I've already reviewed Emma Bunton's 2nd solo album 'Free Me' & enjoyed the experience of listening to it & reviewing it, that I want to do more, but dunno which one as there's so many.

I've included 6 choices & an 7th for other, if u not keen on the choices above, then vote for other & please state which one?

Here's my review of what is perhaps the greatest Spice solo album - Emma's 'Free Me'




Free Me
This album opens with title track & lead single, ‘Free Me,’ which opens with slight jazzy tinge & sultry strings-laden sounds, then switching into a heavenly chorus & gorgeous horn sound. Emma’s vocals sound sweet & blends wonderfully with the rich instruments found on this track. All of which gives this a wonderful 60’s feeling, which wouldn’t go a miss as a Bond theme.

Maybe
Next up is perhaps the pinnacle of the album & not only one of the most infectious pop songs of the 00’s, but the best song Emma Bunton has ever recorded. Of course, this had to be the album’s 2nd single with its fantastic fast pace. And this is thanks to a bossa nova beat that includes light drums, pianos & horns, that of course carries on the 60’s sound of the lead single, but far more effective on this with some wonderful instrumentation here, along with some rich and warm vocals.

I’ll Be There
The 3rd single follows, and this is a far more mellow song, which allows Emma’s softer and gentle vocals carry the tune through the verses, before heading into a dramatic belting chorus with fantastic instrumental breakdown that gives a wonderful nod to Motown.

Tomorrow
This returns to the gentle bossa nova style, yet a slower one than the one on ‘Maybe’. Emma makes light work of the vocals here & gets some beautiful harmonies into the mix also. Along with catchy 60’s melodies that makes this yet another strong offering on this album.

Breathing
This again follows in a similar vein as some of the previous tracks with that 60’s bossa nova feel, however when the beat comes in for the chorus, it feels very much contemporary with subtle maracas, light drums & beautiful strings that weaves over Emma’s rich vocals perfectly, without overpowering them. This could have made a fantastic single choice.

Crickets Sing for Anamaria
Up next is the album’s 4th & final single, which was a translated cover of Os Grillos by Marcos Valle. Which despite being an odd yet inspired choice of cover, this manages to be a fun track, which Emma truly makes her own as she glides through the difficult, quick chorus with ease. It deviates from the 60’s feel of the previous tracks in that its very Latin influenced but remains a very unique song & one of Emma’s most interesting offerings to date.

No Sign of Life
Another strong offering laced with strings and contemporary beats, with plenty of space for Emma’s vocals to showcase her power & range. The song itself is really nice with solid production that fits in perfectly with its surroundings.

Who The Hell Are You
Emma adopts some attitude on this next offering, as it’s ushered in by synths that gives it a slight 80’s sound, yet still retains a Motown beat, which of course carries the catchy chorus perfectly.

Lay Your Love On Me
This is a more sexy & sensual number, that definitely has more of the 60s feeling through a number of musical instruments, including piano & hand claps. All of which makes this quite a nice little track that perhaps shows a hint of something a little bit different.

Amazing
A luxuriant bossa nova opens up this next track alongside Emma’s duet partner Luis Fonsi on this gentle number that gives the pair space to really showcase their warm and rich vocals together and individually. This is yet another fantastic offering & firm album highlight.

You Are
This is a nice catchy little number with a gorgeous bossa nova melody, but doesn’t quite manage to stand out as well as some of the album’s far better moments.

Something So Beautiful
The album closes with this rather beautiful yet delicate number, where Emma’s light & whispery vocals sounds fantastic pitched against soaring strings, bellowing brass sections, and harps. All of which makes this a perfect ending to such a wonderful album.


This is also in the 'Free Me' thread.

Edited November 1, 20213 yr by Nina West

Northern star.

It's been decided Melanie C - Northern Star is gonna be next, which is great coz that was the one I was hoping for. I will post it in this thread & its resepective topic as-well.

I look forward to the review.

Here is my review for Melanie C's debut solo album Northern Star, I will also post this in the official album forum.




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

Next I'll do Geri Halliwell's 'Schizophonic' or maybe Victoria Beckham's debut, not decided yet?

Edited October 18, 20213 yr by Nina West

Closer

Yet another soft delicate number with an almost operatic tone with a slight Spanish influenced style in its production. At almost 6 minutes long it along with its rather odd melody feels like a slog to get through. A firm definite album filler & not the greatest of listens.

Odd melody?! I'm sorry you couldn't appreciate it, but Closer is NOT a filler. :nono:

 

It's one of Melanie's finest tracks to date. I think you should listen again.

Good review and I agree with your comments on if that were me, it definitely didnt work great as a single and a number 18 after 2 back to back number 1s was disappointing. While the campaign worked brilliantly in the end you could question the order of the singles. Goin down was risky but possibly a song that is either a lead or not a single at all, it was definitely a statement single.

Thanks for the comments guys, its always nice to get positive feedback. Didn't think 'Closer' was that popular on here its just my opinion, I don't hate it, just couldn't warm to it.

Anyway seems as though 'Schizophonic' got the 2nd highest amount of votes, I'll do that next. I'll do all 3 of the Spice Girls albums & some of their solo stuff, not all of them as there would be too much to get through, but here is a list of what's to come in the near future (in no particular order) =

Victoria Beckham - self-titled
Mel B - Hot
Geri Halliwell - Scream If You Wanna Go Faster
Spice Girls - Spice
Spice Girls - Spiceworld
Spice Girls - Forever
Emma Bunton - A Girl Like Me
Emma Bunton - Life In Mono
Melanie C - Reason
Melanie C - self-titled

Gero Halliwell - Passion (maybe)

Albums I WON'T be reviewing
Mel B - L.A. State of Mind
Emma Bunton - My Happy Place
Melanie C - Stages

Edited October 19, 20213 yr by Nina West

Albums I WON'T be reviewing

Mel B - L.A. State of Mind

Emma Bunton - My Happy Place

Melanie C - Stages

How come? :lol: I can understand swerving the covers albums but L.A. State of Mind at least has pleasant and surprising moments.

Victoria Beckham - self-titled

Mel B - Hot

Spice Girls - Forever

Emma Bunton - Life In Mono

Melanie C - self-titled

 

These would be amazing :cheer:

 

I gave 'Closer' another listen & re-reviewed it, hope this is better. Didn't realize how loved that track really was.

Here's my review of Geri Halliwell's debut solo album Schizophonic enjoy



Look At Me
The album kicks off in style with lead single ‘Look At Me’, where Geri faces her demons head on & launches herself as a solo artist with something that could only have been the lead for this project with such a statement attached to it. The song is pop with a little bit of Jazz & a whole lot of theatrics thrown into the mix. Even way back in 1999 nothing else sounded like this on the radio, which made this stand out in a good way. Geri’s strong & bold vocals injects some personality into this rather catchy number that doesn’t take itself too seriously & even on her own she still has that fun energy she had while still with the group. Not only was this a fantastic start to the album, but a great starting point to kick off a new chapter in Geri’s life.

Lift Me Up
Next up is the 3rr single & Geri’s first solo ballad effort & it’s a pretty track with a sweeping chorus & uplifting production. Geri’s husky tones during the verses adds a nice touch, then stretches her vocals during the soaring climax & yes sometimes her ambition outmatches her ability, but what this lacks in technique the song more than makes up for it with effort & a whole lot of heart. A great single & a well earned chart topper.

Walkaway
Another down-tempo track is up next with a nice mellow atmosphere throughout which gives the meaningful lyrics a calm relaxing vibe, giving it a very dreamlike quality. The orchestra adds a touch of class to the whole thing, as well as Geri’s emotional vocals which gives this that extra lift. Okay this isn’t quite as strong as the previous 2 tracks, but still a decent effort.

Mi Chico Latino
Geri makes a play for the Latin pop market now as she taps into her Spanish roots on this sensual yet playful number that of course became the album’s 2nd single & gave Geri her first solo chart topper & it was simply well deserved. This makes a nice contrast to the lead single with its dramatic guitar strums, hissing maracas & well crafted verses that are delivered with fleeting passion & even the Spanish spoken middle-eight adds a charming flair to the proceedings (even if some of the translations are questionable at best). None of that matters as this feels like a more confident pop song that’s structured around the strengths of her vocals.

Goodnight Kiss
Another strong number follows with this strutting cabaret torch song which is definitely the sexiest song on the album with Geri’s sultry yet playful vocals goes beautifully with the Jazzy production. A fun little number that captures that sensual midnight lounge singer feel wonderfully.

Bag It Up
The girl power anthem ‘Bag It Up’ follows next, which became the album’s 4th & final single, as well as her 3rd solo chart topper & therefore setting Geri’s transition from Spice Girl to solo artist in stone, making her an almighty force to be reckoned with. With its disco-pastiche production, the track dials up the camp factor to an almighty extreme as it explodes into life during the joyous chorus, then dials itself back for the verses. The track has a fantastic energy about it & Geri’s vibrant charisma really sells the track’s message. Brilliant track nothing more, nothing less.

Sometime
A rather nice sincere song that begins with church organs & soft vocals, then builds to a more rock tone with a shouty delivery, before it eases back into its mellow tones which becomes rather jarring at first, but it does give it a rather interesting flavour to it & the melodies are quite nice.

Let Me Love You
This next track begins with some odd Bollywood styled chants that seem way too out there at first, but when the sitars & Indian influenced beats kicks in it becomes a more conventional pop song, yet with a more interesting vibe that sets itself apart from its surroundings & plus Geri adds some great vocal ab-libs towards the end of the track.

Someone’s Watching Over Me
A delicate yet moving feel good ballad that has a beautiful sentiment attached to it, along with an okay R&B tinge to it, but on the whole the track fails to go anywhere interesting.

You’re In A Bubble
Probably the album’s most risqué track due to Geri’s questionable rapping (if you can call it that). This is very tongue & cheek with its twisted rhythm patterns & at best I find this a rather cute number, but not something I’d ever go back to again unfortunately – It’s a rather curious ending to a rather enjoyable album.

Gonna do Victoria Beckham's debut album next.

There will be another 2 album reviews posted in this thread, which will be... Victoria Beckham's debut & Spice Girls - Spice, or Mel B's Hot (haven't decided on the latter yet) then I will open another thread & hold another poll with some of the choices left over in this poll & some new choices.

 

Thanks for all your comments so far, I'm having a blast writing these reviews & its always nice hearing feedback for my hard work.

Edited October 22, 20213 yr by Nina West

Here is my review of Victoria's Beckham's selt-titled debut album:



Not Such an Innocent Girl
The album opens with the lead single ‘Not Such an Innocent Girl’, a great introduction to the new attitude that Victoria was going for here, shaking off her Posh Spice persona & showing that there’s more to her with this cool catchy R&B pop track with crisp & polished production & confident yet vocals. This is a brilliant effort that sets the right mood for what’s to come & didn’t deserve the unfair treatment that it got upon its release.

A Mind of Its Own
The second track is also the 2nd & final single from this album. This takes a very swift change of pace to the lead single & showcases a different side to Victoria with this mid-tempo track with a laid-back spoken intro, a catchy chorus & some beautiful vocal tones that shows some rarely-seen vulnerability. This track is light & summery thanks to some tinkling acoustic guitars with a wonderful flow throughout. However I don’t think this should have been the 2nd single, she should have gone with something more upbeat first & then have this as single #3.

That Kind of Girl
Slowing things down with this mellow 90’s love jam number with a smooth, relaxed bassline & soft sensual vocals. This song wanders along nicely & love the throwback feel it has throughout. Not as strong as the previous 2 tracks, but a decent album track nonetheless.

Like That
The beat picks up with some cello, harpsichord synths & slick R&B beats. Victoria’s vocals sound stronger & richer on this rather sassy number with its catchy bridge before she brings on the attitude for the catchy chorus. A firm album highlight & could have made for a great single.

Girlfriend
Another R&B tinged track that’s clearly influenced on the then emerging Garage scene, with its hard beats, aggressive vocals & a pretty catchy chorus. The sound on this is perhaps very dated by todays standards, but thankfully it moves along at a brisk pace.

Midnight Fantasy
Things gets better with this next number that’s probably the poppiest moment on here with this cute, playful & energetic number. Full of catchy dance beats, great sultry vocals & light production. Sure this isn’t lyrically deep or anything, but not everything has to be, as this just bops along at a quick-fire pace. Simply brilliant, this could have made for a great 2nd or 3rd single choice.

I.O.U.
This is a rather gentle heartfelt number where Victoria gets to show of her vocal skills, and this time they are pitched against a range of beautiful strings. A simple but sweet song.

No Trix No Games
This is a fairly catchy number with some nice strings, funky bassline & that familiar garage beat is back again in the same vein as some of the album’s previous tracks. Not the most creative track on here, but still pretty good.

I Wish
This was the planned 3rd single from the album & yeah I can see why, its Garage beats has a nice minimal feel to it, with a simple repeated intro with some cool record scratches & crisp bassline. Victoria’s vocals here are light & fits in nicely with the production This kinda sound was popular at the time, but for me that’s the problem as this feels a little too formulaic & would have just blended into the background, I doubt this would have reversed the album’s fortunes by a long shot. But on the whole this is still a decent track.

Watcha Talkin’ About
A gentle, mellow & quite catchy number with some okay vocal effects & a nice mid-tempo flow. But doesn’t quite stand out enough for me, not sure why this just doesn’t quite click with me.

Unconditional Love
This & the previous track is where the album loses steam with this simple & not particularly inspiring track that doesn’t go anywhere interesting, where everything just seems off, even the production & just feels like a very basic paint by numbers generic ballad.

Every Part of Me
The final track on the album & it’s a rather sweet number dedicated to her son Brooklyn (you can even hear his voice & laughter at the beginning). This has a nice melody, nice lyrics & stunning vocals. There’s nothing much else to this, just a cute little moment & a nice ending to the album.

Edited October 25, 20213 yr by Nina West

My next review will be 'Spice Girls - Spice'

My review for Spice Girls debut album Spice




Wannabe
The Spice Girls debut album kicks off in almighty style with their debut single ‘Wannabe’, which of course became a mammoth globe topping success that would instantly put the girls on the map for a very bright future ahead. While its success speaks for itself, this track was also the perfect introduction to lead this successful album campaign, as they transformed an overused love song cliché into one that prioritised friendships over relationships. Full of brassy attitude that not only made the girls likeable but showcases their personalities wonderfully. Along with airtight harmonies, glossy production, catchy as hell hooks & amazing upbeat energy that even after 25 years still holds up remarkably well. The song is a firm classic whether you like it or not & while this may not to everyone’s liking – you can’t deny its legacy.

Say You’ll Be There
The album’s 2nd track was also the Spice Girls 2nd single – ‘Say You’ll Be There’. This track is a far more polished & sophisticated offering with sharp arrangements, addictive keyboard lines, cool synths & slick production. The song itself is a brilliant piece of pop music with an instantly memorable chorus that’s full of swagger & panache. This was the perfect follow up to the almighty lead single, in-fact this is even better & perhaps even catchier with the girls vocals sound more tighter with Mel C’s ab-libs completely on point here & then there’s that iconic harmonica solo that breaks the song up beautifully. Yet another classic by the girls.

2 Become 1
Slowing things down now with track 3 & also the 3rd single ‘2 Become 1’ – a stunning romantic ballad with quite an unusual set-up (for its time) where lyrically the track focus’s on how the bonding of two lovers can become so strong that they practically become one entity, through the act of sex. Very rare for a girl-group to show themselves as this vulnerable, as well as being from their perspective. However at the same time the song’s themes were very much on brand for them. The soft-focus strings, twinkling keyboards, classy guitars & intimate production makes this a treat & the girls tender vocals sound fantastic on this wonderful, warm yet elegant number. Definitely one of the Spice Girls best singles of their careers.

Love Thing
The first non-single track on this album that shows the girls are back to their energetic pop sound which lyrically symbolises the girl power message. A fun upbeat number with cool funky rhythms, vibrant beats & catchy hooks. This may not be quite as strong as the previous tracks, but its still a cracking tune & could have made a great single choice following the iconic smash hits of course & dare I say it yet another firm standout moment.

Last Time Lover
Up next is this R&B slow jam which starts off with Mel B’s low tones & retains a sensual groove throughout with heavy hip-hop production. Wouldn’t call this one of the more striking numbers on this album, but it’s just okay.

Mama
Probably the most emotional track on this album – ‘Mama’ which got released as a double a-side alongside the next track as the 4th & final single. I know this is often considered the least appealing of the Spice Girls early singles, but I find it rather sweet with a rather nice uplifting chorus & beautiful harmonies by the girl themselves & the gospel choir towards the end adds a decent flair to an otherwise corny ballad.

Who Do You Think You Are
Ramping things back up is this disco classic ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ which was released alongside track 6 & I think we can all agree that this was the far better track. Catchy, fun, upbeat & brimming with fantastic energy. Loud & in your face with hooks that are undeniable & the disco pastiche production is melodically rich. This is a firm Spice Girls classic that will always remain one of their very best tracks of their careers.

Something Kinda Funny
A perfectly serviceable 90’s R&B jam with nice soothing sounds & rhythms. The vocals also sound quite nice on here with Melanie C’s ab-libs adding some nice textures to this number. An album only track for sure, but the chorus is quite catchy though.

Naked
A soulful & funky little number with classy production that gives this ballad a nice calming feel, yet at the same time has dark tones & cool rhythms running throughout. A firm underrated gem for sure that doesn’t get mentioned enough.

If U Can’t Dance
The final track on the album that ends things brilliantly with this rather funky upbeat number with fun raps by both Mel B & Geri who even adds a Spanish flavour to the mix which rounds things off nicely. Even the samples works incredibly well on here. However this song really bops when its performed live as this is where it really shines. On the whole this is rather decent album track.