Did they actually write the songs, each of which is credited to the Spice Girls plus a couple of songwriting pros? Do Posh and Ginger actually sing on them? Do you really care? In perfect bubblegum form, the Spice Girls capitalize on their moment by releasing their second album in nine months, aping their idols (Madonna, Boy George, the Supremes) even better than they did on the first one, and separating the filler you were expecting anyway with a couple of monster singles you never could have predicted.
The bubbly Motown dance tune "Stop" is either the Supremes filtered through the Archies or Culture Club filtered through St. Etienne--either way, a great lost pop melody hit upside the head by a dollop of new-wave kitsch. "Spice Up Your Life" is the requisite follow-up to "Wannabe," except that it doesn't sound that much like it, and its slinky, Latin-ized beat and fast sing-song rapping are nearly irresistible. Will they be around in another nine months? Do you really need an Andrews-Sisters-in-a-strip-club take on Madonna's "Vogue" ("Lady Is a Vamp")? Do you even care?
Producers: Richard Stannard, Matt Rowe, Absolute.
Engineers: Adrian Bushby, Jeremy Wheatley, Paul Hicks, Mark Tucker.
Personnel: Melanie B., Emma Bunton, Victoria Adams, Geri Halliwell, Melanie C (vocals); Shawn Lee (guitar, bass guitar); Milton McDonald (guitar); John Themis (acoustic guitar); Snake Davis (flute); Kick Horns (brass); Magnus Fiennes, Matt Rowe (keyboards, programming); Steve Lewison (bass guitar); Mike Higham, Pete Davis (programming).
Spice Girls: Victoria (Posh Spice), Emma (Baby Spice), Melanie C. (Sporty Spice), Melanie B. (Scary Spice), Geri (Ginger Spice).
Additional personnel: Absolute (various instruments); John Themis (acoustic guitar); Milton McDonald, Shawn Lee (guitar); Pure Stringz (strings); Snake Davis (flute); Kick Horns (brass); Matt Rowe, Magnus Fiennes (keyboards, programming); Steve Lewison, Paul "Tubbs" Williams (bass); Pete Davis, Mike Higham (programming).
Rolling Stone (12/11/97, pp.75-76) - 3 Stars (out of 5) - "...The production throughout is a cunning rehash of hip-hop and pop cliches....it's well-made music to Stairmaster to, and by that standard the whole thing works rather well..." Melody Maker (12/20-27/97, pp.66-67) - Ranked #37 on Melody Maker's list of 1997's "Albums Of The Year." Melody Maker (11/8/97, p.51) - "...inspired combination of a zeitgeist-grabbing image and soul-tinging songs that unexpectedly came alive when a bolt of lightning--or in this case fame--caused the beast to start thinking for itself....equal parts retro cool and mainstream gloss..."
Great album i love this album. i used to have it but then i got an extension on my house and it got lost. and now i want it back so baaaaad. Submitted by kevin (Dublin, Ireland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
This album spiced up my life! And I still love it! Submitted by name (Scotland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
really good loved it! wow!loved it!!not too many singles though.although they did have spice up your life,stop,too much,and viva forever.Still an amazing album Submitted by johnny (new york,NY,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
i love these songs me and my cousin use to listen to these girls all the time we were like their biggest fans and im not lying... we even use to act them out.. sad i know but truth hurts...when they broke up we were like crying and wished they would get back together maybe one day they will Submitted by sybil92 (long beach,ms,usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
SPiceworld Ignore the critics.
I remember this album when I was 10 and loved spice up your life. This album shows their growth. The girls made the movie of the same name. It wa amazing and dazzling. Submitted by davidogletree (Glenwood, IL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great album
This album spiced up my life!
Share this Product