Tag Archives: Spice Girls

An Underrated Gem Ahead of its Time: ‘FOREVER’ by Spice Girls

When Geri Halliwell decided to leave the Spice Girls while they were at the peak of their world domination, a lot of young fans were left heart broken. How could you? I thought friendship never ends? Liar!

Things were all of a sudden wobbly in Spice World. Then Mel B announced she’s pregnant. Then Victoria. Then Mel C released a solo album. Then Emma decided to shed that ‘Baby Spice’ image by posing in magazine and working on her debut album.

Geri, on the other hand, was in George Michael’s mansion plotting what she’ll do next. She knows that being the first member to leave the group is both an advantage and disadvantage. The curiosity of fans and haters on what she’ll do next and if she will top the charts on her own is just too big to ignore.

The four other girls decided to carry on and release their third album ‘Forever’. There’s Baby, Posh, Scary and Sporty ONLY.

 I can say that ‘Forever’ is an underrated album. It was way ahead of its time. The girls had a different sound – they focused on the mix of RnB, Hiphop and Urban. Though it is not a perfect album, there are a number of standout tracks although some are skippable.

So when you’re ready to make your next Spotify playlist or whatever music streaming site you use, make sure you add your favorites from the FOREVER album! Hold tight now…



1. Holler – When I first heard this song, I was confused. Why this song? However, the song grew on me as time goes by plus the music video is so slick. It is sexy, stylish and it makes you want to be a ‘grown-up Spice Girl’. I especially love the look of Victoria in that video.. and Emma. And Mel B. And Mel C. The girls danced with unity and it seems that they’re stronger than ever – at least on that video.

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MIDNIGHT FANTASY: On Victoria Beckham’s Underrated Debut Album and What Could’ve Been’s

Victoria Adams-Beckham is my favorite Spice Girl. Well, she wasn’t initially my favorite (because she didn’t have a single solo line in Wannabe), but as time progressed, I find her personality endearing and the one I can relate to among the five. My love for her intensified when I read the book ‘Learning to Fly’ and saw her interviews during and after her days as Posh Spice.

Now, a lot of people know her either as the wife of David Beckham, a fashion icon and a doting mum to four beautiful children.

When the Spice Girls broke up (or when Geri Halliwell suddenly left), the girls worked on solo projects. There’s Melanie C’s collaboration with Bryan Adams with the smash hit ‘When You’re Gone’ which eventually led to the release of her debut album ‘Northern Star’. Melanie B teamed up with Missy Elliot for ‘I Want You Back’ and Emma Bunton with Tin Tin Out for the remake of ‘What I Am’.

Victoria was the last one to pursue a solo music project. She was already pregnant when Geri left the group. Her marriage to David and being a mum to Baby Brooklyn became a priority.

Eventually, she was invited on the True Steppers – David Bowers dance track ‘Out of Your Mind’. By the time she released this, the interest in the solo projects of the Spice Girls is starting to decline. By then, her peers had their #1 songs already and some had released their albums: Melanie C with Northern Star, Geri Halliwell with Schizophonic, Emma Bunton with A Girl Like Me and Melanie B with HOT. The single reached #2 in the charts and she was first enthusiastic about it and finally, she is determined to work on her solo album much to the delight of her loyal fans (like me!).

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BABY SPICE, Please Don’t Stop: Emma Bunton, What Took You So Long?

Two months from now, the Spice Girls – the most successful girl group in the world- is set to reunite as a four-piece (minus my favorite Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham).

Emma Bunton releases her 4th album – My Happy Place!



A few weeks ago, Emma Bunton a.k.a. Baby Spice released a new single entitled “Baby Please Don’t Stop”. Of course, I am happy because to be honest, she has the voice of an angel. I also love it whenever she harmonizes with Victoria or Melanie B in their tracks. That sweet, soothing voice of hers must be heard more.


When the Spice Girls disbanded, most fans (and haters) tracked on which among the Spice Girls will succeed as solo artists. Twenty years after, they now have their own families, pursue other passion projects and have a fair share of controversy.

I am a fan of Emma Bunton’s solo work as a singer especially with her sophomore album ‘Free Me’. This album was released when the Bossa Nova hype is just starting. Sadly, I don’t think the album reached Southeast Asia. Only true fans know the promotional singles which I think did well in the UK and other parts of Europe.

Actually, ‘Free Me’ is one of the albums included in my ‘productivity playlist’. I just listen to some songs and before you know it, I’ve written a full blog post already (which is a struggle sometimes).


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For Once in My Life by Mel B

Melanie Brown a.k.a. Mel B is one of my childhood heroes. I do think that her Scary Spice persona is still evidently seen in her recent gig as judge of America’s Got Talent. She is fearless, talented and surpassed a lot of trials in her career and even personal life.

 

For Once In My Life by Mel B

For Once In My Life by Mel B

 

I loved her debut album “HOT” (1999). Her sophomore album “LA State of Mind” had very minimal publicity and the copies of the album are scarce. Imagine how happy I was (and I bet other Spice Girls fans were!) when she all of a sudden announced her new single called “For Once In My Life” via PerezHilton’s website. Woah, this is madness!

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Viva Forever! The Musical: Reliving Spice Memories

Viva Forever, I’ll be Waiting
Everlasting like the sun
Live forever, for the moment
Ever searching for the one..

It is a dream of ever Spice Girls fanatic to watch the Viva Forever! The Musical. It was launched at WestEnd’s Piccadilly Theatre last December much to the excitement of followers like me. Which 90’s kid didn’t love the Spice Girls (or at least one of them) anyway? It may sound crazy to some, but the Spice Girls did inspire me to do better when I was younger. Just watch their videos, listen to the records and viola, Positivity is in the room! The ‘Girl Power!’ tag motivated a lot of women to aim high and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Viva Forever! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre

Viva Forever! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre

Last month, it was announced that the Viva Forever The Musical is about to reach its final show. The members of the band expressed their sentiments regarding the cancellation of the musical play via Twitter. Geri Halliwell even wrote a blog entry about it. It received mixed reviews from the critics, but the Spice Army who saw the show said they enjoyed it and the presentation is not bad as what the others say.

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Spice Girls Rewind: Schizophonic by Geri Halliwell

“I want to communicate through my music. If you want to know Geri Halliwell listen to my album: it tells you more about me than a documentary ever could.” – Geri Halliwell

Schizophonic by Geri Halliwell

Schizophonic by Geri Halliwell

Geri Halliwell once owned the title ‘Queen of British Pop’. As the most prominent member of the Spice Girls, a lot of fans and detractors were wondering what will be her next move after quitting the most successful girl band in history. I have to say that Geri is my second favorite Spice Girl and I sincerely love her so much. If there’s one thing that I admire from her, it is her determination to succeed.

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How Geri Halliwell Broke My Heart

Ginger Spice leaves the Spice Girls?! WHAT?!

 

On 31 May 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the Spice Girls. Through her solicitor (i.e. attorney) she stated: “Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I’m sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best.”

“PS: I’ll be back”.

 

It’s been fourteen years, but I can still remember how broken-hearted I was when Geri Halliwell a.k.a. Ginger Spice left the Spice Girls. Why leave the group? Why fail your fans? Why fail me?

What’s Your Favorite Film? SPICE WORLD THE MOVIE!

In early 1998, there were rumours spreading around that Victoria Adams (now Beckham) is planning to leave the group to start a new family. Geri is considered as the leader of the group. Being the oldest and the main advocate of the ‘Girl Power’ tag, I didn’t expect that she will leave the group. I know how ambitious she was and how determined she is to make her dreams come true. I know her humble beginnings to her frustrations while growing up and finally getting that big break to be a part of the most successful girlband in the world. HOW COULD YOU?! I looked up to you yet you did this to me and the rest of your loyal fans from all over the world. You betrayed us 🙁

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Bring Me Back My Childhood! – Girl Power Domination

I am a certified 90’s kid. I am one of those kids who learned how to use the internet just to search for the pictures of her favorite musicians. I don’t deny that I sent my first fax message ever by paying Php100 in an internet cafe just to request the song ‘Viva Forever’ in MTV’s Most Wanted. I even sent an artwork to that show in Singapore hoping VJ Sonia, VJ Sarah or our very own VJ Donita would read it one day. It never happened LOL.

These girls saved my life without them knowing it

I also sent lots of emails for the show MTV Select to request for a Spice Girls video. Yes, I am a crazy fanatic like that. I have their posters all over my room and I collected second hand music magazines from my cousin based in Metro Manila (I grew up in Dagupan City). One day, my email request was granted and it was VJ Sarah who read it. I wonder where she is now?

The Spice Girls taught me a lot, but that deserves a special post. What I want to do right now is reminisce some of the girl bands that made my childhood extra special with their singing and dancing skills, awesome dance videos and oh-sp-gorgeous bodies!
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