Picking this CD to launch this column was dangerous. Baby Spice’s impact as a member of the Spice Girls seemed minimal compared to Posh and Ginger; it was my initial belief that it would be the same when it came to her solo record.
Spice Girls solo records have been hit or miss. Melanie B attempted an R’B vibe, teaming up with Missy Elliott, but ended up with drivel that likely was stripped off Elliott’s resume. Melanie C scored with a varied and interesting album, only to retreat into safe territory on her second album after reviews were mixed. And Geri Halliwell never played well in the states – some songs were good, but others sucked.
Still, there was hope. A remix of title track “Free Me” snuck up on everyone last fall and topped the Billboard Club Play charts. An EP released on iTunes recently yielded some interesting track choices.
So I’m pleased to say that this solo effort definitely is one of the ones that didn’t totally bomb. In fact, it’s actually pretty good.
The songs are varied in tempo, but all have a 60s sensibility that would make Burt Bacharach proud. They have an unabashedly retro tone to them, a theme that plays well throughout the album.
Emma also sounds more confident, and her voice in better form, than any Spice Girls record.
Highlights of the album include “Crickets Sing for Anamaria,” an uptempo romp that really ticks along, keeping the listener enthralled, even if they can’t quite understand what she’s singing.
In its original form, “Free Me” is a slow, sultry chat that includes the sexed up lines: “Free me/let me loose to love you/I want to seduce you.” Meowr. The Dr. Octavo remix, however, really shines, turning this into a club thumper while still keeping the sonic feel intact.
The lounge feel of “Amazing,” featuring Luis Fonzi, is another highlight, with a laid back vibe that makes for a very sweet duet.
The end result is a solid set of pop tunes that really gel as a cohesive album.
The problem: it gels too well. By the time you reach the end of the album, you start finding it difficult separating some of the tracks mentally.
Further, the songs don’t fit into the Ashlee Simpson and American Idol-fed airwaves of today. While some might hit on adult radio, and the dance remixes definitely make “Free Me” club friendly, they just don’t fit the genres people are listening to endlessly.
Still, the album is a must for pop fans, and it finally allows us to see why her talent was going to waste in the Spice Girls.
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