think are better than Spice Up Your Life? I f***ing love Sugababes!

Spice Up Your Life is a gorgeous, near perfect song that captured a zeitgeist at the hight of their fame. And iconic moment in pop history. It's only downfall is that racist lyric, but they can easily change it (and I hope they do!).

I BOP to it all the time though

Posted by: Mr.X 22nd August 2021, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(spiceboy @ Aug 22 2021, 02:05 AM)

Too lost in you is better than Spice up your life! (I know you didn't ask me but lol). It's the second best girlband ballad ever after Viva Forever for me.

Posted by: Dill Doe 22nd August 2021, 09:45 AM

War of Nerves is so good!

Posted by: Quarantilas 22nd August 2021, 09:10 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Aug 22 2021, 02:37 AM)

Curious about which Sugababes you think are better than Spice Up Your Life? I f***ing love Sugababes!

Spice Up Your Life is a gorgeous, near perfect song that captured a zeitgeist at the hight of their fame. And iconic moment in pop history. It's only downfall is that racist lyric, but they can easily change it (and I hope they do!).

I BOP to it all the time though

Posted by: spiceboy 22nd August 2021, 09:41 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Aug 22 2021, 10:40 AM)

Posted by: Mr.X 22nd August 2021, 10:05 PM

Me everytime I listen to War of Nerves.



It's too gorgeous, perfect like Viva Forever though I think VF is more magical to me. But WoN is probably one of the best songs ever written. The lyrics are so hauting and special, straight to the heart! I LOVE that they released such a song as a single, cos I dont think I would have heard it otherwise (at the time I was super pro-Spice and thus didnt invest much in All Saints beyond the singles).

But yeah. It's perfect!

Posted by: spiceboy 22nd August 2021, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Aug 22 2021, 11:05 PM)

Me everytime I listen to War of Nerves.



It's too gorgeous, perfect like Viva Forever though I think VF is more magical to me. But WoN is probably one of the best songs ever written. The lyrics are so hauting and special, straight to the heart! I LOVE that they released such a song as a single, cos I dont think I would have heard it otherwise (at the time I was super pro-Spice and thus didnt invest much in All Saints beyond the singles).

But yeah. It's perfect!

Posted by: -Jay- 13th October 2021, 09:26 AM

Released 24 years ago today... Spice Up Your Life!

Posted by: Mr.X 13th October 2021, 10:14 AM

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 13th October 2021, 10:36 AM

Their best single, along with Too Much

Posted by: -Jay- 3rd November 2021, 05:57 AM

Spiceworld was released in the UK 24 years ago today, on Monday 3rd November 1997!

I'm not sure anything will ever be able to top this as my favourite pop album of all time

Posted by: lovaticuk 3rd November 2021, 07:02 AM

for me this is the best pop album of all time. So many greats out there but this just inceptions my childhood, passion for Spice Girls and the whole Spicemania era. Also, sonically I feel its a stronger album than Spice, particularly including Viva Forever which makes my top three songs of all time along with Call The Shots and Promise This.

I really really really wanna Spiceworld 25 double CD and 5x vinyl next year!!!!

Posted by: sammy01 3rd November 2021, 07:08 AM

Not now Spiceworld you'll get your moment next year!

Posted by: dancinqueen 3rd November 2021, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(lovaticuk @ Nov 3 2021, 07:02 AM)

Posted by: Mr.X 3rd November 2021, 09:27 AM

A gorgeous, almost perfect album. SO varied and well made, with influences from all over the world.

Im not sure an album has ever so perfectly incapsulated the MOMENT that the Spice Girls were having in 1997-1998. They were on top of the world, and delivered a masterpiece of an album alongside a film and traveling all over the world. Specially for a follow up to an already massively successful album!

Viva Forever is one of the best songs ever written. Spice Up Your Life one of the best POP ANTHEMS ever. Too Much is one of the best balads ever released, so classy and polished. Stop is a pop culture ICON!! Move Over was never a single but it is up there as one of the most memorable songs/videos of the decade. Never Give Up On The Good Times is a perfect disco song that should have been a single., etc etc etc

The videos are all left-field and cool for a pop act too.

A perfect moment in time, this! And still stands.

Posted by: dancinqueen 3rd November 2021, 10:34 AM

Spice World deserved some love in 2007 by releasing NGUOTGT

Posted by: Mr.X 3rd November 2021, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(dancinqueen @ Nov 3 2021, 11:34 AM)

Posted by: schizo_spice 3rd November 2021, 11:39 AM

I kind of like Never Give Up just being a strong album track. Its good when studio albums have really strong iconic album tracks that you wish had been a single.

24 years

I remember getting it from Woolworths on release week and Stop instantly being my stand out for next single.

This album is popart

Posted by: spiceboy 3rd November 2021, 11:58 AM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Nov 3 2021, 10:56 AM)

Posted by: -Jay- 4th November 2021, 01:08 AM

View this post on Instagram

Posted by: -Jay- 4th November 2021, 01:09 AM

P.S. If their team could replace the horrible quality Spiceworld artwork on streaming/digital platforms, with the image they've used in the above social media post, that would be great xx

Posted by: Equinox8 4th November 2021, 01:48 AM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ Nov 3 2021, 09:27 AM)

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 4th November 2021, 11:51 PM

I really hope Spice world gets the same treatment as Spice 25 has as for me as much as i enjoy spice i much prefer spice world.

Posted by: -Jay- 5th November 2021, 12:06 AM

Me too but I hope next time UMG somehow gets the memo that the fans would really really really want a range of reasonably priced CDs

Posted by: Mr.X 5th November 2021, 12:23 AM

Yeah same. I'm not crazy about multiple editions of CDs to be honest, but a 1CD for general public and a 2CD for collectors/fans like the one for Spice25 (though with more actually unreleased songs please girls!), would be amazing.

Spiceworld CD isnt in print, I dont think? So that would make extra incentive for them to do it

Posted by: Mr.X 15th September 2022, 04:03 PM

In her book, Melanie said Do It isn't a good song

Posted by: dancinqueen 16th September 2022, 11:22 PM

Denying >>>>>> Do It

Posted by: Mr.X 16th September 2022, 11:24 PM

QUOTE(dancinqueen @ Sep 16 2022, 11:22 PM)

Posted by: schizo_spice 17th September 2022, 08:36 AM

Its bizarre that she'd hate the Spiceworld track she shines on most vocally but shes entitled to her opinion. I think Do It is fantastic.

Posted by: Rebel 17th September 2022, 11:16 AM

I also agree with Mel C that Do it is overrated but my reason is that she’s hogging all the singing on it, which I didn’t quite like (same with Wasting My Time)

Posted by: Voodoo 27th September 2022, 04:17 PM

QUOTE(-Jay- @ Nov 4 2021, 04:08 AM)

Posted by: Mr.X 27th September 2022, 04:20 PM

QUOTE(Voodoo @ Sep 27 2022, 04:17 PM)

Posted by: Spice Girls Net 27th September 2022, 09:13 PM

25 years ago today

The first performance of SUYL on UKTV

View this post on Instagram

Posted by: Nina West 8th February 2023, 01:36 AM

My review for the Spice Girls 2nd studio album Spiceworld




01. Spice Up Your Life - 10/10
Kicking off the album with an almighty bang with this huge and chaotic anthem that perfectly captured the Spice Mania at its upmost peak with its relentless drum beats, infectious melodies and mammoth chorus set against a carnival atmosphere while incorporating Latin rhythms into the mix. The song makes a bold statement and its simply brilliant.

02. Stop - 10/10
This is an all-time Spice Girls classic with its iconic dance routine and Motown infused sound that showcases the group’s versatility perfectly. Enjoyable, upbeat, and carefree this track is full of charm and joyful energy. A true gem in their discography.

03. Too Much - 10/10
Slowing things down now with this elegant slow-burning ballad. The song has a stunning soulful vibe to it with its classy strings, synth lines and gentle beats running throughout the dop-wop production. The song is beautifully arranged and features fantastic vocals by the group, namely Melanie C who adds some excellent ab-libs and soaring vocals over the production.

04. Saturday Night Divas - 8/10
The first non-single track on this album and it’s a fun R&B pop track with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure, along with some tight vocal harmonies. The chorus while catchy does get a bit repetitive and the song does go on for a little too long, but overall, this is a fun and nice little album track.

05. Never Give Up on The Good Times - 10/10
This is an excellent pop track with disco influenced beats, uplifting message and a catchy as hell chorus. The production is stellar with amazing vocals and the slight dance break with the flutes and strings is fantastic. This was heavily rumoured to being released as a single but was scrapped due to Geri leaving and it’s a shame as this would have made a cracking single.

06. Move Over - 9/10
The song was originally used as a jingle for Pepsi and it’s a fun addition to this album with its energetic pop/rock beats that builds to a powerful yet rousing chorus. Full of manic energy with interesting production techniques, this is a solid album track.

07. Do It - 7/10
A light fun little pop song with an empowering message, catchy melodies, and fantastic vocals, especially from Emma during the pre-chorus. This is a decent song, but they’ve had far better than this.

08. Denying - 8/10
Another fun little R&B pop song with some hip-hop influences along with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure. Also like the sparkly keyboards and layered synths that makes this a catchy little bop.

09. Viva Forever - 10/10
An epic ballad that acted as the perfect swansong for this era. Superbly crafted with dramatic strings and that gorgeous flamenco guitar rhythms throughout the track gives this a certain sadness yet powerful at the same time, the vocal harmonies sound stunning with simple yet effective hooks. This is definitely the most mature sounding track that and a prime example of how good the Spice Girls can be.

10. The Lady is a Vamp - 7/10
Closing this album is a rather fun jazzy Broadway show tune with authentic production and brimming with personality. This really shows how diverse this album can be and ends things on a rather high note. Although this is not something I’d go back to often as its something that sounds better live.


Avg.8.9

Posted by: dancinqueen 9th February 2023, 10:01 AM

QUOTE(Nina West @ Feb 8 2023, 02:36 AM)

My review for the Spice Girls 2nd studio album Spiceworld


01. Spice Up Your Life - 10/10
Kicking off the album with an almighty bang with this huge and chaotic anthem that perfectly captured the Spice Mania at its upmost peak with its relentless drum beats, infectious melodies and mammoth chorus set against a carnival atmosphere while incorporating Latin rhythms into the mix. The song makes a bold statement and its simply brilliant.

02. Stop - 10/10
This is an all-time Spice Girls classic with its iconic dance routine and Motown infused sound that showcases the group’s versatility perfectly. Enjoyable, upbeat, and carefree this track is full of charm and joyful energy. A true gem in their discography.

03. Too Much - 10/10
Slowing things down now with this elegant slow-burning ballad. The song has a stunning soulful vibe to it with its classy strings, synth lines and gentle beats running throughout the dop-wop production. The song is beautifully arranged and features fantastic vocals by the group, namely Melanie C who adds some excellent ab-libs and soaring vocals over the production.

04. Saturday Night Divas - 8/10
The first non-single track on this album and it’s a fun R&B pop track with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure, along with some tight vocal harmonies. The chorus while catchy does get a bit repetitive and the song does go on for a little too long, but overall, this is a fun and nice little album track.

05. Never Give Up on The Good Times - 10/10
This is an excellent pop track with disco influenced beats, uplifting message and a catchy as hell chorus. The production is stellar with amazing vocals and the slight dance break with the flutes and strings is fantastic. This was heavily rumoured to being released as a single but was scrapped due to Geri leaving and it’s a shame as this would have made a cracking single.

06. Move Over - 9/10
The song was originally used as a jingle for Pepsi and it’s a fun addition to this album with its energetic pop/rock beats that builds to a powerful yet rousing chorus. Full of manic energy with interesting production techniques, this is a solid album track.

07. Do It - 7/10
A light fun little pop song with an empowering message, catchy melodies, and fantastic vocals, especially from Emma during the pre-chorus. This is a decent song, but they’ve had far better than this.

08. Denying - 8/10
Another fun little R&B pop song with some hip-hop influences along with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure. Also like the sparkly keyboards and layered synths that makes this a catchy little bop.

09. Viva Forever - 10/10
An epic ballad that acted as the perfect swansong for this era. Superbly crafted with dramatic strings and that gorgeous flamenco guitar rhythms throughout the track gives this a certain sadness yet powerful at the same time, the vocal harmonies sound stunning with simple yet effective hooks. This is definitely the most mature sounding track that and a prime example of how good the Spice Girls can be.

10. The Lady is a Vamp - 7/10
Closing this album is a rather fun jazzy Broadway show tune with authentic production and brimming with personality. This really shows how diverse this album can be and ends things on a rather high note. Although this is not something I’d go back to often as its something that sounds better live.
Avg.8.9

Posted by: -Jay- 21st July 2024, 05:39 PM

20th July 1998 - Viva Forever was released as a single, 26 years ago!

Posted by: Mr.X 21st July 2024, 09:43 PM

Happy birthday to the greatest pop song of all time! What a tune

Posted by: -Jay- 21st July 2024, 10:33 PM

View this post on Instagram

Posted by: Mr.X 22nd July 2024, 10:48 AM

I would say that Viva Forever is one of their defining singles. It does really well on YouTube for instance, with some of the live performances of it having the biggest views of their career!

The Return of the Spice Girls version is still my favourite version. The musical arrangement to the staging, it is all quite amazing and the defining moment of the Return tour!



The Live At Wembley 1998 video has 8million views I think I played this moment in the VHS I had at the time more than any other lol



The Pavarotti & Friends version is all things iconic!!



Whilst probably the most simple one of all the tour versions, I do quite like the 2019 tour version specially because of the intro!




What is your favourite?

Posted by: gabry 22nd July 2024, 10:59 AM

update sales?

Posted by: Mr.X 22nd July 2024, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(gabry @ 22nd July 2024, 11:59 AM)

Posted by: spiceboy 22nd July 2024, 01:10 PM

I reckon it is over 850k it was on approx 840 last time Jay did his magical estimations 🥰

Posted by: Padamic_Tension 22nd July 2024, 09:34 PM

Another song tha tin my head was on higher as i had thought it was over a million, looks like it will take a while but it still has great pure sales.

Posted by: Matttttt 22nd July 2024, 11:48 PM

Saw this today and wanted to share lol

Posted by: gabry 23rd July 2024, 07:43 PM

QUOTE(spiceboy @ 22nd July 2024, 02:10 PM)

Posted by: gabry 23rd July 2024, 07:44 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ 22nd July 2024, 12:10 PM)

Posted by: -Jay- 24th July 2024, 01:58 PM

QUOTE(spiceboy @ 22nd July 2024, 02:10 PM)

Posted by: Mr.X 24th July 2024, 02:00 PM

QUOTE(-Jay- @ 24th July 2024, 02:58 PM)

Shall I try and do another estimations post x

Posted by: spiceboy 24th July 2024, 02:35 PM

QUOTE(-Jay- @ 24th July 2024, 02:58 PM)

Shall I try and do another estimations post x

Posted by: -Jay- 24th July 2024, 02:39 PM

QUOTE(Mr.X @ 24th July 2024, 03:00 PM)

Thank you!!

Was it you who also had an insider who could find some detailed info on sales?

Posted by: Mr.X 24th July 2024, 03:40 PM

QUOTE(-Jay- @ 24th July 2024, 03:39 PM)

It was, but that's a dead end now

Posted by: Mr.X 2nd September 2024, 03:54 PM

Spice Up Your Life is included in the film Jackpot (Amazon Prime) which is out now

No sign of an official soundtrack release though