Mel C has quit, and the Spice Girls are no more – or so we are told by the gossip-hungry tabloid press. To be honest, what does it matter? Before you think this is going to be another opinion slagging them off, it is not. I am a fan and proud of it. But why is it important for them to stay together as a group? As far as I’m concerned, the Spice Girls began as five women – who each now have successful solo careers and they will be around, just in a different guise.
Let me start at the beginning – as Julie Andrews said “A very good place to start!”
In July 1996, Wannabe hit the British public, and a group of hitherto-unknown women became part of the national culture. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, five years later, they have silenced (most of) the critics and are still very much in the public eye.
When they first tasted success, their look was quite different from anything that had gone before. With five different personalities and a variety of images, there was something for every little girl to copy and every father to leer at. While primary schoolgirls were having their hair in cute bunches like Emma, the men were admiring Geri’s revealing tops or Victoria’s feline sexuality.
Soon they became known for their images and almost lost their own identity, as their nicknames took
over. Mel was all hair and attitude, so became Scary Spice. Victoria was all tight Gucci dresses and designer pouts, so was called Posh Spice. Emma was all short skirts and lollipops, so was Baby Spice. The tomboy in tracksuits, with hair scraped back severely into a ponytail was Sporty. Then Geri – cleavage and well, more cleavage – was Ginger Spice – probably because Booby Spice was a bit too controversial.
Hit followed hit, swiftly disproving all the usual ‘one hit wonder’ threats – Mama, Who Do You Think You Are?, Two Become One, and many more. Soon they were smashing records and proving themselves to be the most successful British girl band ever. Well, okay, not so impressive if you think there was only Bananarama as competition, but let’s face it, the Spice Girls were something special. Were. Yes, I used the past tense, for they are no more – maybe, probably.
People cried when Take That split up, thinking they would never see the lads again. But I can’t see that happening with the Spice Girls. Besides one hit single recently, with Holler / Let Love Lead The Way, they have had many more appearances in the charts as solo artistes lately than as a group.
Geri was, of course, the first member to leave, and rumours were abounding that the group would disappear and so would she. Oh no, it didn’t happen. Geri reinvented herself, wrote her autobiography and released an excellent solo album Schizophonic, and had a string of number one hits – and rightly so. A few more months in the cold, then she reinvents herself once more and appears at the Brits with short hair, and an even shorter skirt. No doubt she will soon be back at the top of the charts too. At 28, she is definitely no has-been, looking more fit and stunning than ever before.
What about the others? Where have they been and how is their future looking, if the Spices do split? Well, let’s face it, it doesn’t look like the Job Centre for any of them, does it?
Mel B (26 in May) has a daughter, Phoenix, and a broken marriage. (Is it just me, or does Jimmy Gulzar rhyme with Wannabe Star?) Her personal problems have improved her musical efforts too, in my opinion. Her awful version of Word Up is now scattered in 99p bins of cheap supermarkets, while her recent singles have been much better. She has proved she has the talent and ability to survive without the group, as have the others. It appears she finds it more difficult to stay in her tops, than to attain solo chart success.
Victoria (26 in April) has a rather famous husband and a son named after his place of conception. (Following that logic, my four would all be called Portsmouth!) She had a very successful hit last year, teaming up with Dane Bowers and the True-Steppers for something rather unpredictable, but very flashy. Hated it at first, but it grew on me. It also taught me that garage wasn’t something you put your car in.
Emma is the youngest of the five at 23, and I think she is the least talented, but feel free to disagree. She seems very nice and all that, but I find her slightly annoying. She had a rather dull hit last year, and is set to storm the charts soon with her first proper solo effort - well, I think storm is too strong a word, but it should simper happily around the top 10. But if her singing careers dies an early death (Is there a god??), she can try her hand at TV presenting again. Her appearance on CD:UK controversially hinted at some kind of friction between her and Cat Deeley, so that could be interesting.
Mel C is, I believe, the most talented Spice girl along with the afore-mentioned Ms. Halliwell. Melanie is 23 years old and seems a tough, don’t-take-no-cr*p kind of girl. Her album is excellent, with a wonderful variety of songs. Compare the fast-moving, toe-tapping, hip-gyrating tones of I Turn To You with the dream-like and moody Never Be The Same Again, which was for me, the best single of 2000.
So, to conclude, the Spice Girls have been hugely successful – their three albums are a good example of this and also how their music has developed over the years. But they don’t need each other anymore, they are – and will be – successful, alone or together. It seems strange that the epitome of pop can produce individuals who relish all these different styles of music, but I am pleased to hear their range of styles and to enjoy each solo effort for what it is.
The Spice Girls’ days as a group are surely numbered, but don’t shed a tear. They are here to stay. Goodbye, Spice Girls! Viva Forever – Geri, Mel B, Mel C, Emma and Victoria!
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excellent account.. it really shows your true passion towards spice girls.. cheers :)
messsingh 10.03.2001 22:23
Thanks for the great op. I was a very big Spice Girls fan for 2/3 years and I saw them in concert twice. I was devestated when Geri left and I am really sad that Mel.C has left. I must admit I am not really a fan now, but my music tastes have changed. As much as I hate to say it, I doubt they will do well or even continue as a trio. Even though I don't really listen to their music much anymore, the Spice Girls is still a subject close to heart! I hope that they all stay on good terms and I wish them luck!
Mar 9th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
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