Passion [Enhanced]

1. Passion
Big intro, kinda jazzy, very breathy, but it works. Then the beat kicks in, again very jazzy, almost sexy. "Give me a reason to take you back, Give me a reason to try, Give me a reason, 'cos love is in season, But give me no reason to cry." Weird opener of song really, perhaps it'll grow, but it kinda dictates the 'passion' aspect of the album.
6/10

2. Desire
The 2nd single. You should all know it, electro, quite seductive, but not amazing. Isn't my favourite, but not terrible. Fun to listen to, but kinda hard on the ear at times, you never really know what to make of it.
7/10

3. Love Never Loved Me
This was in the toss up for the 2nd single, both this and Desire were put onto songpeople to ask for reactions, obviously Desire won, but, I think they made a mistake. This is pretty much 1998 Cher, meets 2001 Geri... CAMPTASTIC. Great lyrics "Love never loved me, Love left me out in the cold, Love never loved me, Love gave up on me afterall" something I'm sure we can all relate too. Improved from the demo, good musical break down, with her hitting a high note towards the end. Should be the next single.
10/10

4. Feel The Fear
Another self help inspired song, but with a beautiful intro, and very light airy vocals from Geri, until the chorus starts to kick in, and so does the beat. "Give me one more day, I've got to have my say, I'm not afraid to feel the fear, and do it anyway." It's a bit fillerish and plodding, but listenable, and picks up half way through where she really speeds it up, and towards the end it really really kicks in, which is a shame as I'd like the whole album like this, but it is a nice and almost unexpected build up.
7/10

5. Superstar
Hmm more upbeat and camper than the rest of the tracks, less guitar based. I think it's been produced by Ian Masterstone, the first of two songs co-written with Guy Champers. "A little bit of jammin' on a Saturday, That's my ecstacy." Far better, still, it's not my favourite song, but definately catchy and miles better than the demo.
7/10

6. Surrender Your Groove
Reminds me a lot of Kylie's 'Giving You Up'. Upbeat, fun, and typically Geri. Nothing too amazing, but a solid enough album track!
6/10

7. Ride It
Ya'll know this one! Camptastic, craptastic pop!
9/10

8. There's Always Tomorrow
Slow, sleepy song, boring. Not much else to say.
3/10

9. Let Me Love You More
Amazing intro, extremely sweet and sincere, middle of the road song, until it completely slows down, and she sings almost accapella showing that her voice HAS improved. Less guitars than the demo had. But truly beautiful song. Also the outro is as beautiful as the intro.
10/10

10. Don't Get Any Better
One of her self-help type songs "This is life, take it from me, don't get any better". Hard to describe, it's not that great in all honesty, again a bit MOR, it plods along happily, but I really can't imagine it being raved over. Nice outra with Geri shouting it out in the background.
4/10

11. Loving Me Back To Life
Originally she wrote this years ago, well parts of it - a small clip was included in her 2nd book, it's also the 2nd co-written Guy Chambers track. Piano ballad, was one of my favourites from the demo, and I wasn't disappointed. Her new vocals really shine on this song, it reminds me a little of Walkaway in a bit, but without the murky muddy vocals that held the song back, her notes are crystal clear, she's not an amazing singer, but she's really done good here.
10/10

12. So I Give Up On Love
Show girl, cabaret song. The typical end song from Geri - all jokey and fun, like You're In a Bubble and Heaven and Hell Being Geri Halliwell. She's basically ripping it out of ex's, in the intro she says "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, Boys you better listen, Names have been changed to protect the innocent, Just incase it's about you." I wasn't expecting to like this song as much as I do, I'm not often a fan of Geri's 'funny' songs, but this is a great way to end the album. Really uplifting, and well, if you like Geri as a person, you'll like this track
7/10

Overall
I was originally very worried about Geri, back in 2003 there was no sign of her musical comeback, SIYWGF had underperformed, and she was being la la in USA. But then, a song 'Ryde It' leaked, which then shocked the fans to became the next single as it had come from nowhere, the album isnt as bad as people will expect.
Some tunes are good, some well, not so good - she then got sent to re-recorded, remaster and record new songs. I was worried the whole thing would be a complete and utter MESS. Luckily, it's not. It's a great collection of songs by Geri, less camp than 'Scream If You Wanna Go Faster', and probably a bit more mature at times than 'Schizophonic'. If anyone is worried she's sold out to become Middle of the Road, don't worry. This album is pure Geri, and Passion will become the first album that will complete a Spice Girls contract. If you like pop, buy it.

9/10

Those who have only heard her first two singles may well be under the impression that Passion contains more of the same, pure bubblegum pop and very little else. However Passion sees Geri in an eclectic mood, straddling expectations from her old fans and the need that every artist has to attract new listeners. 'There's Always Tomorrow' gives a gentle nod to 'Mi Chico Latino' albeit in a much softer, subtle way with Geri drizzling her voice over rolling Latino beats which makes it perfect summer listening. 'Love Never Loved Me' is definitely worthy of a single release, which despite the mournful title is pure pop and bound to satisfy die-hard fans. Although another reviewer wasn't keen on 'Surrender Your Groove' it's a standout song for me with a great breakdown toward the end and some powerful slowed down sections. Combined with a strong video and a good dance routine (with trademark Geri half-naked men, natch) this would make a good commercial hit.

'So I Give Up On Love' and the title track 'Passion' are dreamy numbers with Geri's character stamped all over them. The latter conjures up a smoky lounge number and screams out for a Michelle Pfeiffer turn, with Geri draped across a piano whilst purring out the lyrics. The former, although not strong enough for single release, is an important addition to the album as it's pure fun, with Geri singing, squealing and huskily laughing out her autobiographical lyrics.

'Feel the Fear' and 'Loving Me Back To Life' are both very strong songs and demonstrate a lot of the maturity and depth that other reviewers have alluded to. Along with 'Let Me Love You More' this trio although worthy of much more comment and praise make up the slower, ballad parts of Passion where Geri illustrates her impressive range and reminds the listener that she isn't just pure pop.

Whilst it wouldn't be unfair to say that as far as Passion goes it's more of the same from Geri, it is also a departure in many ways. The slower parts of Passion are certainly new to those only familiar to her single releases, although Geri's larger than life persona is still all over the songs. Whilst it isn't too serious, Passion does have its softer more sensitive side without losing its fun edge - much like the lady herself. Deliciously camp and enjoyable, Passion will please old fans and be instantly accessible to new listeners.