BuzzJack Music Forum _ Spice Girls _ Emma Bunton - 'A Girl Like Me'
Posted by: Spiceboy 20th May 2020, 10:00 AM
'A Girl Like Me' 16th April 2001
1. What Took You So Long? 2. Take My Breath Away 3. A World Without You 4. High on Love 5. A Girl Like Me 6. Spell it O.U.T 7. Sunshine on a Rainy Day 8. Been There, Done That 9. Better Be Careful 10. We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight 11. She Was a Friend of Mine 12. What I Am
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Again it's little later than we intended to post it (supposed to be one a week lol) so apologies but here is the second solo Spice album to review, rate and opinionate!
Released on 16th April 2001 Emma finally gave us her debut album! After releasing Forever in November of 2000 and wrapping up promotion by the end of November 2000 (lol) Emma geared up to release her debut album. Recording took place between June of 1999-October 2000.
A Girl Like Me debuted at #4 on the albums chart with first week sales of 21,500 copies and gave us 3 additional Emma Bunton singles What Took You So Long? (#1), Take My Breath Away (#5) and We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight (#20). Her duet with Tin Tin Out (#2) previously released was also included as the album's closing track. A Girl Like Me eventually certified Gold with sales of 126,952 copies in the UK. The album however did not reach top 20 on any other chart across the world, it did however manage top 30 on the Danish charts (#23), and in New Zealand (#21) and top 40 on the Finnish charts (#38). It was reported at the time to have sold 500,000 copies worldwide.
What are your thoughts and opinions on this album? Which tracks do you like, love, hate? What's your favourite? Were the singles the correct choices? Rate the tracks in order of favourite to least favourite.
A Girl Like Me is a pleasant album for sure, but I definitely don't think she reached her full potential with it, artistically or commercially speaking. I don't think any of the songs are outright bad - a chunk of them are a bit unremarkable, but they're nice!
She of course had that one killer single in 'What Took You So Long?' - Emma really struck gold with that one! It was a great time to be a Spice fan & to see it become the first solo Spice #1 single to spend longer than a week at the top of the chart. To this day it remains as being one of my absolute favourite solo Spice songs.
I wasn't too blown away by the album at the time of its release, but I liked it. It just wasn't love. I think you're always in for a slight disappointment when none of the other tracks on the album are as good as (or better than) the lead single!
I definitely think 'Take My Breath Away' was the correct follow up single choice, I remember when I first heard the album that it was my initial favourite after What Took You So Long?. Otherwise, 'High on Love' would have been a cute choice. Maybe 'Better Be Careful' had potential too. Obviously neither of these were chosen.
I know for sure that I didn't believe 'We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight' was crying out to be a single, so I was pretty surprised when that was announced. Then it transpired that it was a brand new single version. I know the single mix is not particularly popular with the fan base, but I honestly really like it, it's enjoyable! I was really shocked when it only managed to reach #20 in the UK chart (which at the time was the lowest ever charting Spice related single). I'm really not sure what went wrong there. I know many will say it's because it's bad, lol, but I just don't hear what's wrong with it per se. In my opinion there are some worse solo singles which managed to chart higher (let's remember that the vast majority of their releases made the Top 10, so #20 was disastrous). Poor Emma! The performance of this single must have been a factor in her and Virgin parting ways in 2002.
On a personal note, 2001 was a difficult year for me. I was 13 years old and I had to start at a new school mid-way through Year 8, which was difficult. I was eventually bullied by certain classmates, and I had started to become aware of my sexuality and I'm sure most of you relate to that being a confusing time. My love of music really helped me get through these issues! What Took You So Long? was one of my absolute favourite songs from 2001, I played it regularly and it really helped to lift my spirits.
I can't believe this era was 19 years ago!
Posted by: schizo_spice 20th May 2020, 03:57 PM
The first five tracks are really strong, it then goes downhill I'm afraid.
I didn't mind the artwork but think a better pic could've been used for the cover.
We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight single mix definitely injected some life into the track. I never understood it flopping either and number 20 was absolutely terrible for 2001 standards.
Posted by: Mr.X 20th May 2020, 10:03 PM
YAY A BUNTON DISCUSSION
First of all, A Girl Like Me is cute.
It's definitely not her best and it has some seriously questionable choices in it. But when it lands, it lands in the right places. You can definitly see that she has a lot of potential as a solo artist who sadly didn't have great A&R with her from her lable.
What Took You So Long? is GORGEOUS. A stunning debut as a solo artist and what a great intro to the album (I dont consider WIA the first single of the album). It's such a classic, it still plays in some European countries on the radio today. An absolute smash hit at the time. I always thought that its record sales in the UK didn't really reflect the success of the track at the time. Or even today. Definitely deserved better sales.
The video is iconic. It was on HEAVY rotation on MTV at the time, and the wolfs are so cute. Plus, Baby Bunton brought the sensuality, finally!!
For me, this is easily Top10 Spice songs. And the best song in the album, Top3 of her singles!
Take My Breath Away is lovely and very much the kind of summer track that you fall in love to whilst walking on the beach with your lover. I remember thinking that it souldnt have been a single, as I much prefered other songs on the album, but I enjoyed it. Her performance of it on TOTPs with the sunflowers was GORGEOUS too.
A nice second single with a cute video. It's very innocent, and I personally think that production wise it could have been a bit more whole (I dont know how to explain it, just that something is kind of missing). Definitely Bunton could have done better, but this was GOOD!
Her performance of it last year at the Albert Hall was stunning and clearly a much welcomed moment as the crowd was loving it. Also, I think this has kind of stood the test of time in a very lovely way. It's grown on me much more with time.
A World Without You- You know what, I used to love this when I was a kid. I gotta admit that just listening to it now and the water drops bit put me off a bit. Maybe it's cos Im slightly scarred from that water drop in Oxygen
BUT I always thought it should have been the Christmas single isntead of We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight. What was she thinking on releasing that song at that time? No wonder it flopped against all the Christmas songs. In hindsight, maybe #20 was a success considering the competition?
Also, maybe High On Love would have been a cute Spring single to close the campaign.
I cant believe she actually performed A Girl Like Me on national TV. For me, her worst album track ever (apart from some of the covers). It's so sacarine, I can't enjoy it at all...
Spell it OUT and Better Be Careful are cute too. The rest is a bit mundane to me... I don't really care for any of the rest, including What I Am which I think it is still her worst single yet. I was surprised she didnt performed at the Albert Hall cos it was kind of a hit at the time anyway, but it never did anything much to me.
Sunshine on a Rainy Day is one of her better covers. I will leave it at that
Overall, a 6 out of 10, I think. A nice introduction to what became a great popstar.
Posted by: Mr.X 20th May 2020, 10:12 PM
QUOTE(Jay ☆ @ May 20 2020, 12:56 PM)
On a personal note, 2001 was a difficult year for me. I was 13 years old and I had to start at a new school mid-way through Year 8, which was difficult. I was eventually bullied by certain classmates, and I had started to become aware of my sexuality and I'm sure most of you relate to that being a confusing time. My love of music really helped me get through these issues! What Took You So Long? was one of my absolute favourite songs from 2001, I played it regularly and it really helped to lift my spirits.
I can't believe this era was 19 years ago!
Our young years were though! Glad you had a bit of Bunton to help you through it
Posted by: Piers 23rd May 2020, 06:00 AM
What Jay said basically sums up what I think of it.
I think most of it's a fairly solid pop album. It's just weighed down by two covers and two 'eh' songs in Been There, Done That and She Was a Friend of Mine.
Choosing We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight as a single was a curious thing. The song's fine...but I'd have picked four other songs to be the third single ahead of We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight. "Seventh or eighth best song on the album!" isn't my most glowing review. I get that her team might have thought they could tap into a little Spice Girls nostalgia with it. Honestly, the song might have managed a bit more attention by simply including some of her real life celeb gal pals in it. I mean. Sure, at that time, Mel C would rather have a truck run over her foot than participate in that. But maybe the video could have featured Mel B, the Appleton sisters, and Dido with Em...having a night out? (okay, I know that last one sounds a bit like a stretch, but she WAS very complimentary of the album when it came out) Beyonce did something like that in the Get Me Bodied video.
Anyway. To me, the obvious single run was always What Took You So Long - Take My Breath Away - Better Be Careful - High On Love. High On Love, in particular, I was expecting to get a release...as Emma consistently said it was her favorite off the album.
Posted by: Mr.X 23rd May 2020, 08:26 AM
High On Love was screaming to be a single, just like A World Without You was for Christmas.
What Took You So Long? + Take My Breath Away + A World Without You + High On Love would have been a great singles run!
Posted by: Chemistry 23rd May 2020, 08:41 AM
I've always enjoyed this record. Definitely not the most original or innovative one, but it did the job and suited Emma very well. What Took You So Long? is obviously the highlight and still one of the best solo-Spice songs for me. Other highlights are High On Love, Sunshine On A Rainy Day and A World Without You. As well as the two singles, which I think are both great tunes.
Posted by: Eduardo 25th May 2020, 12:14 AM
It was OK for a 2001 pop album. I always thought "Invincible" would be a nice album track.
Posted by: Spiceboy 31st May 2020, 11:47 AM
So I listened to the full album for the first time since probably 2001 when it was released
1. What took you so long - An enduring classic total 11/10 record. I've always loved it and it just doesn't age for me a classy beauty of a song. It's in my top 10 favourite Solo Spice tracks (top 5 probably) it deserved to be a seller on the likes of NBTSA, ITTY, IRM.
2. Take my breath away - I never really appreciated this song that much, found it a little boring. However after seeing her perform it at The Royal Albert Hall I've totally fallen in love with it. Really nice summery track and I totally see why it was the second single now. Listening to the rest of the album there isn't really a clear song above this for second single.
3. A world without you - Another one that surprised me and I had forgotten about. A lovely song, this would have been a nice single contender.
4. High on love - I've always really liked this and I think I possibly didn't like TMBA as much back in the day because I wanted this to be a single. It would have been a nice single but I don't think it would have done much and actually both TMBA and AWWY are both better contenders.
5. A girl like me - I've always liked this. It's a bit naff but a good sing along. I used to think this would be a great single, but not so sure about that anymore.
6. Spell it O.U.T - Nice enough song but a little bit boring I wouldn't choose to listen to it again, I wouldn't turn it off it came on shuffle type of song.
7. Sunshine on a rainy day - Another nice enough but a little bit boring song.
8. Been there done that - This was a nice listen I'd forgotten all about this song.
9. Better be careful - OK
10. We're not gonna sleep - I hated this back in the day but found it OK this time.
11. She was a friend of mine - I was bored by this point didn't really enjoy this song.
12. What I am - A good ending perked me up a bit again, I've always liked Emma's version of this song, I like the guitar in it and she sounds really good.
Overall it was nice enough but a bit boring. The first 4 tracks are quite strong (or incredible for WTYSL) but then after that it was all very much yeah sure whatever. I wouldn't actively choose to listen to many of the tracks but I wouldn't turn them off if they came on shuffle and I think that kind of says everything about the album and Emma herself as a solo artist by that point... she / it is nice but it's not interesting, certainly had Emma being a soloist without having been in the Spice Girls I wouldn't have given it the time of day (not that I did much tbh).
So far this is my least favourite of the albums I've listened to in the solo reviews, Mel B's at least is a bit more interesting, thank God she turned things round with Free Me.
Posted by: sammy01 1st June 2020, 04:08 PM
A cute debut album, as always with Emma there aren't any really bad songs just some bland ones.
Half the album is very strong though and the first 2 singles were absolutely top notch. I'd have gone like this for the singles run personally -
What took you so long? Take my breath away Sunshine on a rainy day World without you
I think Sunshine would have been an easy top 10 single for her, it has a sing a long chorus and her voice absolutely suits it too. World without you would be the gorgeous ballad to finish off the album with a theatre tour.
Posted by: Jay❄ 3rd April 2021, 10:53 AM
20 years ago - 2nd April 2001 - What Took You So Long? was released!
Posted by: Chemistry 3rd April 2021, 11:11 AM
20 years of WTYSL; what a milestone! I love how Emma herself is always posting these things as well. Such a pop stable and a real classic for me, not sure if it's as much remember by the general public though.
Posted by: Spice Girls Net 3rd April 2021, 11:55 AM
Hard to believe some of their iconic solo hits are all turning 20! I still remember getting this from Woolworths. A timeless pop classic.
Posted by: Mr.X 3rd April 2021, 11:56 AM
What Took You So Long is one of the best solo singles ever, straight after Maybe in my opinion, and it is sad that it hasnt become the classic that it should be!
It was a huge hit across European radio and TV too, which is nice. Honestly, the song, the video, the whole thing felt like such a moment at the time...
Gonna give it a couple spins today!
Posted by: schizo_spice 3rd April 2021, 12:01 PM
Whenever I think of What Took You So Longs release I think of Its Raining Men and likewise (also S Club 7s Don't Stop Movin')
A good time for pop music.
Posted by: vibe 3rd April 2021, 03:32 PM
such a bland album i do like half of it
Posted by: slowdown73 3rd April 2021, 11:09 PM
It’s an average album. The follow up was much stronger!
Posted by: Jay❄ 10th April 2021, 11:02 PM
20 years ago, What Took You So Long was the #1 single in the UK I'm a bit that it's been 2 decades... I remember that song being new like it was yesterday! It was played so often on music channels. A great time to be a Spice/Bunton fan
Posted by: Mr.X 10th April 2021, 11:14 PM
So good! A classic
Still remember it being lapped up by radio and TV back then, across Europe. A moment most pleasing to this Bunton fan
Posted by: Jay❄ 15th April 2021, 11:01 PM
Today's date - 16th April - marks 20 years since the release of Emma's debut solo album
I absolutely loved What Took You So Long?, so my excitement for the album's release was high - but on first listen the rest of the album didn't really grab me to the extent that song did... although I was drawn to Take My Breath Away (so I was pleased when that ended up being the next single). It's a pleasantly breezy album, and I'd say exactly what would be expected from Emma at that point - cute, but safe. Some tracks grew on me over time - Better Be Careful is a bit of a bop Ultimately I like it, but there is a sense that she could have pushed herself more. Thankfully she did just that a couple of years later!
Posted by: vibe 16th April 2021, 08:55 AM
In interviews i remember her saying she wanted a Janet Jackson sound anyone else recall this?
Posted by: Mr.X 16th April 2021, 09:04 AM
Happy birthday A Girl Like Me
You are not perfect, but you are a cute girl and with some gem of songs. I'm gonna give you a couple spins today
Favourites are:
What Took You So Long? Quite amazing how enduringly great this song is. It was a BANGER back then and it is so even today! Whilst it isnt the song that I listen to the most, everytime I do, I absolutely adore it! A well deserved hit that should be more iconic today than it is (even though it is pretty well known still!)
Take My Breath Away classy, gorgeous. Must admit that I didnt love it back then but with time, it has really grown to be one of my favourite of her singles
Better Be Careful You know I have started to love this with time. It's now a 8 out of 10
A World WIthout You It should have been the 3rd single! End of.
Been There, Done That It's cute, and whilst it sound very dated, it is actually quite a nice song
Apart from those, I think High On Love is cute too and Sunshine on a Rainy Day would have been a nice Summer single in 2002. The rest is a bit too middle of the road for me, unfortunately.
But I have grown to appreciate the album as a whole more than I did back then. Still hope it gets a vinyl print one day!
So sad that so many amazing albums from late 1990s/early 2000s didnt get a vinyl release and most probably wont get one nowadays. All three of Emma's albums would certainly benefit a lot from such a release...
Posted by: Alberto! 16th April 2021, 12:26 PM
See, with debut solo albums and albums released 20 years ago I struggle not to see them through rose-coloured glasses.
I was 12, obsessed with anything Spice and buzzing every time they were announcing something solo, especially when it was the first time they were going at it alone with a full album (which at the time was quite a big thing). So no matter how rarely I go back to them in full now, these are songs I've listened to so many times, know the lyrics of, and have some sort of memory-linked undying enthusiasm even if now some sound objectively mediocre, cause they worked so well with me at the time.
The only songs I felt were slightly less impressive at the time were Sunshine On A Rainy Day and Better Be Careful - even BT,DT and SWAFOM sounded good to me because of that early naughties pop-rnb feel to them and I was very into it at the time.
Posted by: Babyboy 10th December 2021, 08:15 PM
Track by Track from Emma:
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?
My latest single and I love the guitar in it. I had a fantastic time making the video in the desert in California and I wanted the sound to have a country feel.
TAKE MY BREATH AWAY
One of the first songs I wrote and it's about Jade. I wanted to get across how it feels when you fall for someone. Musically, it's quite guitary and I love it so much I would like it to be my next single.
WORLD WITHOUT YOU
I wrote this when I was in New York and it's about how you miss your friends and family when you're away from home.
HIGH ON LOVE
My favourite on the album and it's about my mum. I wrote it when I moved away from home and it tells of the unconditional love that a mother has for a child. It's quiet and influenced by Sade - I was listening to her stuff a lot at the time.
A GIRL LIKE ME
An up-tempo track that's meant to reflect my personality - someone who strives really hard to do their best. SPELL IT O.U.T.
Semi-acoustic with strong vocals, it's based on the experiences of friends and is about when you know a relationship has ended but the other person doesn't want to hear it.
SUNSHINE ON A RAINY DAY
A great dance track and I was unsure whether to include another cover on the album (the other is What I Am). I recorded it with Tin Tin Out and we included a massive gospel choir.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
An R&B track about when you've been in a relationship for a long time and you want to move on to the next stage. It's like when you're at school and a boy tells you he's seeing you but he's not actually your boyfriend.
BETTER BE CAREFUL
This one has a real Motown feel. I'm a huge Motown fan so this is a tribute really. The lyrics are about when you fancy some guy at school and you don't know his name but you get really dressed up and follow him around the playground.
WE'RE NOT GONNA SLEEP TONIGHT
Written for my girls - they all know who they are. It's about having a girls' night out. SHE WAS A FRIEND OF MINE
NOT about Geri Halliwell, despite what people might think. This tells of the betrayal when one of your friends goes off with your boyfriend. It's based on something that happened to a friend.
WHAT I AM
I had to put this one on the album because I had such great fun recording it with Tin Tin Out.
source: The Sun
Posted by: spiceboy 10th December 2021, 09:15 PM
She was a friend of mine is CLEARLY about Geri haha
Posted by: Mr.X 10th December 2021, 10:43 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Dec 10 2021, 10:15 PM)
She was a friend of mine is CLEARLY about Geri haha
How? It's about a girl who is a friend and steals her man
Unless Gerita did have a romance with Simon behind Emma's back and that was what made her leave in the first place??!?!?!
GAYS AND GIRLIES, THIS IS BRAND NEW INFORMATION!!!
Posted by: -Jay- 10th December 2021, 11:50 PM
Funny that this thread would be bumped today - today marks 20 years since the single release of We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight
Posted by: schizo_spice 10th December 2021, 11:51 PM
I don’t think it’s about Geri.
I suspect Whatchu Talkin Bout was though.
Posted by: Run_For_Cover 11th December 2021, 12:23 AM
Take My Breath Away is such a lovely song.
Posted by: Mr.X 11th December 2021, 12:42 AM
QUOTE(schizo_spice @ Dec 11 2021, 12:51 AM)
I don’t think it’s about Geri.
I suspect Whatchu Talkin Bout was though.
well, that was confirmed by Vicky Bex herself
Posted by: schizo_spice 11th December 2021, 12:58 AM
I wonder if there has been any sales updates? Would be amazing to know... Shall we spam the Official Charts account?
or maybe @JAY has any updates for us girlies???
Posted by: sammy01 2nd April 2022, 11:18 AM
I mean it is nice she acknowledges these anniversaries on social media but it is all a bit 'zero effort'.
Posted by: Mr.X 2nd April 2022, 11:22 AM
QUOTE(sammy01 @ Apr 2 2022, 11:18 AM)
I mean it is nice she acknowledges these anniversaries on social media but it is all a bit 'zero effort'.
I know... I hope she does something for the 25th anniversary of her first album but I have zero hopes ah... As a solo artist she is no longer with the original record company (now EMI right?...) so I guess it will be quite hard for her to do anything unless the record company decides to do something...
I was just in England for a work visit and went into a few HMVs and it seems her MHP CD and Delux are well stocked which is nice to see, so hopefully its sales are kind of slowly ticking... The standard CD and cassette have sold out on her store, only the vinyl and the delux left there...
Hopefully if she releases more music (LOL) we will get to know some updates? It would be nice to see her get out of the house to do some music for once
Posted by: Nina West 2nd April 2022, 12:43 PM
My rating of each track on Emma's debut solo effort 'A Girl Like Me'
1. What Took You So Long - 10/10 2. Take My Breath Away - 8/10 3. A World Without You - 9/10 4. High On Love - 8/10 5. A Girl Like Me - 7/10 6. Spell It O.U.T. - 6/10 7. Sunshine On A Rainy Day - 6/10 8. Been There Done That - 5/10 9. Better Be Careful - 7/10 10. We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight - 7/10 11. She Was A Friend of Mine - 6/10 12. What I Am - 8/10
Posted by: spiceboy 2nd April 2022, 09:12 PM
QUOTE(Blond 2.0 @ Mar 24 2022, 03:02 AM)
I don't think Emma wrote any song about the girls
How funny I was just about to type "I think she was a friend of mine" is about Geri, completely forgetting the previous posts Again getting that and What you talking about mixed up
Posted by: spiceboy 2nd April 2022, 09:17 PM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 2 2022, 12:22 PM)
I know... I hope she does something for the 25th anniversary of her first album but I have zero hopes ah... As a solo artist she is no longer with the original record company (now EMI right?...) so I guess it will be quite hard for her to do anything unless the record company decides to do something...
I was just in England for a work visit and went into a few HMVs and it seems her MHP CD and Delux are well stocked which is nice to see, so hopefully its sales are kind of slowly ticking... The standard CD and cassette have sold out on her store, only the vinyl and the delux left there...
Hopefully if she releases more music (LOL) we will get to know some updates? It would be nice to see her get out of the house to do some music for once
I mean I have like 99.99999999999999% certainty there will be no celebrations for 25 years of A Girl Like Me, I mean there was no demand for the album when it first came out nevermind 25 years later .
I don't think even Schizo or Northern Star will get 25 year anniversary releases unless Melanie herself decides to do something for Northern Star which seeing there is going to be a vinyl release of it this year, there is even less chance of it. These two were at least very successful album eras for Geri and Mel sadly none of the other eras were apart from WTYSL and IRM.
Posted by: Mr.X 2nd April 2022, 09:26 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Apr 2 2022, 09:17 PM)
I mean I have like 99.99999999999999% certainty there will be no celebrations for 25 years of A Girl Like Me, I mean there was no demand for the album when it first came out nevermind 25 years later .
I don't think even Schizo or Northern Star will get 25 year anniversary releases unless Melanie herself decides to do something for Northern Star which seeing there is going to be a vinyl release of it this year, there is even less chance of it. These two were at least very successful album eras for Geri and Mel sadly none of the other eras were apart from WTYSL and IRM.
SHUP UP JAY CANT A BITCH DREAM A LITTLE??!?!?!?
Posted by: schizo_spice 2nd April 2022, 10:29 PM
Such a bop. If they ever do solos on tour again Emma should definitely do What Took You So Long.
Geri should do Mi Chico Latino. Both vids have great YouTube views.
Posted by: -Jay- 2nd April 2022, 11:03 PM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 2 2022, 10:26 PM)
SHUP UP JAY CANT A BITCH DREAM A LITTLE??!?!?!?
Omg why did I get shouted at when it was Spiceboy who said it
Happy anniversary to What Took You So Long? - It feels so 🤯 that it was released 21 years ago!
Posted by: spiceboy 3rd April 2022, 07:58 AM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ Apr 3 2022, 12:03 AM)
Omg why did I get shouted at when it was Spiceboy who said it
Happy anniversary to What Took You So Long? - It feels so 🤯 that it was released 21 years ago!
LMFAO
Posted by: Mr.X 3rd April 2022, 08:50 AM
Because you are both evil twinks who keep posting truth bombs are I'm a sensitive soul
Posted by: tommie 3rd April 2022, 10:24 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 3 2022, 08:50 AM)
Because you are both evil twinks who keep posting truth bombs are I'm a sensitive soul
lmao at any Spice Girl fan being in the demographic of being a twink.
Posted by: Mr.X 3rd April 2022, 11:36 AM
QUOTE(tommie @ Apr 3 2022, 10:24 AM)
lmao at any Spice Girl fan being in the demographic of being a twink.
I'm not a twink. I am a kinky pig
Posted by: spiceboy 3rd April 2022, 03:43 PM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 3 2022, 12:36 PM)
I'm not a twink. I am a kinky pig
Posted by: spiceboy 3rd April 2022, 03:43 PM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 3 2022, 09:50 AM)
Because you are both evil twinks who keep posting truth bombs are I'm a sensitive soul
Lol my twink days are sadly behind me!
Posted by: Mr.X 3rd April 2022, 04:13 PM
Twink doesnt mean young, my loves! READ YOUR GAY ID CARDS FFS!!!
Posted by: spiceboy 5th April 2022, 09:14 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Apr 3 2022, 05:13 PM)
Twink doesnt mean young, my loves! READ YOUR GAY ID CARDS FFS!!!
Not skinny or hairless now either
Posted by: -Jay- 17th April 2022, 09:32 AM
A Girl Like Me was released 21 years ago! 16th April 2001.
Posted by: spiceboy 17th April 2023, 05:00 PM
I was never a fan of We’re not gonna sleep tonight even before the chart position (I actually disliked that as an album track too).
Posted by: -Jay- 17th April 2023, 09:01 PM
It's been 22 years since the release of Emma's debut album 'A Girl Like Me'!
Posted by: Babyboy 17th April 2023, 09:10 PM
WTYSL still sounds cool! I'd like to listen the Darkchild tracks one day.
Posted by: Mr.X 17th April 2023, 09:26 PM
I'd LOVE to have the Darkchil tracks too!!
Posted by: spiceboy 18th April 2023, 05:35 AM
Lol my comment looks so random now you’ve been meddling and moving posts Jay!
Posted by: -Jay- 18th April 2023, 06:08 AM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Apr 18 2023, 06:35 AM)
Lol my comment looks so random now you’ve been meddling and moving posts Jay!
Posted by: One_For_Sorrow 19th April 2023, 08:50 AM
Did Emma do tracks with Darkchild that didn’t make the album?
Yeah those were prototype designs for the single, which was cancelled as We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight flopped... The decision to go with WNGST for Christmas instead of A World Without You which was screaming to be a single and it would have been perfect (thought not a #1) for Christmas...
I feel this is the decision that killed her contract, personally.
Posted by: spiceboy 22nd June 2023, 10:06 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Jun 22 2023, 11:02 AM)
Yeah those were prototype designs for the single, which was cancelled as We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight flopped... The decision to go with WNGST for Christmas instead of A World Without You which was screaming to be a single and it would have been perfect (thought not a #1) for Christmas...
I feel this is the decision that killed her contract, personally.
I honestly never understood the logic of WNGST over A world without you, still don't? I guess they thought it would fit the Xmas parties of the time perhaps?
Posted by: tommie 22nd June 2023, 10:09 AM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Jun 22 2023, 10:06 AM)
I honestly never understood the logic of WNGST over A world without you, still don't? I guess they thought it would fit the Xmas parties of the time perhaps?
Could also be that they saw the success Melanie C had with the inferior Hex Hector remix of I Turn To You and thought they could replicate that maybe? Although if that was the case, they really should've waited until New Years to release it to give it a proper boost with all the parties going on...
Posted by: dancinqueen 22nd June 2023, 11:24 AM
High On Love >>>>>> the rest of the album
Posted by: vibe 22nd June 2023, 11:57 AM
Awwy does stand out.
Doube A side should have happened !!
Posted by: Melancholia 22nd June 2023, 03:07 PM
There are two single versions of AWWY from a rare promo cd-r, but the fans with the tracks won't share them.
Posted by: Mr.X 22nd June 2023, 03:15 PM
QUOTE(Melancholia @ Jun 22 2023, 04:07 PM)
There are two single versions of AWWY from a rare promo cd-r, but the fans with the tracks won't share them.
I never knew about this!!
EDIT: Ah wow just found this: https://www.discogs.com/release/985398-Emma-Bunton-A-World-Without-You
The album version is 4:53, for comparison!
Posted by: Babyboy 22nd June 2023, 04:10 PM
Well, the promo is not official... But it was planned to be a single probably
There are two single versions of AWWY from a rare promo cd-r, but the fans with the tracks won't share them.
You're kidding.
Posted by: tommie 26th June 2023, 02:52 PM
QUOTE(Melancholia @ Jun 22 2023, 03:07 PM)
There are two single versions of AWWY from a rare promo cd-r, but the fans with the tracks won't share them.
Spice Girls fans are amazing at times - leaking Geri's entire album while she's unsure what to do with the tracks she's recorded? Sure, why not!
Leaking 20+ year old radio edits of a cancelled single from Emma's album? Absolutely not.
Posted by: Babyboy 15th February 2024, 06:11 PM
AGLM will be out in vinyl for the record store day!
Posted by: Mr.X 15th February 2024, 06:26 PM
Yeah just been announced: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/record-store-day-2024-full-list-of-releases-including-the-rolling-stones-lily-allen-noah/?fbclid=IwAR0pKRKGfqb05PRPUGxEOPKIBOvugdlZWwPnsV1Zbobcz5hXoy8fGmO-fOg
Not gonna lie, I am not THAT interested in this so wont get it. I want a Free Me and Life in Mono vinyl. Do we know how many copies will be available?
Posted by: michael319 15th February 2024, 06:37 PM
Oh I want this. Damn it. I need to be in the UK
Posted by: sammy01 15th February 2024, 07:34 PM
Did it have to be pink? The album what suit a pure white vinyl so much better.
I'm not going to a record store to buy it so unless it comes online then oh well.
I guess Virgin will push to release all the solo albums on vinyl they released at some point, though Victoria would defo block hers.
Posted by: spiceboy 15th February 2024, 08:12 PM
I was thinking this gives me faith that Reason will be released on vinyl at some point. I’m guessing Geri will or has already blocked hers being released, I find it strange they would go for AGLM over Schizophonic or Scream.
Posted by: michael319 15th February 2024, 09:34 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Feb 15 2024, 03:12 PM)
I was thinking this gives me faith that Reason will be released on vinyl at some point. I’m guessing Geri will or has already blocked hers being released, I find it strange they would go for AGLM over Schizophonic or Scream.
Why would Geri have blocked it?
Posted by: Mr.X 15th February 2024, 09:37 PM
It's popping up on Germany RSD too: https://www.recordstoredaygermany.de/exklusive-releases/releases-2024/
And Netherlands too, so it is in Europe as well, but not in the USA Record Store Day list. Would be good to know how many copies it shifts
Posted by: -Jay- 15th February 2024, 09:39 PM
Oh I'm excited for A Girl Like Me! I like the album anyway but even if I didn't, What Took You So Long on vinyl makes it worth it *.*
Have to agree about it being a pink vinyl though, are we ever going to have an Emma album that isn't pink? So far her version of Spice, both My Happy Place versions and now this.
Posted by: Mr.X 15th February 2024, 09:41 PM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ Feb 15 2024, 09:39 PM)
Oh I'm excited for A Girl Like Me! I like the album anyway but even if I didn't, What Took You So Long on vinyl makes it worth it *.*
Have to agree about it being a pink vinyl though, are we ever going to have an Emma album that isn't pink? So far her version of Spice, both My Happy Place versions and now this.
I think it's kind of cute all her vinyls have been pink so far ah If she ever did a Life in Mono vinyl, I could actually see her also doing a pink one too lol it goes with the vintage aesthetic I guess
But it's cute to have it pink, I don't dislike that. I would have loved a faded yellow one, with a couple of bonus tracks on it, but it is what it is I guess
Posted by: -Jay- 15th February 2024, 10:23 PM
Tbh it does look cute!
https://i.imgur.com/odzZgSz.jpg
I also hope this means that more and more of the solo albums will be pressed.
Posted by: sammy01 15th February 2024, 10:50 PM
Victoria and Geri would block theirs no doubt. Hot and Reason could get released, especially for these record store or album days as labels get an extra push through those days they wouldn't get through a reissue on just a normal week.
Of all the non Virgin solo albums oddly I think L.A State of mind would be the most likely to get a vinyl. The licence would be cheap and say a tiny label like plastic pop would love to release a solo Spice Girls album. Mel B would happily get behind it too, signing copies, promoting it.
Posted by: spiceboy 15th February 2024, 11:00 PM
QUOTE(sammy01 @ Feb 15 2024, 10:50 PM)
Victoria and Geri would block theirs no doubt. Hot and Reason could get released, especially for these record store or album days as labels get an extra push through those days they wouldn't get through a reissue on just a normal week.
Of all the non Virgin solo albums oddly I think L.A State of mind would be the most likely to get a vinyl. The licence would be cheap and say a tiny label like plastic pop would love to release a solo Spice Girls album. Mel B would happily get behind it too, signing copies, promoting it.
Imagine if it did and it managed to outpeak its 4 hundred and whatever original position it got
Posted by: michael319 15th February 2024, 11:33 PM
QUOTE(sammy01 @ Feb 15 2024, 05:50 PM)
Victoria and Geri would block theirs no doubt. Hot and Reason could get released, especially for these record store or album days as labels get an extra push through those days they wouldn't get through a reissue on just a normal week.
Of all the non Virgin solo albums oddly I think L.A State of mind would be the most likely to get a vinyl. The licence would be cheap and say a tiny label like plastic pop would love to release a solo Spice Girls album. Mel B would happily get behind it too, signing copies, promoting it.
Virgin owned the rights. I don’t think they can block anything tbh.
Posted by: Mr.X 16th February 2024, 01:32 AM
QUOTE(michael319 @ Feb 15 2024, 11:33 PM)
Virgin owned the rights. I don’t think they can block anything tbh.
TBH I remember reading at the time that Geri blocked a vinyl of Schizo or something like that back when she was trying to release Man in the Woods.
Posted by: Rebel 16th February 2024, 03:16 AM
Ugh I want this
Posted by: Matttttt 16th February 2024, 04:24 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ Feb 15 2024, 08:32 PM)
TBH I remember reading at the time that Geri blocked a vinyl of Schizo or something like that back when she was trying to release Man in the Woods.
I remember this too. I think it was like an anniversary deluxe edition or something like that
Posted by: Mr.X 16th February 2024, 09:56 AM
QUOTE(Matttttt @ Feb 16 2024, 04:24 AM)
I remember this too. I think it was like an anniversary deluxe edition or something like that
Yeah something along those lines. Seems like Geri isn't that interested.
Posted by: Mr.X 19th February 2024, 12:05 AM
Isn't it odd that Emma has YET to mention this at all?...
It's been a few days now and not even a story was shared about this on her instagram. I don't know, she seemed pretty frontal about the My Happy Place re-release vinyl only a few months ago
And yesterday she even shared a story about Paloma Faith's new album. Not a pee about her own though
Bunton, what's up with this?....
Posted by: sammy01 19th February 2024, 07:56 AM
This has nothing to do with Emma though bar her team signing it off to be released. It is all on Virgin/UMR.
I think she will post about it on release day or the day before but you cant pre-order it so it isn't like her posting can drum up sales.
Posted by: spiceboy 19th February 2024, 08:34 PM
But then she posted a free me anniversary message when that isn’t doing anything? She could at the very least share the record store day thing with a “how excited and proud” she is type thing!? Then again I can’t remember if Melanie C did for northern star either!? These girls!
Posted by: Mr.X 19th February 2024, 09:15 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Feb 19 2024, 08:34 PM)
But then she posted a free me anniversary message when that isn’t doing anything? She could at the very least share the record store day thing with a “how excited and proud” she is type thing!? Then again I can’t remember if Melanie C did for northern star either!? These girls!
Mel C certainly did a few posts/stories, I seem to remember. Having your first album available on vinyl via Record Store Day should be celebrated. I find it very strange that Emma didnt post a thing... She didnt also for Spiceworld25 I seem to remember...
Like, simply sharing a story with it would have been sufficient, damn it. Where the hell is that Mutha Ship team?
Posted by: Babyboy 19th February 2024, 10:57 PM
She doesn't know maybe
Posted by: vibe 20th February 2024, 06:26 PM
Wish it was Free Me!
Posted by: Mr.X 26th February 2024, 06:01 PM
Seems like Emma is doing mork with Heart FM now... She is back on the radio today again, and has been posting a lot about it...
Sad she wont even acknowlege the bloody vinyl after it causing a bit of furor online
Honestly these f***ing girls...
Posted by: -Jay- 7th April 2024, 01:46 AM
We are just two weeks away from the vinyl! I repeat, two weeks!!
Posted by: Yobnedor 7th April 2024, 01:50 AM
When that day arrives, to the tune of we’re not gonna sleep tonight.
Gays are in the record stores Nothing can stop them You can see it in their eyes They’ll spin AGLM tonight
Insomnia fun, you’re welcome x
Posted by: -Jay- 7th April 2024, 02:25 AM
Posted by: Mr.X 7th April 2024, 04:54 PM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ Apr 7 2024, 01:46 AM)
We are just two weeks away from the vinyl! I repeat, two weeks!!
So I am thinking of getting one, but I wont be in the UK when this is done. Do we know of any service that international fans can buy from? Or could someone buy one for me??
Posted by: spiceboy 8th April 2024, 07:00 AM
Is there a way of working out which stores are selling it? I don't fancy traisping round stores looking for it.
Posted by: Mr.X 8th April 2024, 09:28 AM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ Apr 8 2024, 07:00 AM)
Is there a way of working out which stores are selling it? I don't fancy traisping round stores looking for it.
I think you can find it on the UK website, but not sure
Posted by: masahiro 8th April 2024, 12:21 PM
There is already item page on Japanese Tower Record. https://tower.jp/item/6290093/
Bunton queen of selling vinyls whilst actually releasing no new music or well doing anything.
Posted by: Mr.X 16th April 2024, 04:15 PM
QUOTE(sammy01 @ Apr 16 2024, 02:56 PM)
Bunton queen of selling vinyls whilst actually releasing no new music or well doing anything.
One would THINK that both BMG and EMI releasing her albums in vinyl over the past few months would be an indication that she could be doing more.. Alas...
I AM GETTING IT THOUGH! I KNOW I WENT BACK ON MY WORD BUT I NEED THIS OK????
(and yes my local shop emailed back saying they will be stocking it so I will be looking for it on Saturday!)
Posted by: -Jay- 19th April 2024, 08:31 PM
Tomorrow! Good luck to those of us trying to get it by going to a store.
Posted by: Yobnedor 19th April 2024, 09:31 PM
I’ll be queuing from a stupid hour in the morning.
Damn Bunton… Ware… Goldfrapp… and maybe Steps!
Posted by: spiceboy 20th April 2024, 10:46 AM
Fingers crossed they come online I cba going lol
Posted by: -Jay- 20th April 2024, 03:53 PM
Well… I got it!
Posted by: ___∆___ 20th April 2024, 07:13 PM
Picked up my copy today - lovely to have it on vinyl Hopefully the others will follow.
Posted by: michael319 20th April 2024, 07:19 PM
I need a copy but live in states. Anyone can help me out?
Posted by: sammy01 20th April 2024, 08:12 PM
I caved and got a copy. I'm in London for the marathon and a record store was 15 minutes away. It was a proper indie store only saw the 1 copy of it that I got. I doubt anyone was queueing to go in there for Emma, I rocked up at 1pm.
Posted by: ___∆___ 20th April 2024, 08:24 PM
QUOTE(michael319 @ Apr 20 2024, 08:19 PM)
I need a copy but live in states. Anyone can help me out?
I doubt there are many copies left out there now, your best chance would be to order from Banquet Records (they ship to the US) as they always seem to have stock available for when the online RSD sale starts - https://www.banquetrecords.com/emma-bunton-spice-girls/a-girl-like-me-%5Brsd24%5D/5859326
Posted by: michael319 20th April 2024, 08:44 PM
QUOTE(___∆___ @ Apr 20 2024, 03:24 PM)
I doubt there are many copies left out there now, your best chance would be to order from Banquet Records (they ship to the US) as they always seem to have stock available for when the online RSD sale starts - https://www.banquetrecords.com/emma-bunton-spice-girls/a-girl-like-me-%5Brsd24%5D/5859326
I hope they do it international soon. Such a shame.
Posted by: Mr.X 20th April 2024, 11:19 PM
I GOT MY COPY!!!
For those of you who didnt get it, any unsold copies will be available on online shops during the coming week
Posted by: Mr.X 21st April 2024, 03:31 PM
You can order the vinyl online via the link below, which contains various international links. Gotta say that it is a cute release actually, and What Took You So Long sounds heavenly on vinyl
https://linktr.ee/girllikeme
Posted by: spiceboy 21st April 2024, 03:36 PM
I caved in and bought one in Leeds today! 🤦♂️ it does look lovely roll on Free Me and Life In Mono now!
I’m hoping that this being a Virgin one means Reason has a good chance of being released and possibly even Hot? VB won’t be as Victoria will certainly block it and Geri already blocked Schizo once so I don’t think hers will be either.
Posted by: michael319 21st April 2024, 05:01 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ 21st April 2024, 10:36 AM)
I caved in and bought one in Leeds today! 🤦♂️ it does look lovely roll on Free Me and Life In Mono now!
I’m hoping that this being a Virgin one means Reason has a good chance of being released and possibly even Hot? VB won’t be as Victoria will certainly block it and Geri already blocked Schizo once so I don’t think hers will be either.
How would Geri be able to block it? She doesn’t own her music.
Posted by: spiceboy 21st April 2024, 09:14 PM
QUOTE(michael319 @ 21st April 2024, 06:01 PM)
How would Geri be able to block it? She doesn’t own her music.
Yes she does. All the girls part own and have control over the group and solo music they did, that is why we don't get a ton of Spice Girls remix, live and compilation albums and why Geri blocked a Schizophonic vinyl a few years ago.
Posted by: CallMeKylie 21st April 2024, 09:26 PM
QUOTE(spiceboy @ 21st April 2024, 09:14 PM)
Yes she does. All the girls part own and have control over the group and solo music they did.
That is not true, otherwise Victoria would have made sure to take VB down from digital services.
Posted by: sammy01 21st April 2024, 09:47 PM
The Spice girls have final say on anything 'new' being released, it needs an OK from them group or solo wise.
Anything already released already had the ok. That is why VB is up on streaming but the vault stays firmly shut on unreleased music.
Geri has stopped several attempts at cash ins on her solo material.
Victoria owns LYHG/TG so they will never see the light of day.
Posted by: Babyboy 22nd April 2024, 06:41 AM
Geri blocked also Half Of Me on worldwide digital and streaming platforms.
Posted by: Mr.X 22nd April 2024, 02:10 PM
QUOTE(sammy01 @ 21st April 2024, 10:47 PM)
The Spice girls have final say on anything 'new' being released, it needs an OK from them group or solo wise.
Anything already released already had the ok. That is why VB is up on streaming but the vault stays firmly shut on unreleased music.
Geri has stopped several attempts at cash ins on her solo material.
Victoria owns LYHG/TG so they will never see the light of day.
This is it. It is well known they have quite a lot of rights due to their original deal, which is an amazing position for any of them to be in (and probably the worst for us ah!). EMI owns the masters so ultimately they own the music, but the girls have the right to block releases they dont want to see out there.
In 2019, Victoria tried to buy the masters for her VB album so she could delete it off the internet but EMI weren't interested in that
Posted by: -Jay- 22nd April 2024, 09:54 PM
I gave the vinyl a play yesterday! It is quite an enjoyable album overall, but maybe it would have benefited from a couple more songs more in keeping with What Took You So Long. I find that song to come across as a bit of an outlier really. It has nothing in common with songs such as A Girl Like Me, Spell It O.U.T., Been There Done That, She Was a Friend of Mine - which all seem a bit more... juvenile.
Posted by: -Jay- 22nd April 2024, 10:19 PM
Not in the Top 100 in the midweeks btw
Posted by: Sideout 22nd April 2024, 11:32 PM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ 22nd April 2024, 02:54 PM)
I gave the vinyl a play yesterday! It is quite an enjoyable album overall, but maybe it would have benefited from a couple more songs more in keeping with What Took You So Long. I find that song to come across as a bit of an outlier really. It has nothing in common with songs such as A Girl Like Me, Spell It O.U.T., Been There Done That, She Was a Friend of Mine - which all seem a bit more... juvenile.
I agree Jay. The songs you listed sound juvenile. The Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken songs have aged the worst for me from the debut album.
A World Without You A Girl Like Me She Was A Friend Of Mine Merry-Go Round
Emma should have recorded more mature material. Emma's voice sounds great on the airy, guitar pop tracks such as What Took You So Long, High On Love and Take My Breath Away.
Posted by: Mr.X 23rd April 2024, 07:16 AM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ 22nd April 2024, 10:54 PM)
I gave the vinyl a play yesterday! It is quite an enjoyable album overall, but maybe it would have benefited from a couple more songs more in keeping with What Took You So Long. I find that song to come across as a bit of an outlier really. It has nothing in common with songs such as A Girl Like Me, Spell It O.U.T., Been There Done That, She Was a Friend of Mine - which all seem a bit more... juvenile.
Yeah but tbh I think that was them at the time trying to tap into the Baby Spice persona thing, like she was trying to not veer too much away from it. Even the Brian Adams song was very juvenile (glad it was a bside lol)
It is wild that she also worked with Darkchild for this album, but those songs never saw the light of day. It is a very uneven album for sure, but it showed she had versatility at least, I guess?
Posted by: Mr.X 23rd April 2024, 07:26 AM
A couple of interesting bits of music related to A Girl Like Me on PopJustice forum that I didnt know about: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis said in Spice Girls Revisited they wanted they do a solo album with Emma and asked her during Forever sessions. They couldn't sing her praises high enough and that she had one the purest voices they had ever worked with. Shame it never materialised.
There was also a report in early 2001 that she recorded Burnt Out and Falling with Chicane which we now know went to Lisa Scott-Lee a few years later. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT EMMA HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH JIMMY JAM AND TERRY LEWIS AND DIDN?T DO IT!!!!!????!!!
It would have been amazing, since they were so high on praise for her and loved her voice!! DAMN!!
Posted by: Piers 24th April 2024, 01:53 AM
^ On the subject of Emma not using the Darkchild tracks she's believed to have recorded and not taking up Jam and Lewis on their offer...
I've kinda wondered if Virgin wanted the solo Spices to veer clear of their Forever team after the sales for the album (and Mel B's Hot) were so disappointing. Granted, yes, we as fans know the real blame for that is on the girls for not promoting Forever...and on Mel B for dooming her album with that release date. But. Regardless, the public perception became that the material was to blame. All this is total speculation on my part. But. It's notable that the girls tended to re-use the same collaborators...and those writers/producers worked with various members of their solo careers. After 2000...Jam/Lewis and Darkchild were never back in the fold.
Anyway. I actually do wish both teams had material on A Girl Like Me. I like What Took You So Long as much as any other fan, but I actually would not want the entire album to sound like it. Emma has more sides to her than that. However, the album's in kinda a weird space where half of it is more mature...and half of it sounds quite a bit younger than anything on Spice from five years earlier. The Darkchild team could have given her some light r'n'b that would have been stronger than Been There, Done That or She Was A Friend Of Mine...and Jam/Lewis would have given her some fun pop better than the title track.
Posted by: spiceboy 24th April 2024, 10:24 AM
QUOTE(-Jay- @ 22nd April 2024, 11:19 PM)
Not in the Top 100 in the midweeks btw
Are we surprised?
Posted by: Mr.X 24th April 2024, 10:52 AM
QUOTE(Piers @ 24th April 2024, 02:53 AM)
^ On the subject of Emma not using the Darkchild tracks she's believed to have recorded and not taking up Jam and Lewis on their offer...
I've kinda wondered if Virgin wanted the solo Spices to veer clear of their Forever team after the sales for the album (and Mel B's Hot) were so disappointing. Granted, yes, we as fans know the real blame for that is on the girls for not promoting Forever...and on Mel B for dooming her album with that release date. But. Regardless, the public perception became that the material was to blame. All this is total speculation on my part. But. It's notable that the girls tended to re-use the same collaborators...and those writers/producers worked with various members of their solo careers. After 2000...Jam/Lewis and Darkchild were never back in the fold.
Anyway. I actually do wish both teams had material on A Girl Like Me. I like What Took You So Long as much as any other fan, but I actually would not want the entire album to sound like it. Emma has more sides to her than that. However, the album's in kinda a weird space where half of it is more mature...and half of it sounds quite a bit younger than anything on Spice from five years earlier. The Darkchild team could have given her some light r'n'b that would have been stronger than Been There, Done That or She Was A Friend Of Mine...and Jam/Lewis would have given her some fun pop better than the title track.
Totally agree. It is clear they wanted to deviate from the Forever project and sound, which is sad because the problem with the project wasnt so much the music itself but the lack of promo from the girls.
An album by Emma filled with guitar led music mixed in with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis pop would have been incredible, imo. I never liked A Girl Like Me (the song), it was too 'silly' for Emma and a clear attempt at tapping into the Baby Spice fans. Been There, Done That and Spell it OUT where also very lame R&B tracks, and whilst the Sunshine cover was cute, it was screaming to be a bside... It was basically bad A&R from the record label. Sure it gave us some gorgeous music too but the album was a miss overall and led to her loosing her contract. They didnt know what to do with her as a solo artist, clearly.
Emma really needs good A&R to be honest. She can be an incredible artist, but with both A Girl Like Me and My Happy Place, she didn't have very good planning and creative vision. Funnily enough, it was with 19 Records that she found her music place better as she had more creative freedom but proper guidance in how to get there.
Posted by: vibe 25th April 2024, 05:35 PM
Just purchased this, instinct purchase!!
Will def keep it sealed and see if it becomes a rare / a collectors item!
Posted by: sammy01 26th April 2024, 06:44 PM
#89 in the physical album chart.
Posted by: Mr.X 28th April 2024, 11:20 AM
Two demos from the A Girl Like Me era are back on ebay after being taken down last year. Some fans claim to have listened in full to them but 'forgot to download them' which is wild lol
'Better Off Alone': https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/235531520539?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=5ljy1hkcqzi&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=on8grwsntyu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=FB
you can listen a clip of 'No Love' here: https://files.fm/u/ggtxejtv4r#/view/65hbbxkfsj
Posted by: vibe 28th April 2024, 06:08 PM
So 89 in the physical album charts , how much sales do we think it achieved?
What would total sales be?
Posted by: Mr.X 29th April 2024, 09:30 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ 28th April 2024, 12:20 PM)
Two demos from the A Girl Like Me era are back on ebay after being taken down last year. Some fans claim to have listened in full to them but 'forgot to download them' which is wild lol
'Better Off Alone': https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/235531520539?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=5ljy1hkcqzi&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=on8grwsntyu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=FB
you can listen a clip of 'No Love' here: https://files.fm/u/ggtxejtv4r#/view/65hbbxkfsj
In an incredible turn of events, these were sold by £1million and £5 million respectively
THE POWER OF BABY BUNTON!! NEVER DOUBT IT!!
Posted by: Blond 2.0 30th April 2024, 12:53 AM
No Love sounds very VB album lol
Posted by: isanka 30th April 2024, 11:48 AM
QUOTE(Mr.X @ 29th April 2024, 10:30 AM)
In an incredible turn of events, these were sold by £1million and £5 million respectively
THE POWER OF BABY BUNTON!! NEVER DOUBT IT!!
I hope for this price it won't be an MP3 quality.
Posted by: Mr.X 30th April 2024, 01:10 PM
QUOTE(isanka @ 30th April 2024, 12:48 PM)
I hope for this price it won't be an MP3 quality.
hun, for that price, Emma would personally buy all her masters and self-release all her albums on vinyl and 2CD with all unreleased tracks through her own online shop
Posted by: Mr.X 2nd May 2024, 02:57 PM
So has the A Girl Like Me vinyl sold out everywhere now? I cant find it online anymore...
Posted by: Mr.X 2nd May 2024, 03:29 PM
Seems like it is indeed sold out in the UK, only a few around Europe are available! Good work Baby Bunton
Posted by: sammy01 2nd May 2024, 06:32 PM
The UK had 1.1k copies made so that is good going.
Posted by: Mr.X 2nd May 2024, 07:23 PM
Is that figure confirmed? Since it was also sent across Europe, how many do we estimate that have been printed? 2000?
Posted by: CallMeKylie 2nd May 2024, 11:42 PM
It barely made the physical chart. No way did it sell 1100 copies.
Posted by: sammy01 3rd May 2024, 05:23 AM
QUOTE(CallMeKylie @ 3rd May 2024, 12:42 AM)
It barely made the physical chart. No way did it sell 1100 copies.
A lot of copies were sold online on the Monday to international fans who wont count towards the UK charts.
Also not all records stores record and report sales. The one I got it from was using a calculator and pad of paper instead of any sort of till.
Posted by: CallMeKylie 3rd May 2024, 10:28 AM
I'm pretty sure the reported 1100 figure refers to the number of copies available worldwide.
Posted by: vibe 4th May 2024, 06:55 PM
Its easy to get on ebay now and not all for inflated prices.
that it's been 2 decades... I remember that song being new like it was yesterday! It was played so often on music channels. A great time to be a Spice/Bunton fan 
I hope she does something for the 25th anniversary of her first album but I have zero hopes ah... As a solo artist she is no longer with the original record company (now EMI right?...) so I guess it will be quite hard for her to do anything unless the record company decides to do something...
Good luck to those of us trying to get it by going to a store. 
