Melanie C - Melanie C

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 30 / 10 / 2020

Label: Red Girl Media
Format: CD

Confessional but kitchen disco-orientated eponymous new solo album from the often under-rated Melanie C

Review

Melanie C (Sporty Spice) was always the strongest singer in the Spice Girls (some might say - rather unkindly - that wouldn't be too difficult) and she has pursued a successful solo career since those heady days. She has toured with Jools Holland, appeared at blues and jazz clubs and is acclaimed as a truly great performer by some of the most discerning professionals in the music business. Having temporarily reunited with Spice Girls Emma, Geri and Mel B for last year's money-spinning Spice World 2019 tour, Mel C has now resumed her own career with the release of an album of pulsating dance music. The record is aimed squarely at the “kitchen disco” market - though there is a confessional, bluesy edge surfacing occasionally. Mel's substantial range and maturity are clear on ‘Who I Am’, a song about self-acceptance, and the lovelorn electronic ballad ‘End of Everything’ also affirms her credentials as a highly effective solo artist. Mel C has always been open about her past struggles with depression and she addresses her demons in ‘Overload, Blame It On Me’ whilst the darker ‘Nowhere To Run’ tells of an abusive relationship. There is a collaboration with UK rapper Nadia Rose on the reggae-influenced 'Fearless'. The main theme, however, of this album is disco and the record was made during lockdown. The lyrics of her track, ‘In and Out of Love’ include the line ”Lost in the music/We're dancing like no one's here” which chimes very well with these strange coronavirus times!