... Northern Star - One of the first singles to be released off the album, and to be honest, one that I didn't like at all at first. I found it rather mediocre, slow and boring, but after listening to the lyrics more attentively I can see that it is a lot more beautiful that I first thought it ... Read review
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A review by craigy_baby_2000 on Northern Star - Melanie C January 5th, 2001
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Not applicable
Value for Money
Advantages:
Great number of tracks and variation between tracks
Disadvantages:
Not everyone will like all of the tracks as there is so much variation
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I bought this album after falling in love with 'Never Be The Same Again' and 'If That Were Me'. I was hoping for some more tracks of a similar style, or at least some that I liked of different styles, and I wasn't disappointed.
5 of the songs off the album have been released by Mel, so there is almost guaranteed to be something that everyone knows on the album, which is good as it encourages sales. I really don't think that this album has been given the praise that it deserves, it is by far one of the best albums of 1999.
The album brings about a range of different genres of music, from pop to rock, 60's pop to Brit-pop, R&B and dance, this album covers practically all the styles of music that stil exist in the UK.
Being the only album released by Mel to date, it contains all the songs of her solo career, and is well worth the value-for-money if you are even a slight fan of her work.
Also, with 14 tracks on the album lasting just under an hour in length, it isn't an album that after a few plays will become boring as there is so much material on the disc.
Here is a run-through of all of the tracks on the album:
1. Go - an upbeat, almost Brit-pop type song with all the guitars and drums in the background. A nice introduction, but a strange choice for the opener to an album.
2. Northern Star - One of the first singles to be released off the album, and to be honest, one that I didn't like at all at first. I found it rather mediocre, slow and boring, but after listening to the lyrics more attentively I can see that it is a lot more beautiful that I first thought it was. The lyrics are all about the importance of life and it really makes you think about yourself and how you treat others.
3. Goin' Down - Another single that was released a couple of years ago off this album, this is very rock in its style and is completely different from the rest of the album (except perhaps track 9)
4. I Turn To You (Original) - A bit more relaxed than the version released as a single, this is, in my opinion, and several other people that I know, a much better version. I like it because it makes it more easy-listening whilst still being dance-y enough to fit into that category as well.
5. If That Were Me - The latest song to be released by Mel, this is my personal favourite and the reason why I bought the album. This song is all about the homeless, and the words are really moving. It is a slow accoustic song that, sadly, didn't do that well despite being a brilliant song.
6. Never Be The Same Again (Original) - A duet with Left Eye Lopez from TLC, this slow yet 'pop-py' and beaty track is really easy-listening, and has one of the best choruses of any of the tracks on the album. Yet another to be released as a single, and a Number 1 last year.
7. Why - A slow mix of depression and moving lyrics makes for a song perhaps of a lesser standard than some of the others but interesting all the same. The chorus in this ballad is particularly pleasant as the modulation to a major key gives the song a positive side as well as a negative feel.
8. Suddenly Monday - My favourite song on the album besides If That Were Me, this song is very Beatles' sounding and seems as though it ought to be released 30 years ago. It's a shame that the track is so short (about 2 and a half minutes) as it is really uplifting and brings the 60's back in a scarily likeable revival!
9. Ga Ga - A more hard-core rock sound brings the album turning in a 'Goin Down' feeling of powerful femininity again. This song is one of those that you can't help liking whatever music you are into - kind of a 'Garbage' style. Very pleasing.
10. Be The One - An accoustic guitar and light drums are all that accompany Melanie in this song which is a really pleasing 'relaxed pop' kind of style. More of 'The Corrs' style of music than pop is nowadays, this is yet another variation of style.
11. Closer - Sounding at first slightly like 'The Cardigans', this song is slightly latino and very bright despite it's lack of heavy accompaniment. Contains very strong syncopation (off-beat rhythms) without being overly powerful, which is very minimalistic sounding in a way and often very hypnotising in its sound.
12. Feel the Sun - More like Madonna's 'Music' album than anything else I can think of, the mixture of bizarre background songs and a beat makes this song very easy-listening and relaxing.
13. Never Be The Same Again (Single Mix) only available on special edition CD - This is supposedly the single mix of the original, but to be perfectly honest, I can't tell the difference between the two except for the occasional bar here and there.
14. I Turn To You (Hex Hector Radio Mix) only available on special edition CD - The version of the song that was released, and got to number 1, this tune is definitely the 'danciest' tune on the album. Not a bad song, but, as I said earlier, I think that the other version on the album is a lot better.
I love the album, and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of her work, young or old, as at least some aspects of the album will appeal to all. It is especially worth buying if you like a great range in the styles of music that you listen to. Buy it now!
More Reviews
Scouser Junk Review ofNorthern Star - Melanie Cby
becky_uk
Advantages: Disadvantages:
Northern Star is one of the worst songs that I have ever heard. So how come everybody is buying the album? After hearing the tracks on the album myself, I admit that it has potential. But every song has her whining voice and her screeching singing which spoils the entire song! Her accent could not be any more annoying and the videos that she produces are low budget and no good at all. Mel C should stick to being a Spice Girl and give the solo career ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
This girl will go far!! That's what it should read in Melanie's School reports. This album is fanflippintastic to say the least. 'Goin' down' has all the hallmarks of a terific sports anthem, 'never be the same again' is just lovely and there are some very thought provoking lyrics in the sad but true 'if that were me' which is about the pain of homelessness My least favourite track on this album is 'Northern star' itself, which is not to say it isn't ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: A diverse and very entertaining album Disadvantages: Ummmm can't really find one!
...well! Highlights on Northern Star are the album opener ‘GO’ which is one of the songs co-written and produced by William Orbit, ‘If that were me’ which takes an interesting view on homelessness and the R&B hip-hop influenced ‘Never be the same again’ which features a rap from Lisa Left Eye Lopes. The worst song on the album is ‘Going Down’ which is Melanie’s attempt at rock, although this is not ... ...1. Go [9/10] 2. Northern Star [8/10] 3. Going Down [5/10] 4. I Turn To You [7/10 5. If That Were Me [10/10] 6. Never Be The Same Again (Featuring Lisa Lopez) [10/10] 7. Why [6/10] 8. Suddenly Monday [7/10] 9. Ga Ga [8/10] 10.Be The One [7/10] 11.Closer [8/10] 12.Feel The Sun [8/10] Overall this album is extremely entertaining, if you like any of the songs Melanie has released off this album I strongly recommend you go out and but it NOW! ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Real talent, easy listening Disadvantages: none
...is a brilliant album called Northern Star. I got this for my birthday back in October 2000 and I have listened to it again and again. Everyone's taste in music is different and we all have different interpretations. I will try and give my interpretations of each track on this album and then you can make up your own mind. Go I quite like this song, it has a good beat and Mel C's voice isn't hidden amongst the backing music. The song itself is about ... ...subtle hint !!! Northern Star I feel that this song is about life in general. With all that life throws at us, we can come out the other side and be a much better person. Aim high and you get high and if you fall pick yourself up and start again. If I feel down I put this track on and it makes me feel better. I real "Feel Good" tune. Goin' Down I must admit when I first got this album this was the only track I didn't like. Four months on and it has ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great album, Amazing voice Disadvantages: None.
...first song too!
7/10
Northern Star
A brilliant ballad, about the carrer of Melanie C, her vocal talents sound amazing on the song, and i love it to bits. A brilliant 2nd single but also deserved to be number 1 rahter than 5. Still a good chart placing. 10/10
Goin' Down
Melanie c goes rock and shocked alot of peopl with her first single. One of the best upbeat songs on the album, with rude lyrics a plenty, this song deserved a higher position ... ...To You
Another fantastic tune, a epic of a song which is quite slow an enchating, has some amazing sound effects and a great powerful chorus. This slow version is much better than the fast remix released as a single.
10/10
If That Were Me
The 4th and final single from "Northern Star" is about homlessness and greed. A nice song but a pretty much avarage ballad which doesnt show off Melanie's great vocal talents. Some dodgy lyrics too.
6/10
Never ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: There's a song for everyone, some nice songs Disadvantages: It doesn't catering for one audience and there are some weaker songs on the album
...Mel C - NorthernStar
I bought this on Ebay for £3. I was when I was on an Internet buying spree! My expectation for this album were low as I wasn't really into the Spice Girls and didn't really think much of MelanieC's singing voice. Really I can't remember why the hell I bought this CD but I'm glad it did.
You can buy this CD from Amazon.co.uk for £6.99 and places like HMV, Virgin will stock it too.
Melanie used to be a member of the Spice Girl until they split up. Melanie decided to go solo and released her first solo song, Goin' Down. The critics didn't like it but Melanie continued and toured around the world with her new album NorthernStar which was released in 1999. A newer version with 2 bonus tracks was released a year later.
Now onto the album, the cover is Melanie sat on a rock looking away from the camera...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: great value for all the track you get Disadvantages: some crap songs thrown in
...If you are looking to purchase an album of all the latest chart songs - then look no further than the NOW series of albums.
NOW 44 - consists of 42 top chart hits from earlier part of 1999. Super if like me you are asked to make up tapes for friends to play in their cars.
There is something for everyone on this album - no matter what your tastes are. And it is super value considering you are getting 42 chart hits - you can't really beat it can you.
Hits on NOW 44 are
COMPACT DISC 1
1. BRITNEY SPEARS - BABY ONE MORE TIME
2. SHANIA TWAIN - THAT DON'T IMPRESS ME MUCH
3. LOU BEGA - MANBO NO. 5 ( A LITTLE BIT OF ...)
4. EIFFEL 65 - BLUE (DA BA DEE )
5. STEPS - TRAGEDY
6. GERI HALLIWELL - MI CHICO LATINO
7. ROBBIE WILLIAMS - SHE'S THE ONE
8. RONAN KEATING - WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING AT ALL
9. MELANIEC - NORTHERNSTAR...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: THEY ARE FAB Disadvantages: THEY ARE SO UNDERATED
...‘NorthernStar’ was released.
In November 1999, the second MelanieC single with the same name as the album, ‘NorthernStar’ was released.
In the final month of the millennium, December 1999, the Spice Girls returned to the stage to do four performances in the UK. Five brand new Spice Girls songs were performed for the very first time.
At the end of March 2000, MelanieC's third solo single, ‘Never Be The Same Again’ featuring Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes from TLC was released. It became Mel C's first UK number one hit as it went straight in at number 1 in the chart!
In August 2000, MelanieC topped the UK chart for the second time in a row as her fourth solo single; ‘I Turn To You’ was released.
At the end of September 2000 a third solo single from Melanie B called ‘...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Album Notes: This version of NORTHERN STAR replaces the previous version and contains two bonus tracks. Personnel includes: Melanie C, Bryan Adams (vocals); Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (rap vocals). Producers: Rick Rubin, William Orbit, Craig Armstrong, Marius DeVries, Rick Nowels. Engineers: Gary Thomas, Randall Wine, Chris Fogel. U.K. rerelease contains two bonus cuts--"Never Be The Same Again" (Feat. Lisa Lopes) (Radio Version) and "I Turn To You" (Hex Hector Mix) (Radio Version). The debut solo effort from Melanie C proves that the musical sensibilities of the woman otherwise known as Sporty Spice are informed by far more than just bublegum pop. The majority of these songs are about forced maturation, leaving loved ones behind, and facing up to the realities of a world colored by tragedy, heartache, and emotional pain. William Orbit adds his deft production touch to the album-opening "Go," creating an electronic soundscape at once insurgent and ethereal. Electronics also tinge the fiery "Goin' Down," on which the song's principal character, stung by betrayal, declares "From this little hitch/I have become a superbitch." "If That Were Me" is an affecting composition on which the singer addresses the plight of the homeless. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC fame makes a guest appearance on the catchy "Never Be the Same Again." Even Rick Rubin takes a turn in the production booth for the Beatles-esque romp "Suddenly Monday." Perhaps the album's most inviting track is the bittersweet ballad "Be the One," on which Mel floats through the upper register with grace and ease.
Album Reviews: Rolling Stone (11/11/99, pp.130-2) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Madonna-esque symphonic ballads...Beatle-ish power pop...Garbage-y dance rock...and way more well-sung goodies than you prefab-pop haters might expect....Give it up for Gifted Spice." Spin (1/00, pp.122-3) - 6 out of 10 - "...jacks musical/lyrical phrases from the '60s and '70s, like a girl-powered Oasis....She grabs phrases out of the atmosphere and coos them with all the sweetness she can confabulate....[a] curiously shimmering star-lite in pop's milky way." Q (12/99, p.136) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...a highly competent, brightly burnished pop record....unleashes the rock beast within....there's plenty of variety and, more importantly, some solid tunes. Not bad at all." CMJ (11/22/99, p.22) - "...sassy, charming....Mel is striking out on her own, alive and kicking....Girl power"
Titles on disc 1
1.: Go
2.: Northern Star
3.: Goin' Down
4.: I Turn To You
5.: If That Were Me
6.: Never Be The Same Again - Melanie C & Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes
7.: Why
8.: Suddenly Monday
9.: Ga Ga
10.: Be The One
11.: Closer
12.: Feel The Sun
13.: Never Be The Same Again (single edit) - Melanie C & Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes
14.: I Turn To You (Hex Hector radio mix)
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Listed on Ciao since : 13/06/2000
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