#JusticeforLifeinMono :coffee:

 

Life in Mono isn't Silver.

 

Life in Mono isn't Silver.

 

Should be 10 x platinum babes

 

Getting a silver album (60k) is an achievement nowadays.

 

Certainly is I’d say a silver album is a successful album now. 100k is a big seller and 200K+ is a huge campaign 🙈 how times have changed.

My review for Melanie C's 'Northern Star'

Go
The album opens with the drum beat & bass of track “Go”, before breaking into chugging guitars & chimes before Melanie affirms her new career path if you will & its exciting & unexpected at the same time. Along William Orbit’s trademark sound echoes throughout that makes this track is far different from anything on the first 2 Spice Girls albums & that’s a good thing as this is Melanie remerging as a solo artist. A fantastic start to the album.

Northern Star
Up next is title track & the second single which is a great track for Melanie to show off her warm vocal skills to full effect on this rather tender yet haunting ballad awash with a beautiful string arrangement & a heartfelt melody. This was a smart decision releasing this as the 2nd single as it showcases a softer more artistic side to Melanie C, further proving her versatility as a solo artist.

Goin’ Down
The album’s lead single is up next. This was a hard introduction to the new Melanie C and was quite a shock to many (including me). Laced with distorted guitars & synth sirens mixed with Melanie’s powerful yet effected vocals that are brash & in your face that certainly makes a bold yet artistic statement. This was a very risky choice for a lead single that may have been a bit too out there to fully pay off (given its swift plummet down the charts), but with this & the follow up singles, she did get to embody everything she wanted to be in a solo performer.

I Turn to You
The album’s 4th single is next here & fared so well in its single & remix forms that both versions ended being featured on here. The track is an absolute belter, especially in its single form with its pulsating baselines, dramatic strings & euphoric melodies. Then of course the mixtures of various sounds such as electronica, dance, house & trance brings everything together beautifully into this glorious number.

If That Were Me
Slowing things down now with this slower ballad which became the album’s 5th & final single. The track opens with gentle acoustic guitars & almost entirely stripped back production is this song that’s solely focused on the lyrics (which don’t all entirely lands their emotional impact needed), yet creates something rather simple, intimate & yet very thought provoking. Don’t think this fully worked as a single & perhaps would have been better suited staying on the album.

Never Be the Same Again
This track has a different feel to everything we’ve heard so far on this album with its laid-back R&B grooves & perhaps that’s thanks to the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lobes involvement may have influenced it. The song was the album’s 3rd single & became a real turning point in Melanie’s career as a solo artist & quite rightfully so as this song is simply superb with its hypnotic melody, silky smooth vocals, brilliant mid-tempo beats & layered harmonies. Then there’s of course Left Eye’s cool rhythmic raps that flows brilliantly with the rest of the solid production. Both artists are on top form here & this becoming Mel’s first solo #1 was well deserved & brought the album to the forefront with the record buying public.

Why
After 5 singles in a row, we finally get to another non-single with this trip-hop leaning number that starts off quite simple before evolving into a guitar driven climax. The mid-tempo beats are fine but takes a long time getting off the ground.

Suddenly Monday
This next number opens with a bouncy piano & bassline that gives this a rather uplifting feel on this brit-pop flavoured track & along with a rather chirpy brass section really gives a warm happy feel. Good song, a firm highlight.

Ga Ga
Chugging guitars & vintage vocal effects gives this track a catchy rock sound that sits on the album pretty well & contrasts quite nicely with the lead single – which is probably why it was its b-side.

Be The One
Another slower number that’s ushered in by acoustic guitars, swiftly followed by Melanie’s tender vocals & some great vocal harmonies. It’s a simple track that suits her voice well but doesn’t quite stand out amongst the albums far showier moments.

Closer
This is a stunning track that I didn’t fully get on first listen, but after hearing it again….WTF was I thinking as it’s simply gorgeous with its atmospheric production, beautiful Latin influences & delicate melodies which makes this a firm standout moment.

Feel The Sun
Thankfully this album closes on an almighty high with this fantastic track. A gorgeous number with soaring strings, rich vocals & excellent production that truly resonates with you the listener. This is a stunning track & one of the album’s very best.

Edited October 20, 20213 yr by Nina West

We never give the album version of I Turn To You any credit. Now THAT is a an amazing song, forgotten by the trash that is the single release :coffee:

The album version is not forgotten. It is doing very well on Spotify.

Omg closer is NOT a filler track it’s stunning!! 😱

That’s the first time I’ve seen Closer disregarded as filler! It’s a highlight 😱 A great review overall though.

 

Maybe a coincidence that you reviewed it on the album’s 22nd anniversary!

Loved that review except calling Closer a album filler I agree with the rest.

One of the best albums of those years. Best solo album ever. IMHO part of the trinity (Spice, Spice World, Northern Star).

 

I don’t agree with Closer being called a filler, but I can get some people not being into long outros and stuff.

Fantastic album.

Did she do a track by track review?

Fantastic album.

Did she do a track by track review?

Yes, see here.

Edited October 19, 20213 yr by Voodoo

Closer is easily one of my fave tracks on NS, the production in particular is flawle$$.

22 years, wow I feel ancient ! Such an iconic album

Closer (edit) should have been the 5th single

I gave 'Closer' another listen & rexamed it, hope u guys like it?

👏

Closer

This is a stunning track that I didn’t fully get on first listen, but after hearing it again….WTF was I thinking as it’s simply gorgeous with its atmospheric production, beautiful Latin influences & delicate melodies which makes this a firm standout moment.

 

Now that's better. B-)

 

I recommend watching this unofficial video that brings to life the beauty of 'Closer':

 

See kids, bullying someone into liking something works.

See kids, bullying someone into liking something works.

 

:lol:

See kids, bullying someone into liking something works.

 

Boys by former Little Mix Jesy. I dare you 😂