Search - Melanie C :: Northern Star [UK CD1]

"...It all started in another dimension..."

Thomas Alan Gamble | Puyallup, WA USA | 02/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, this is an attempt to break free the chains being placed upon her as a part of the gazillion-selling Spice Girls. But were they really bad at all? Are they something to shun? Their music, especially the evolving SpiceWorld album, was pretty damn good bubblegum pop. Those thrown by their image of "Girl Power" and the mega-marketing blitz put on by Virgin (the record label) would do well to pick up this very personal work by a person who aspires to be better, no matter at what.Melanie Chisolm is a very good singer, a decent lyricist and an all-around good person. These things are evident by the absolute lack of pretension on the album. Turning in an absolutely courageous effort, she throws the non-existant shackles off and stands free in the open air of life. It takes guts and heart to write a song like "If That Were Me." She speaks of a truth that all of us have faced with a sincerety that righteously-indignant "artists" like Natalie Merchant and Sinead O'Connor could never touch. It does not take synicism to be touched by the human experience. The title track is reminiscent to Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" in the depth of feeling and hope that it inspires.In all, I would venture that the only song that does not quite work is the crunchy "Goin' Down" which asserts in a very Guns-n-Roseian kind of way that a critical adversary has had enough of an effect to deserve prose sent their direction. And like Guns-n-Roses, at least it's not very good prose. This song belies the essential truth of her character exhibited in the rest of the album. She is mostly above this kind of drudge.Innocence, spirit, kindness and wisdom are all on display with this release. She can have an enduring career, if she wanted to."

Refreshing multi-genre album from Mel C--I Turn To Her

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 10/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Melanie C's distinct voice stood out as the strongest of the Spice Girls, and of all the debut solo Spice efforts, Melanie C's marked the most radical departure from the corporate-machine pop of the Spicers. In fact, this veers towards alternative.The William Orbit-produced bounce and crunch of "Go!" leads the album. In this un-love song, she sings "I must move on/There's nothing left worth fighting for/Can't love you anymore. Go."A more tender side of Mel C is seen in the strings/drum machine title song, about a love against the odds. However, the line about "they buy your dreams so they can sell your soul" may also be a chop at the music industry.A hard industry edged, fuzz-toned NIN style tinges the thumping "Goin' Down", which is another angry song on betrayed love and vengeful , where she says . "I'm singing it loud and I don't care/I'm singing it loud everywhere" she proclaimsThe techno of "I Turn To You", as in "like a flower leaning toward the sun" is a paean toward the someone who's helped her through hard times, and the string-synths enhance the tender feelings of this song. "You lift my spirit, You melt the ice. When I need advice I turn to you" she sings. Don't we all need that one to "turn me around when I'm upside down"? Yeah."If That Were Me" is a reflective look at homeless people and how invisible they are to the rest of the society. That latter leads to the title phrase, "I bet you'd look if that were me." "How did you fall/Did you fall at all/Is it lonely where you are/sleeping inbetween parked cars/when it thunders where do you hide from the storm?" she wonders.Mel then takes a dip in the R&B/hip-hop ocean, particularly with some slinky guest rapping from Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, late of TLC, on "Never Be The Same Again" and is about that step taken from being close friends to beyond.The ambient-leaning "Why" is a heartbreak song, with a harmony backing vocals echoing her everytime she plaintively and demandingly sings "why" in the chorus. Next is "Suddenly Monday", which is a jaunty love song, where a dreary Monday doesn't matter because of that certain someone. I can imagine the Beatles or Monkees doing this as even a brass band kicks in towards the end of the song. My third favourite here."Ga Ga" was also on the Big Daddy soundtrack, and this is a industrial song of insane and reckless unbounded love: "People say that it's insane/We love to feel the pain" "And it hurts. Let it hurt. And it hurts. Let it hurt." Call it lightweight Breeders/NIN. And did you expect "I just want another bite of the apple/Dark thoughts need satisfaction" from a Spice Girl? Well, ex-Spicer now, yeah?

"Be The One" is sort of leisurely, with a drum machine backing. "I've got no time for bitterness. I wanna move away from this" she asserts her ex, telling him she's found someone else."Closer" has very slight Latin leaning via the guitar and drum machine and a ballad with stylings close to the Scorpions' "Winds of Change".It's the final song, the sensitive and triumphant strings-laden "Feel The Sun", that's my favourite. "Feel the sun/Waves crash like emotions/Life has begun, now I will be safe from the storm/I found the one. This angel's my salvation/I'm feeling strong. You will be there if I fall." Someone I need right now.What amazed me after taking a closer look at this was the names associated in songwriting. Rick Nowels of Stevie Nicks/Belinda Carlisle fame, and Billy Steinberg, who with T. Kelly wrote songs for Heart, Cyndi Lauper, and the Bangles. Here though, Nowels and Steinberg teamed up for "I Turn To You" and "Closer". And Rick Rubin, who was behind "Suddenly Monday" and "Ga Ga".Mel C's talent is not to be taken lightly. She and Geri are the only two to have two solo albums, but where Geri has firmly settled into brassy disco and dance, Mel C has been adroitly splashing into many stylings here, and given us more an insight into what else she can do well."

A Solid Debut

C. Heath | Seattle, WA USA | 01/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is much to be said about Melanie C's debut. The former Sporty Spice outdid herself stylistically, jumping into musical territory that has a very strong rock edge. I have heard Mel C, Emma, and Geri's solo debuts, and though they're all enjoyable, "Northern Star" is undoubtedly the strongest of the three. In the past, Mel's voice wasn't particularly impressive, and it was obvious she sometimes stood out in the bunch. After hearing this album, one quickly realizes that not only does Mel have plenty of writing talent; as a solo singer, she really shines.



Collaborating with admired producers like Rick Nowels and Craig Armstrong, Mel C succeeded in creating an album that is both innovative and emotionally moving. While her voice still lacks in strength, she has a kind of sweet and appealing quality similar to artists like Dido or Jewel. She has a knack for writing and comes across as a very strong woman in emotion and spirit when she sings. "Northern Star's" flow is a bit rugged: Mel jumps from hard thumping tracks to soft and twinkling ballads. However, this diversity is rather impressive and showcases her talent very well.



Go: This track will hook you instantly. Opening with a demanding drumbeat and echoing electric guitars, it sounds like something you could crank up in your car on the freeway. The music and the lyrics compliment one another well; Mel sings of getting away and starting over. It's a traveling song, with it's edgy pan flute loops and warm bells, and it really does make you want to just pick up and go. In the second chorus, the intensity builds as Mel begins singing `la la' arpeggios. Throughout the track, gentle choral `ohhs' add a whole new dimension of depth to the already incredible song. This is a fantastic opener! I just love it! 6/5



Northern Star: Switching gears, this song is slower and subdued, with a Latin style and sparkling chimes. I've always enjoyed the light and airy percussion; it sounds almost delightfully hollow. Much of the emotion comes from the longing string arrangement and the persistence of Mel C's vocals. This is a very inspiring tune with a few synthesizer loops thrown in here and there. It's just beautiful! 5/5



Goin' Down: I love this song; it's so angry and aggressive! It's a great stress reducer, really. This is easily the hardest rocking song on the whole album, with tons of distortion, harsh drumbeats and deep electric guitars. Again, the lyrics and the music compliment each other perfectly. Mel simply vents and screams through the whole song: but it's absolutely fantastic. As the chorus begins, strong choral voices and synthesizers sounding like underwater bells join in. In the verses, Mel sings `you're goin' down' and a distorted electronic beep slowly moves down the scale. I went nuts when I heard that; it just makes the whole song! 6/5



I Turn To You: Easily the most popular song from "Northern Star", it's easy to hear why once the song begins. It's simplicity in lyric and emotion allows the music to take center stage. A very stylized dance and electronica number, the chords are simply brilliant. Echoing twinkles and intense strings carry throughout the entire song. Personally, I find the dance remixes of this song to be more satisfying, but this original version has an innocence that's stunning. For the first time, the piano makes an appearance, occasionally adding sensitivity to this otherwise very deep and musically rich tune. The bridge portion may be the best part, as the strings build and electrical distortion layers over every other instrument. 5/5



If That Were Me: Taking another turn in musical style, Mel sings honest lyrics accompanied by a sweetly played acoustic guitar and simple but effective lower strings. This song lacks in musical intensity, but it has a raw quality that I really enjoy. The message delivered in this song is heart wrenching and very realistic. Vocally, Mel really shines here. Without all the crash and bang of harsh drums or loud electronic blips, you can really hear the purity in her voice. A very sad song, it's beautiful nonetheless, and a very nice tune to sing along to. 5/5



Never Be The Same Again: Collaboration between Mel C and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes resulted in this innovative and exciting track, which I have always loved. It's the only song on "Northern Star" with a more laid back and R&B feel to it, and while I normally don't care for songs possessing that style, I found this fantastic. The repetitive chord arrangement is surprisingly welcome to the ears, and creates this awesome feeling of falling into bliss. Lisa's rap in the bridge portion of the song is very catchy and it fits wonderfully with Mel C's light vocals. Entirely warm and seductive, the song includes acoustic guitars and syncopated drum loops. While the lyrics themselves aren't exactly groundbreaking, they compliment the general tone of the music well. 5/5



Why: Very dark piano arrangements and spacey sounds help make this song the most disturbing on the album. Musically, I'm reminded of the second track when I hear this. Long dreary notes are played on electric guitars as Mel's backing vocals croon. The beauty in this song lies in the ever-building intensity. From verse to chorus and so on, the emotion continues to work toward its climax. By the time the song reaches its end, Mel has reached an emotional peak full of hurt and guilt. She sings with so much dark enthusiasm in the last chorus; it's a real tearjerker. 5/5



Suddenly Monday: The shortest track, it's completely adorable and cute. A playful piano carries the song along with brightness, and is ultimately the backbone of the tune. Musically, the track is a bit more stripped compared to previous tracks. Although toward the end of the song, a very enthusiastic trumpet appears. The arpeggios on the piano are a shining moment. Mel is obviously having a great time singing this, and that makes the song that much more enjoyable. 5/5



Ga Ga: I find this song to be the least appealing on the album. Though I have to say that Mel's vocals are really good here, and her lyrics are a little more fun. This is another rocking guitar driven tune; in fact, I can't hear any other instruments except guitars. Maybe that's why I find it a little less exciting. However, the arrangement of the song is great and it's perfectly depressing (which somehow works well). It's a nice emotional ride. 4/5



Be The One: A soft acoustic guitar opens this track, which is a nice surprise. It's similar to track 5 in musical style, with gentle drums and sensitive vocals. This would be a great song to slow dance to; it just has a nice romantic tone. I imagine plenty of adult contemporary fans would enjoy this. 4/5



Closer: Somehow, I've always thought of this as the companion song to track 2. It's very much the same musically, with the familiar Latin groove and occasional wispy sound effects. However, this is a love song, not an inspirational anthem. It's extremely sensual and lush with beautiful chords. A Spanish guitar accompanies Mel C throughout the tune, complimenting the gentle vibe well. During the bridge, a flute soloist carries the melody. Everything about this is divine. 5/5



Feel The Sun: Stripped of nearly all percussion, except gentle clicks and occasional thumps, this sounds like a song from Bjork's album "Vespertine", or maybe the closing track from K.D. Lang's album "Invincible Summer". Mel's vocals are extremely heartfelt and gorgeous here, as is the string arrangement. Not quite as intense as previous tracks musically, somehow I'm just as moved. The gentle electronic pulses make this a very sparkly song. What a wonderful note to end the album on! 6/5



Though Melanie C's follow up album "Reason" has a more consistent style, I would recommend this release over her second effort. It has a much broader range of music and is much more electronic and contemporary. However, her vocals are stronger on "Reason" and her lyrics are a little more complex, so if you adore her singing you might want to check it out."