Spiceworld

Following their immense success, there was now a heightened sense of flamboyance! All the traits of the first album were now even more 'in yer face'! The opening track 'Spice Up Your Life' was worthy of its predecessor 'Wannabe', with a heavier beat and bass. The melodic figure that is heard at the beginning is overtly catchy, making for instant memorable-ity. The girls sing in unison as they invite the 'people of the world' on a journey of music and dances from around the globe, Disco is at the forefront however, and songs such as 'Kung-Fu Fighting' and 'Dancing Queen' are cited in the lyric. Following screams of 'rheeeeeeeeba', 'Hi, Ci, Ya, hold tight!', the song is over and before one can catch one's breath the great pop tune 'Stop' by Watkins/Wilson has commenced. 'Never Give Up On the Good Times' actually sound like a cover of a genuine late 70s disco hit (by Gloria Gaynor or such like), even though it is an original. The penultimate track 'Viva Forever' has to be one of the best pop tracks ever conceived, and Stannard/Rowe really should be in the song-writer's Hall of Fame based on this song alone. The melody of the chorus is first-rate, and probably the best that the group sang. The Spanish guitar might pay homage to Madonna (i.e., 'La Isla Bonita'), but its presence highlights the fact that the song is about a secret holiday romance (for there are otherwise no other obvious references to Spanish music). At first, the song seems to be about a wonderful relationship in its early stages However, the last verse hints towards something quite different i.e., forbidden love. Certainly, the low-register solo singing for the final repeat of the chorus suggests something bleaker than might have been first transparent. Finally, in 'Lady is a Vamp' Spice Girls cite legends such as Elvis, Bob Marley, etc., before added themselves to the list............. and why not?

Although there was an attempt to resurrect the concept a few years later with 'Forever', most would agree that this was where the Spice tour really ended. But what a ride it was!!!!

Spice Up You Life - 9/10 - A great way to introduce the album, great song that brings you into the poppy songs!

Stop - 8/10 - A dancy type tune that makes you wanting to get up and start moving to it.

Too Much - 10/10 - One of my favourite Spice Girls songs and the 1997 Christmas number one! A real classy soothing tune.

Saturday Night Divas - 7/10 - A nice tune but the constant beeping sound of one particular line can get on your nerves

Never Give Up On The Good Times - 9/10 - A jumpy song that is great to play whenever you're in a bad mood. Always cheers you up!

Move Over - 10/10 - I just love this tune, it was on the Pepsi advert that is quick but really gets you in the mood to go out to a club!

Do It - 9/10 - More the same great pop tunes fromt the girls.

Denying - 9/10 - A electrical pop song which Girls ALoud seem to have copied...

Viva Forever - 10/10 - The best track on the whole entire album! A really teary song that holds a secret meaning. The video for it is great to!

The Lady Is A Vamp - 7/10 - A kind of cheesy record but nothing really that great.

Anyway, still a great album with some of their best singles on it.