Spice [CD]

Following up an album which many people consider to be not only the best musical experiment since a child called Mozart though he'd give the family piano a go, but the best album ever recorded, is not an easy task, but somehow, SOMEHOW, they topped it.

Taking its roots in the cubic funkist bass movement established at the turn of the century by Tom Waits, and turning it on its head, this album surpasses and transcends genres whilst reinventing them.

Cited by many influencial bands as the reason they entered music, one can only weep with joy as the touching meloncolic tones drift through the air - and resonate not only in the ear drum, but in the heart too.

A must own slice of history. In one word - "ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!"

For many, many, many, MANY years, it was believed that the single biggest question playing on the minds of every human being on the planet was "What is the meaning the life?" I can tell you that's not true. The real single biggest question playing on the minds of every human being on the planet is "Is it possible for a straight guy to listen to an album by one of the biggest girl groups of the 90's, and like it?" I can answer that question. It jolly well is my good man...or good boy, depending on your age.

When the Spice Girls began their quest for world musical domination in 1996, I shuddered at the thought. For a while they were all anybody could talk about. No one could go five minutes without watching a TV show or listening to a radio without seeing or hearing the ridiculously famous five in music action. You couldn't even open a newspaper without seeing the girls' In-Your-Face poses and expressions as they heavily promoted "Girl Power." Being a boy that was obviously bad news for me, and I found them just that Liiiiiiiiii-tle bit annoying.

But as the times moved further and further into this 21st century and I began to appreciate what the 90's had given me more, I realized that the Spice Girls actually had some really great music. It was certainly a lot better than what Girls Aloud have ever managed. This review is in danger of turning into an autobiography about my own life, so I'll just start talking about the girls' first album "Spice."

There are ten tracks on offer here. The first track is arguably the girls' most renowned piece of work, WANNABE. The strong beat combined with the loud booming lyrics made it the perfect advert for their brand of "Girl Power." SAY YOU'LL BE THERE isn't quite as In-Your-Face in terms of sound, but anybody who's seen the video that goes with this song will know these women were not to be messed with. Legend has it David Beckham fell in love with Victoria after seeing her in that video. As for me I just like the tune. So much so I even pretend to play the harmonica after the second chorus.

But the Spice Girls were not just all about attitude. From time to time they sang heartfelt songs which really stirred up the emotions. Evidence of this comes from 2 BECOME 1, a slow-paced love song that was successful in scoring them the first of their three Christmas Number 1's in 1996. Meanwhile MAMA is clearly a declaration of love towards their mothers, and it does make an ideal Mother's Day song request. I enjoy listening to its beat, and to me the acoustic part at the beginning is the icing on the cake.

I don't know every single Spice Girls song in existence. So downloading this album gave me the perfect opportunity to check out some of the group's lesser known songs. One of the hidden gems I ended up discovering was LOVE THING. It's got a super addictive 90's R&B vibe and I'm confident I'll be playing this tune over and over again for quite some time.

The Spice Girls have their own problems these days: Geri's see-saw weight, Eddie Murphy doing a runner on one of Mel B's kids, Victoria's chronic pouting lips, Mel C's sexuality rumours, and Emma's...actually she's doing OK at the moment career wise. But overall "Spice" is just a great album to listen to, even if you are a guy. So leave that Jeep parked in the garage, put that army suit back in the wardrobe, and sit down and listen to an undeniable music highlight of the 90's. If any girls ask, tell them the 90's Guy sent you!

5 out of 5 hands down! All the tracks on this album were hits and the ones that weren't released as singles aren't pointless fillers, they've got good beats! The spice girls music will never get old..