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Posted by: Spiceboy 24th April 2020, 09:59 AM

'Schizophonic'
7th June 1999

1. Look at Me
2. Lift Me Up
3. Walkaway
4. Mi Chico Latino
5. Goodnight Kiss
6. Bag It Up
7. Sometime
8. Let Me Love You
9. Someone's Watching Over Me
10. You're in a Bubble

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So myself and Jay have been talking and we thought after the Spice album threads proved to be interesting reads and discussions we would work our way through each solo Spice album release week by week (in order of release) and do an 'album discussion.'

What do you think of the album? What's your favourite song? Do you like the single releases, would you change any? Is the track-list in the right order? Is there anything you would change about the promotion? Rate the songs from favourite to least favourite, give them a score, tell us your views and don't hold back (Sammy certainly won't )

This week we start with Schizophonic!

Go go go go go!!!

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https://i.imgur.com/MSPsHb3.pnghttps://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Geri-Halliwell/GeriHalliwell-Sing02MiChicoLatino.jpghttps://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Geri-Halliwell/GeriHalliwell-Sing03LiftMeUp.jpghttps://steveyb.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/Geri-Halliwell/GeriHalliwell-Sing04BagItUp.jpg

Posted by: Spiceboy 24th April 2020, 10:15 AM

I'll start

So Schizophonic was the first solo album to be released!

I think Geri did well with her first album, although I liked it a lot more back then compared to now interestingly. I used to rate it as her best album but as I've got older and (recently) given them all a re-listen from start to finish (including MOTM the leaked one) I actually think each album of hers has got stronger and that Schizo, despite having some strong songs, is the weakest of the lot now.

Look at me was the perfect comeback song really can't fault it, I personally think she could have double a-sided it with Walkaway maybe, this might have clinched those few sales needed to nab that #1 spot making her the first female to get 5 consecutive #1 singles (and the only one to do it from first single). Then again Look at me was certainly strong enough to do it on it's own, that pesky extra CD!!!

Mi chico latino is the highlight of the CD (and Geri's entire career) for me. It's a sublime pop song and I rate it in my top 5 solo Spice releases ever, utterly adore it! The video is nice with the hunky men too haha.

Lift me up, cheesy yes, vocals a bit dodgy yes, video even cheesier yes... but I do have a soft spot for it. It's got a lovely melody to it and I remember it randomly (years later) coming on the radio when I was due to go collect my A-Levels and my mother saying it was my Grandmother telling me I had done well and not to worry (lol I was crapping myself really needed the A's to get into uni!), so that's a sweet memory too. I loved the promotion of the album with the sign language, it's something I've never seen a popstar do before (or since) and as a young deaf boy it meant a lot to me... it made Geri a firm favourite at the time! Interestingly the girls had a sign language interpreter on their tour on the side of the screens... they have never done it since I don't know why??? Again it was something I loved as it meant I understood the whole show (I can never understand what acts are saying as they speak to the audience) something I haven't had since except for when I saw Kylie at Brighton Pride.

Bag it up - hmmmmm I'm not the biggest fan of this song but then I don't dislike it either, and always find myself singing along at the top of my voice when it comes on my Spice playlist haha. I do have fond memories of the song, I remember loving the video at the time, and myself and my cousin used to jump up and dance to it with a routine we made everytime it came on the music channels. I can't really see a better fourth single on the album tbh (maybe someone's watching over me or Goodnight kiss) she made the right choice.

All in all, the album did what it had to do sold nearly half a million in the UK hit charts across the world (although not as high as I expected looking on Wiki) and remains the highest charting solo album in the US narrowly missing out on top 40 apparently selling nearly 200k there (which #1 albums struggle for in this day and age). It was a good effort and I do appreciate the album. I think the closer is terrible though also not a fan of Let me love you.

My rating
1. Mi chico latino (10/10)
2. Someone's watching over me (10/10)
3. Look at me (9/10)
4. Walkaway (8/10)
5. Goodnight kiss (8/10)
6. Lift me up (7/10)
7. Bag it up (7/10)
8. Sometime (6/10)
9. You're in a bubble (4/10)
10. Let me love you (3/10)

Posted by: schizo_spice 24th April 2020, 10:39 AM

My fave solo album for 21 years (who'd have guessed)

I remember seeing the Look ar Me video premiere on TOTP and just being blown away, did not expect such a fantastic come back from Geri.

Then I bought the album from Virgin Megastore the week of release and have loved it ever since. Four great unique singles and ten varied and interesting tracks. The Absolute team truly did a fantastic job producing this record. Vocally I know she'll be criticised until the end of time for this album but her limitations have never bothered me I actually find them endearing in places. You cant deny she pours emotion into her vox on tracks like Walkaway and Someones Watching Over Me that just would've sounded empty with somene like Leona Lewis. Her charismatic fiesty vocals on tracks like Sometime and You're in a Bubble also serve the song exceptionally well.

Geri has obviously lost the very husky tone found on this album now so it makes it even more special.

Let's not forget the artwork which was really creative with the heaven and hell theme. I think I always preferred the red side to be my front cover overall.

I could go on about each track which are all special to me but I'd write an essay haha. All I can say is my least fave is probably Let Me Love You which I do still adore a lot.

Posted by: Mr.X 24th April 2020, 10:45 AM

I remember getting this album and thinking that it was cute but a bit boring. Some of the tracks are interesting such as Walk Away and Summertime, and obviously Look At Me, Mi Chico Latino and Bag It Up were the type of pop that was popular then.

But honestly, it lost me after a few listens back then and I never really bothered to return to it in full. I listend to Summertime back a few years and didn't particularly like it anymore either..

In terms of its release, it is so clear how she went with the original Spice formula:

First single: instant pop with a controversional/corny appeal
Second single: a bit moodier and cooler, sexier song, building on previous success
Third single: balad
Fourth single: camp pop

Personally, it was too cringy and on-the-nose for me. You can gve her props for excellent promotion skills, but that doesnt mean the music and performances were great either.

I might pop it on spotify over the next few weeks but even lockdown has not really given me any appetite to indulge on things that I didnt particularly fancy doing in the first place, ah. But I feel like there is now enough time in between now and the last listen, to warrent a try.

Pray for me

Posted by: Spiceboy 24th April 2020, 11:37 AM

Write the essay!! I wanna hear it

Ps I always preferred the White cover never really liked the Red side!

Posted by: Jade 🐠 24th April 2020, 12:09 PM

The singles are a mixed bag - I love 'Mi Chico Latino' and really like 'Look At Me' but am not a fan of the other two. I've listened to the whole album multiple times but the album tracks haven't proven particularly enduring, I preferred those from 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster'!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 25th April 2020, 04:06 AM

I loved Schizophonic at the time! Whereas I was disappointed with Scream and Passion when they were released. It's been years since I heard the three albums in full, so perhaps my tastes will have changed since then... I'll have to listen to them all again sometime and reassess! Based on my memories though, Schizophonic was in my Top 3 Spice albums, and I considered it to be Geri's best.

It had such an excellent singles campaign too, she chose very wisely. Mi Chico Latino has endured as being my favourite single from the album, and of her entire career... and probably in my Top 5 favourite solo Spice singles overall. She really did that with Mi Chico Latino! Look at Me is full of personality and was the perfect lead, I adored it upon release. I don't tend to go back to it much anymore, but when I do it's still such a unique listening experience. I still really enjoy Bag It Up, the disco influences and it being completely in your face... pure Geri, so much fun. My opinion on Lift Me Up might be partly because of sentimentality, but I honestly really do like it and I find it to be very cute, even though it seems to be a lot of fans' least favourite Geri single.

Not sure if I'll ever get over the Look at Me "two CDs having the same track list" thing, it was so dumb It would have been very interesting move for her to launch with a Double A Side and show the "split sound" of her album, but then again I like that she went with Look at Me on its own... as a choice it was so full of bravado. Really should have been a #1.


I remember my Mum bought me the CD in its first week on sale, and she'd bought the red cover! I'm not sure if the white or red was more common or if there was an equal distribution. I would often flip the booklet around so I'd have the white cover showing sometimes too, so the booklet is quite tatty. Many years later I bought another copy, so I have my original copy as the red cover and the second copy showing the white cover. After 21 years I'm still undecided about which artwork I prefer. The red image is certainly very sultry and striking. The white image is a nice shot of her, but maybe less interesting. The full image is actually her posing in a straitjacket, but it's cropped... I suppose her label thought that would be too controversial or offensive for an album cover? I find that both of these artworks are better than Scream (too cheesy and fake looking) and Passion (totally nondescript!).



An interesting comparison and it certainly seems like a formula she followed! A successful formula too. Maybe Bag It Up should have had Walkaway as the ballad half of a Double A Side release!

Posted by: sammy01 25th April 2020, 07:55 AM

It is much better than it has any right to be. Look at me and Mi chico latino are genuinely great songs. She got the balance right of actual music and personality. The 2 follow ups were a mess though where she forgot to make good music and just went full on camp personality.

It sounds pretty dated now though aside from LAM and MCL.

Posted by: Mr.X 25th April 2020, 09:27 AM

After I wrote that last night, I went to listen to the album and genuinelly, it's trash...

Here's some track by track reviews:

1. Her voice is really bad in Look at Me specifically. Those 'high notes' she tries to hit are just embarrassing... It's wild this was her first ever offering as a solo artist. Yes, I can see the mass appeal coming from a Spice Girl like her. But honestly this probably killed any chance of being seen as a credible artist by then ah

2. Lift Me Up is just cringe...The song would have been better with a better singer on it, but Im not sure it would improve it.

3. Walk Away is the best song on the album but it is totally beyond her 1999 singing capacity... She could probably pull it off better nowadays

4. Mi Chico Latino is ok but incredibly dated...

5. Goodnight Kiss is the second best song on the album and she probably would sing it well nowadays! Lyrically it's probably one of the best things she has ever done..

6. Bag It Up is trash, sorry. It's the type of song that Steps or Holly Vallance would release back then. Fine if that's your thing but I find it grating and cringe.

7. Sometime is cute. Used to be my favourite back then. Somehow, it sounds genuine. Her voice suits this and the lyrics are quite good! I found myself enjoying it more than before, for sure. The chorus is sooo nice and breezy. Her voice isnt the best but finds a good place here, I think.

8. Let Me Love You. Why?.... I want to believe there is a good song here, but it's a mess... She sounds terrible. The chorus is the best part but it's just a bit meh. It's basically her own 'Do It': pop by the numbers, but too cringe to be enjoyable...

9. Someone's Watching Over Me is her at her most honest ever. And it shows. I didnt expect to enjoy it as much as I did actually. I tihnk it is a bout her dad, right? You can tell this comes from the heart and thus it allows you to have an emotional connection to her and the song itself. It's good!

10. You're in a Bubble. This was seen as Victoria dig at the time right? Or maybe I read that somewhere and took it for gospel back in 1999 lol It's terrible... I found myself laughing at it rather than with it... It's not as bad as that 'Heaven & Hell' track on her second album though lol

Final: A solid 4 out of 10

Listen, it's not a horrible album. That's Passion. This has good moments and I was surprised to be enjoying the ballads much more this time! It's clear that she should have either learnt how to sing back then OR started to write for others. Because whilst this feels like a very Geri Halliwell album, that is not to say that it is an enjoyable one. She can be a good lyricist when she really gets into it and allows herself to be honest and vulnerable, and sometimes quirky. But as a singer, she has no personality in her voice... It's distinctive but it's not enjoyable for a whole album..

It's definitely her best album though, and she was clever in releasing it back then. It's the best she could have done and she deserved the success it got as she really threw everything she had at it, promotion wise (hi Chris Evans!!), so kudos to her. As a singer/artist? This isnt showing great depth or tallent, im afraid.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 25th April 2020, 10:19 AM

Holly Valance? I disagree with her as a reference point for a song like Bag It Up! Bag It Up is camp as tits and disco inspired. Holly released sexy and sultry songs, with middle Eastern flavours for the first era, then more electro-pop/synths in her second era... she wasn't a Bag It Up sort of artist at all.

You've brought up Steps unfavourably in the past too (can't remember what the context was last time) but I really don't think they would or could have ever done a song like Bag It Up. Steps were mostly all about 'cry-dance' songs, emotional lyrics combined with an uptempo sound. Bag It Up is really not that. Perhaps Stomp is in roughly the same ballpark, but it's not outrageously camp like Bag It Up.

I struggle to think of any other artists that Bag It Up would suit, like it did for Geri. As far as I'm concerned it's completely her song.


I think the one major thing going for Geri's voice in 1999 was that it was full of personality! Having a vocal that shows personality is essentially the same as being distinctive? Ironically she lost the personality that her voice had when she had her vocal nodules removed and had some vocal training. Honestly, part of her charm was that she wasn't a great singer... but nevertheless she had something to her voice that really worked for her.

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th April 2020, 10:26 AM

Mr X has cancelled anymore of these topic Don't hold back

Posted by: Mr.X 25th April 2020, 11:21 AM

Sorry Jay but don't agree. Yes, it was a very Geri-album, but the comparisons was in the type of pop, bubble gum, corny music that was coming from Steps and the like of the time. It was in that similar category, but with a Geri vybe, obviously. It's ok, each to their own.

In terms of her voice, I will say again what I said: distinctive doesnt make it good! in fact, it was pretty terrible. Recognisable? Yes, but whilst *she* has personality to boost, I guess when it comes to her voice that wasnt so appealing. Plus, she clearly cant sing well...

But alas... it was actually a more enjoyable experience than I remembered or expecting lol

These are just my opinions. It's clear that the album resonates with many of you and that's all good and nice. I look forward to more of these types of topics

Posted by: vibe 25th April 2020, 11:45 AM

Let Me Love You - has always reminded me of another song but I have never worked out what !!!

Posted by: Spiceboy 25th April 2020, 12:27 PM

You come for Northern Star I'm gonna give Free Me the worse review in HISTORY

Posted by: Mr.X 25th April 2020, 04:39 PM

But honestly I love Northern Star

Posted by: Piers 25th April 2020, 06:49 PM

I won't name names (as to not start a war)...but I'll just say...there were a lot of new pop acts arriving on the scene around this point in time who were releasing perfectly well-crafted debut albums. But if we're being honest...the songs by those artists were 100% interchangeable. And that's really not true of a lot of Geri's Schizophonic material. The album's kinda...unapologetically weird.

I'm not sure another big pop star of the time would have done those shouty bits in Sometime. They certainly wouldn't have recorded the "little white lie" part of Look At Me. They wouldn't have touched You're In a Bubble.

And I mean it as a compliment. You may or may not like those elements...but I appreciate the quirk. She was many things...but she wasn't an anonymous recording artist. It's obvious she had major influence over the lyrics and direction of the album.

Anyway. I actually think Schizophonic's pretty solid. Top to bottom. The songs are catchy and memorable...and would probably be far better remembered/respected had they been recorded by the Spice Girls.

It the album perfect? No. While I like Lift Me Up, her voice cracking at the beginning really should have been re-recorded. It couldn't have been that hard of a fix. And I don't think You're in a Bubble is much of a song. I wish they'd dumped that one...put Summertime somewhere in the track line-up...and closed out the album with Someone's Watching Over Me.

I actually like her two follow-up albums better than seemingly 95% of fans. But while I think her voice seems more comfortable on the latter two albums (no voice cracks or songs clearly outpacing her abilities), Schizophonic by far feels the most personal.

Posted by: Eduardo 26th April 2020, 12:02 AM

It was good for a 1999 album, but most songs sound so plain and boring nowadays.
I didn't like Mi Chico Latino back then, but now I feel it's one of the album's few highlights.

Posted by: sammy01 26th April 2020, 07:25 AM

Lift me up is an absolute turd, it really is one of the worst songs not just spice girls related.

Posted by: vibe 26th April 2020, 09:42 AM

^ still bitter it beat Emma

Posted by: Spiceboy 26th April 2020, 10:28 AM

Vibe there is really no need to bring Emma into this. This is a thread where people express their opinions about Schizophonic good and bad and we accept them. Can we refrain from bringing any other girls into the discussion thank you.

Posted by: Jay ☆ 11th May 2020, 12:37 AM

Yesterday (10th May) marked 21 years since the release of Geri's debut single 'Look at Me'

Posted by: schizo_spice 11th May 2020, 01:59 PM

Aww the same month I left high school.

Doesnt time fly.

1999 was such a fantastic year for pop music if you look back at it.

Posted by: Spiceboy 11th May 2020, 06:50 PM

I was just finishing my first year of high school , thanks you made me feel really young

Posted by: Jay ☆ 11th May 2020, 06:57 PM

It was my last year of primary school, Year 6!

Let's go back in time and tell EMI to not be so dumb and to release a proper CD2

Posted by: Mr.X 7th June 2020, 11:16 AM

Happy Birthday to this album. I just revisited it this morning as saw it popping up online. I found a little new appreciation to it, whereas before I never really cared for it that much.

Some thoughts:

1. Look At Me. I get it, it was a clever first release. Very clever indeed. Her voice still spoils it, I think. Her trying to hit *some* notes in the breakdown is just................. And I am not really interested in the message on this track, still. It's too self-centered to be interesting, personally. A good marketing/PR song and video, for sure. Quality wise? It is cleverly written and with good production values.

2. Lift Me Up This song can choke. It's terrible and it will always be. I couldnt finish it, it's so grating... From the cringe lyrics, to her voice (terrible) and the video.

3. Walk Away Best song on the album. I do think she would do this song much better nowadays since her voice has improved so much. It's well written, nicely sang and produced.

4. Mi Chico Latino Better than I remembered. It's a bop, although a bit of a forgetable one. It's a bit too 'brits abroad to Magaluff' vibe imo lol

5. Goodnight Kiss Second best song in the album. Classy and nicely done. Wonder what she would sound like with it now...

6.Bag It Up Trash. Dated. It's politics are also so stuck in the 90s, with such a simplistic view on feminism. BUt overall, the song is bad. The video is fun though.

7. Sometime Still a great song. I always enjoyed it (and for a long time, it was my favourite Geri song). Personally, it feels very honest. Yes, it's a bit saccarine but it somehow survives that better than some of her more 'positive outlook with cliché lyrics' tracks...

8. Let Me Love You. I had forgotten about this. It's fun.

9. Someone's Watching Over Me. GREAT TRACK! Had also forgotten about it, but it's gorgeous. Wonder what she would sound with it nowadays.

10. You're in A Bubble Blargh.. Sometimes I appreciate this song. Today wasn't one of those days lol

Overall: An ok album, certainly an interesting album for a new solo artist. However, it just sort of exists nowadays hey? It seemed such a MOMENT at the time but it always fell flat to me. It's got some excellent moments though and I find myself enjoying it more with each listen over the years.

Posted by: Spiceboy 7th June 2020, 10:51 PM

I love Someone's watching over me too, it's a really beautiful song and you can tell it comes from her heart.

Have to admit I have a real soft spot for Lift me up. I think part of it comes from her using sign language to promote it, and to a deaf boy it meant A LOT! I really struggled feeling like I was different and less than other people as a child because I never saw representations of deaf people anywhere, so I assumed we weren't worth being represented, as a much younger child I actually had this belief that I was if the only deaf person out there (I grew up in a hearing family) and I was so so so shocked when I saw another deaf person in the supermarket, I got really excited and started shouting to my mum "look look that person is like me!" It actually really upsets me even now when I think back to those negative feelings I had about myself (and then I found out I was gay and omg I have still to this day have not seen a deaf gay person in a book or on TV etc etc etc lol)... I struggled a lot as a youth lol. Anyway Geri using sign language to promote the song really meant so much to me and I've had a special relationship with that song for that reason.

Another weird fact the song came on the radio (many years later) as I was about to leave the house to pick up my A-Level results from school to find out if I'd got into Uni. Now I'm not one of those people who believes in signs and all that, but I remember thinking whoa this song which meant to much to me has come on at the moment I'm about to leave, and a song which I have not heard on the radio since it was released... I got my results (surpassed them even) and got into Uni. Yeah a lot on that song

Posted by: Piers 8th June 2020, 02:36 AM

Thanks for sharing this story. Enjoyed reading that.

So, is Geri's signing pretty good? Several Spanish speakers have told me her Spanish is a bit...interesting. Lol. So. I always wondered how her signing was. The performances always looked lovely, but I never knew if her motions were more for choreography sake or if she was genuinely communicating well. I was always glad she incorporated some signing into her Lift Me Up performances. I have to assume that signing on pop chart shows is pretty historically rare...and if Geri could get some young people interested in learning sign, it had to be a good thing.

Side note. Does anyone else remember the person signing in one of the corners of the screen during the Spiceworld tour? That was a rather welcome addition, wasn't it? Because the Spiceworld tour was one of my very first concerts, I thought an interpreter was probably there for all concerts. But then...I don't believe I've seen an interpreter on screen for another concert ever since.

Posted by: Spiceboy 8th June 2020, 08:53 AM

It's not bad, there is obviously a bit of a choreographed flair to it but it's accurate sign language. To be honest her signing performance is better than most of her dancing performances

I remember that sign language interpreter on the sides of the screens in that little circle he was there for my Don Valley Stadium date. That concert and also Pride 2019 are the only two events I have been to that have had interpreters at them, and sadly are the only two live concerts I've been able to understand what the acts were saying when they talk to the audience. Normally I don't have a clue.

Posted by: Mr.X 8th June 2020, 09:07 AM

Lovely story!

Posted by: Spiceboy 8th June 2020, 10:47 AM

Thank you Piers and Mr X you're both very kind

Posted by: Jay MATM NBTSA 8th June 2020, 02:26 PM

Thanks for sharing, it's so nice that her signing was something that understandably meant a lot to you.

I wonder who had the idea of incorporating sign languages into the performance, Geri herself maybe? Did she ever talk about it in interviews? I'm glad she did it. It's nice that her signing was accurate too!

There really needs to be more representation in the media. I can think of two deaf and gay characters: Ben in EastEnders, but unfortunately away from that, his personality and actions are mostly atrocious lol and he's difficult to like. Another I can think of is Sam in The Society on Netflix, who is actually played by a deaf actor.

Posted by: Spiceboy 8th June 2020, 07:54 PM

Awww people are so nice in this forum, I was getting all emotional about it writing and then felt a bit embarrassed people might think I was being ridiculous lol, so it's nice to hear such lovely comments.

Oh wow I did not know about The Society, it's been on my list to watch too, definitely the next thing I'm watching now I know right about Ben lol, what a hideous representation for us. I've never really watched Eastenders (being a Northerner I watch Corrie ) but I watched the 'silent' episode and I told everyone I know to watch it because it's so well done in representing how we hear. I come a family of rock music lover and I personally can't stand heavy rock music it's just noise to me, on watching that episode so many of my family members were like "omg I get it, how on earth do you make sense of the music!?" It's why I also don't like overtly loud dance music or heavy bass I can't make sense of the voices (Judas by Lady Gaga is one that comes to mind - just a load of noise to me).

Posted by: Euphorique 8th June 2020, 08:44 PM

Lift Me Up and Mi Chico Latino are both my fav singles from her, I go back to them often. Lift Me Up is just such a mood, its like a warm breeze at sunset, her raspy voice just suits the song perfectly. Mi Chico Latino is hands down her best single, the latin flavored pop really suited her, and its just incredibly catchy and summery, brings back incredible memories.

Cant really remember the rest of the album besides the other singles - I liked Look At Me but dont love it. I love the horns though, they just make a grand statement.
Bag It Up however I can't stand, so generic. Just feel like there were a billion better dance-pop tracks around at the time, feels like anyone could've come up with it. Its a bit cringy too.

Posted by: JosephStyles 8th June 2020, 09:15 PM

I heard this for the first time tonight! I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it, purely because I had no expectations - I really didn't know what to expect from a Geri album. It's actually really polished, strong throughout, and the singles were picked perfectly. Those aside, my highlights were Walkaway, Sometime and Let Me Love You!

Posted by: Spiceboy 8th June 2020, 09:29 PM

You're really making your way thorough the albums aren't you Tbh I don't think Geri has a 'bad' album at all, there are elements on all that could be better but all are filled with catchy pop tracks. Just wait until you hear Free Me album though, it's easily the best after Northern Star

Posted by: sammy01 8th June 2020, 09:43 PM

Walk away she could probably really sell these days interms of her voice.

She was much better when not trying to be so trashy and just being a little more earnest.

Posted by: JosephStyles 8th June 2020, 09:45 PM

I'm intrigued to hear the other two! Schizophonic absolutely has her best run of singles, all four are really great.

I've heard Free Me before! Just... not in a VERY long time so I really do need a refresher

Posted by: Mr.X 8th June 2020, 10:34 PM

Free Me is classy, the best of them lot I'm gonna go and listen to it now

Posted by: Last Dreamer 27th January 2021, 11:31 AM

Geri Halliwell - Schizophonic (1999)

My rate : S (Masterpiece)

Top 5 songs :
1. Goodnight Kiss
2. Lift Me Up
3. Look At Me
4. Let Me Love You
5. Sometime

It was the first album, which I bought and still love her 20 years after it.

Posted by: Jay❄ 14th May 2021, 02:36 AM

22 years

View this post on Instagram

Posted by: Warwick Avenue 14th May 2021, 04:39 AM

I loved You’re In A Bubble back in 1999, I think it’s aged pretty badly though.

Posted by: -Jay- 9th June 2021, 11:20 PM

22 years ago this week, Schizophonic was released! Geri's first solo album, and the first solo Spice album.

View this post on Instagram

A new fanmade video about this era:

Posted by: schizo_spice 10th June 2021, 10:09 AM

I need to do a full relisten

Cannot believe it’s been 22 years though.

Posted by: dancinqueen 10th June 2021, 12:53 PM

I remember buying this record thinking she was going to be the next Robbie Williams. I had high expectations, she was my favorite. Then I listened to it and it was a bland version of Spice World. I cringed so much when I first heard Lift Me Up. Look At Me was clever, her voice though...
I also remember feeling offended by Geri burying Ginger Spice (now I think it was actually quite clever!)
Thank Godney, Melanie C aka Indie Spice arrived (first song I heard was Ga Ga on the radio, the DJ said this was going to be her first single. And my love for Geri died, like Ginger Spice in her video.

Posted by: -Jay- 11th October 2021, 08:01 AM

From Andy Watkins' Instagram:



Creating classics they're classics to me anyway, lol

Posted by: schizo_spice 11th October 2021, 10:06 AM

Great shots

Posted by: Feel_The_Fever 11th October 2021, 11:46 AM

I got this album as a present which i wasn't quiet pleased about as i wasn't a fan of Geris solo music, it was bought for me under the assumption because i liked Kylie that i would like the album

Posted by: dancinqueen 11th October 2021, 03:54 PM

Lol. How dare they!

I bought Schizophonic because of the hype. I thought this was going to be a weird pop record a la LAM. I listened to it twice or so, I couldn’t believe she left to release a bland copy of Spice World. I remember laughing my behind off when I heard LMU, those vocals still haunt me. MCL had potential if it wasn’t for the vocals. One good thing: there was a potential concept, loved the artwork, and she really knew how to market the record.

Posted by: Mr.X 11th October 2021, 06:48 PM

This is exactly how I felt about it too. I wasnt very in love with Look At Me either but thought I HAD to buy it, so I did, and was so dissapointed that she was just basically copying - badly - the same sound of Spiceworld. What a shame. Even the release strategy and the singles that were released were very similar to the Spice Girls brand.

The fact she released LMU (probably her worst song to this day) and started going out with Chris Evans, blatantly for promotion to get another #1 over Emma. It was sad to witness as a fan. Then she did that awful performance at the Brits, which was basically Brexit in between two legs and some gays in their underwear. It was just cringe.

I think this is why I really stopped being a fan of hers back then and havent really supported her since. Everything was just a gimmick to her as a solo artist, and it really showed. At least the others showed some interest in their own solo music for the music, without having to sell out like she did or put a marketing strategy in front of quality.

Posted by: spiceboy 11th October 2021, 07:59 PM

Wow some of you are so harsh!

I’m not really a Geri fan but I think you are all way too harsh on her solo career. Look at me was a brilliant come back single, a bit out there, different to anything in the charts then or since a jazzy poppy weird as hell number. Mi Chico Latino is actually one of the best solo spice songs ever, and while I get the comments re her vocals it doesn’t take away from the fact it’s an excellent track. Lift me up is cheesy as hell yes but only in the same way Mama is. The lyrics are a bit cringe but the melody and music are really lovely. Bag it up is terrible for me but that’s just my taste. Walk away was a stand out for me and probably the best track on the album again up there with the best solo spice tracks. Someone’s watching over me a from the heart beautiful song with a lovely melody again. Goodnight kiss, Sometime, let me love you all good solid tracks.

Schizophonic to me is the second best debut album from the girls easily, also it is very Geri her personality is stamped all over it and was far more interesting than Emma and Victoria’s bland debut albums and Mel B’s all over the place one…those thinking it’s a watered down Spice / Spiceworld maybe need to give Geri more credit for those albums than criticising her for releasing something “unoriginal.”

Posted by: Mr.X 11th October 2021, 10:27 PM

No need to call us trash? Like, we are just expressing our opinions on her music and promo tactics, that's all.

The album is very bland to me, that's no surprise that I have never been a huge fan. Sometime and Someone's Watching Over Me are great songs, but that's all. Her antics to promote it might have been fun at the time for her fans and the general public. That doesnt mean the music was for everyone's tastes either?...

Posted by: Sideout 12th October 2021, 01:37 AM

1999 Melanie C would love these posts talking sh*t about Geri's music.

Posted by: Jamesy 12th October 2021, 02:58 AM

I absolutely love Schizophonic. It’s everything Forever should have been.

Posted by: dancinqueen 12th October 2021, 04:26 AM

Melanie C was also the one who publicly said she bought Schizophonic and loved MCL, she invited Geri on stage when they get their achievement award, and she said she wanted to see all 5 together when asked during her Brits solo nomination interview. There’s a difference between been harsh and being critical (“I don’t like Geri’s voice, she knows that”).

When did Geri say anything supportive or not about the girls when she left? It was all about her! She probably asked interviewers to not ask her questions about the girls.

Schizophonic is not a bad album compared to what nowadays solo acts out of girlbands release (Jesy anyone). But it was not good enough to forgive Geri certain stunts she put out.

That said, I agree - let’s give credit to Geri, Spice World is mostly her creature lyrics-wise, she’s smart, had nice ideas and she pushed the girls to get what they achieved. 🙏

Posted by: spiceboy 12th October 2021, 06:18 AM

When did I call anyone trash?

I said comments were harsh. That wasn’t referring to opinions on the music, more the blatant writing off of her success on her promotion antics rather than on the fact many people may have just enjoyed the music. I said above I think there was pretty strong tracks on there in my opinion so this writing as if it couldn’t possibly be that the album was decent but rather Geri and her “cringeworthy attention seeking gimmicky” promotion as ‘fact’ is too harsh.

Posted by: Mr.X 12th October 2021, 08:58 AM

Sorry, I totally read 'trash' I was reading up on the whole Jesy/Nicki drama and then came here and might have gotten my words twisted. Sorry hun

But no, I wasn't saying that people weren't enjoying the songs, of course they were. Just that it wasnt to my taste and I definitely did not appreciate her promo tactics.

Posted by: spiceboy 12th October 2021, 09:29 AM

I would never call anyone trash, it's not even a word I use (way too Americanised ) plus name calling is just not my thing.

I definitely appreciate different tastes will have different opinions, it's just the general tone of Geri's debut was weak it was only her cheap promo tactics that got her success rather than specific people not enjoying the era. I don't like Westlife much for example they bore me but I can appreciate they have success for a reason.

Posted by: dancinqueen 12th October 2021, 11:33 AM

Westlife were 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
Stop it or I invoke 2000 era Melanie C 😬😂

Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 12th October 2021, 01:00 PM

I always thought 'Lift Me Up' had the makings of a great song there, it's just her vocals on it are so...

Maybe sung by someone else it would have been a lot better?

Posted by: tommie 12th October 2021, 02:06 PM

schizophonic is better than spice and spiceworld where you need to edit out the other girls parts to get to geri's xoxo

Posted by: Mr.X 12th October 2021, 02:25 PM

I mean, really, Westlife?!??!!? I love you pal, but comparing a market gimmick with another market gimmick doesnt quite work ah

Not taking away credit from Geri. It's clear that whatever she was doing, worked for that album, however her solo light soon went dark very quickly too. Clearly the marketing plans didnt go as well once the tide was set against the Spice Girls in general...

Posted by: dancinqueen 12th October 2021, 03:04 PM

OMGGGG IM SCREAMO! That’s proper
Shade 😬😂

Posted by: Mr.X 12th October 2021, 03:41 PM

Posted by: Blond 2.0 12th October 2021, 05:14 PM

LOL

Posted by: dancinqueen 12th October 2021, 05:51 PM

OMG (screams in Geri Halliwell - silent)

Posted by: Last Dreamer 13th October 2021, 02:07 PM

Yes, you are right.

Posted by: Piers 14th October 2021, 01:34 AM

I guess I had far lower expectations for Geri's debut than most others here. I liked Geri in the group and also liked her bits on Spice and Spiceworld...but I never thought her voice could carry a solo album (I thought the same about Victoria). So, yeah. I was actually really surprised by how well it turned out. I get that Geri often struggles to sing live and has a limited vocal range, but I actually find her voice on Schizophonic to be mostly very warm and distinct. I like the majority of the songs. And perhaps most importantly, the material is HER. I have no doubts she was behind the steering wheel in the creation of the songs.

As for her antics in promoting her records...I'm not bothered by them at all? Frankly, in the wake of Lady Gaga in her prime and Lil Nas X today, I find Geri's promotions to be downright...quaint. (to be clear, I have no issue with anything Gaga or Lil Nas X has done either) If Geri's whole Chris Evans relationship was faked for the sake of Lift Me Up...I don't care? Celebs do that all the time. I actually think she's taken an unusual amount of heat for something so common. And as for her parading out dozens of pink speedo-clad men to promote Bag It Up...nope. Not bothered by that either. I would've added more.

Posted by: tommie 14th October 2021, 01:55 AM

my fav poster on buzzjack make him a mod and ban all the haterz

Posted by: -Jay- 14th October 2021, 04:32 AM

I completely agree, Piers! Great post. Schizophonic is essentially a masterclass in going solo and having a successful era - and it was definitely authentic to her.

Posted by: spiceboy 14th October 2021, 01:21 PM

I am resigning right now and passing on the mod crown to YOU!!!

Posted by: Mr.X 14th October 2021, 09:38 PM

I guess she was one of the first to be so publicly obvious about it in our generation?... I dont really care if others do it too. Good for them, I guess? I just really find it cringe. Like, let the music speak for itself. In the case of Gaga and Lil Nas X - to touch on two examples you said here - I find their music has substance and interesting nuances. Geri's? Not so much. It felt like a calculated, produced-by-marketing-department album. Same with the videos and overall promotion.

I think one of the main things that bothered me is this perception that Schizophonic would have been the 3rd Spice Girls album, as if Geri wasnt simply replicating the sound of the Spice Girls as a whole with it instead of creating something new. Yes she had absolute but the Spice Girls sound was very much also the fruit of their collaborations with the other producers too. Geri and Absolute replicated it. I too never expected her to be amazing, but it was still dissapointing precisely because it was meant to be GERI, the drama girl who was always different and extravagant. Instead we got a budget and badly-sang version of Spiceworld.

Posted by: Piers 15th October 2021, 03:57 PM

I have a very different view of her. I don't view an album as odd as Schizophonic as a produced-by-marketing-department album. I think that's true of some songs on the other girls' solo albums (largely the Mel B and Victoria songs that didn't have their writing credits). As 1999 goes, I don't think Geri did anything as bold as Mel C launching her album with Goin Down...or Mel B doing a video as risqué as Word Up. But I don't view Schizophonic as entirely generic and safe. To my ears, Look at Me is a very weird song. I like it...but I don't think another artist on her level of mainstream would have thrown in the "...my little white lie" part. Tracks like You're In A Bubble and Let Me Love You are overtly weird. Most producers would have swayed Geri from the big vocals on Walkaway.

Lift Me Up and Bag It Up (and especially their videos) are high camp. The perspective on this may differ a bit on where you live. But for me living in the US, the Bag It Up video was among the most gay-positive videos I'd ever seen at that point. And it came out during a time Eminem was in his videos nearly barfing over the sight of two men together. That was the mainstream sensibility. Not Geri's. Even what I'd consider her most straightforward track on the album (Mi Chico Latino) has that oddball Spanish (sorta) rap. To me, the album's full of quirks...and her producers let her be her. I view a lot of decisions as something of a gamble. I think it paid off in the UK, and it didn't in the US.

In terms of her retaining the Spice sound, my feeling is...she's entitled to it. Not just her. They all were. I view all five girls and their producers as the architects of that sound. And, frankly, I think some of the others' solo offerings would be better if they employed the Spice producers more often. I think Victoria's unreleased stuff with Biff is quite a bit better than a lot of VB.

Posted by: spiceboy 15th October 2021, 08:52 PM

What is VB's unreleased stuff with Biff?? Open your eyes?

Posted by: Sideout 15th October 2021, 10:07 PM

Hustler
Flow
Be With You
I Should've Known Better
Give It All Away
Bittersweet

Posted by: spiceboy 15th October 2021, 10:33 PM

Basically her best stuff

Posted by: Nina West 20th October 2021, 06:01 PM

Posted by: vibe 20th October 2021, 08:17 PM

^ still love Look At Me !!

Posted by: tommie 20th October 2021, 08:20 PM

it was so nice to finally hear a quality SPICE GIRL album without any of the other four hogging up the spotlight

Posted by: dancinqueen 21st October 2021, 09:26 AM

This. And finally we got to hear her voice shining on legendary tracks like Lift Me Up: soaring vocals, belting notes, adlibs (sorry Sporty), and a touching middle 8 sung beautifully. Liiiiftt me uyyuyuyhhghhhhhhhp

Posted by: tommie 21st October 2021, 09:58 AM

SANG IT KWEEN!!!!

God, how dare BLAND C hog the adlibs when Gerita the Chicita was right there waiting for her moment? Bitch.

Posted by: Simon. 21st October 2021, 11:23 AM

I love this Lift Me Up is everything, in fact all the singles from the album are

Played this album yesterday but turned it off after Sometime

Posted by: dancinqueen 21st October 2021, 11:57 AM

I’m screaming 😂
Gerita showed them how is done with Look At Me middle8 crescendo. That sustained high note didn’t need any backup singers. What a talent. Gloooooooooooryyyyy.

Posted by: tommie 21st October 2021, 12:44 PM

Yes, there are people on these forums who like DISGUSGINCE's adlibs over Gerita's beautiful and melodic ones

Luckily, those have been chased out of this thread and now the TRUE Gerita Vocal Appreciation Society can begin!!!

Posted by: dancinqueen 21st October 2021, 01:20 PM

Deal. I need a thread of Gerita best vocals. Only (real) live versions.

Posted by: tommie 21st October 2021, 01:51 PM

Unlike her FLOP band members Gerita sounds like on record when she's live, how embarrassing for Emma and the Mels!!! They've been ousted by a true talent

Posted by: dancinqueen 21st October 2021, 02:35 PM

Wow, she really invented dancing there. Didn’t she?

By the way, nothing can top this GEM

Posted by: tommie 21st October 2021, 07:34 PM

Actually all that shows is how brilliant of a lead/solo single Look at Me is!!!

Posted by: -Jay- 16th August 2022, 01:41 PM

23 years have passed since the release of 'Mi Chico Latino':



It became Geri's first UK #1 single!


I was on holiday in Guernsey with my parents when it was released. I remember buying them from Woolworths, and when I checked my copies afterwards I thought that they'd put the CD1 disc into both singles [both discs were blue and had the B Sides track list printed on it]. But it was a misprint, the disc inside CD2 actually did have the remixes as the audio. The store didn't have any correct pink CD2s. I'm glad I kept it rather than returning it, and many years later I got the pink disc from eBay! I played those singles so many times during that holiday.

Posted by: spiceboy 16th August 2022, 02:28 PM

Still one of the best solo spice releases for me, what a cracking song

Posted by: schizo_spice 16th August 2022, 02:57 PM

Posted by: Babyboy 7th June 2023, 12:09 PM

24 years of Schizo today.

Posted by: -Jay- 7th June 2023, 06:09 PM

A solid debut album, one which I have great affection for. It's a shame Geri appears to have no interest whatsoever in doing anniversary re-releases / pressing on vinyl.

Posted by: schizo_spice 7th June 2023, 06:45 PM

What an era. So many memories

I dont think any two albums give me as much pure nostalgia as Schizophonic and Spiceworld.

Posted by: spiceboy 7th June 2023, 08:31 PM

Geri and Melanie C's first albums made me really excited for solo Spice at the time, both were solid debuts. None of the other three had debut albums anywhere near as strong.

Posted by: dancinqueen 8th June 2023, 06:58 PM

Mel AB’s was well produced. The problem was the lack of personality.
Wish it had more songs a la I Want You Back