Spiceworld - the Movie [DVD]

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!!!!