Melanie C was the more mysterious of the spice girls. She was the quietest of the quintet, then the quietest of the quartet. Then, she capped one of her teeth in gold, had tattoos applied to her upper arms, and her lower back. She got very fit. General consensus suggested that she was the best singer of the bunch, and the most down to earth. She was likeable, but never quite shone to her full potential.

After Geri Haliwell left the group, the rest carried on without her. Even though they still performed together as a group, each one in turn has followed in Geri's footsteps and pursued a solo career too. Mel C was, and fact still is the best performer out of the Quintet. Her style is second to non and after heading down to California studios to work with some top artists, made her first debut album. The result 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 falling in and out of love. " Gotta go and find a new direction", obviously not happy with being treated like a doormat, decides to go and find love elsewhere. Could this be a 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 really grown on me. It screams punk rock and Mel C doesn't really sing ...but yells the lyrics. This was her first release in her solo career and I think she wrote this as a clear transition stage from Spice to solo. Mel C is a lover of punk rock and although this is the only one on the album, she's saying "Look. here I am, "

I turn to you.

This is the original version that was recorded before the it was re-mixed a re-released as a dance single. I don't think it is as good as the dance version... but the idea was there. Turn to you feels like one of those songs you can dedicate to a loved one as it has all the meaningful lyrics. " When I need inspiration, I look to you for advice" and "I turn to you, like a flower meets the sun" all tell me that there is a unison between singer and who the song was written for. Was it her family? A friend? Or a loved one?? Who knows.. but it a really meaningful song

If that were me.

I'm not sure how or why but this song brings me to tears every time I listen to it Softy eh?.. Primarily Mel C wrote the song about the homeless in cities. Coming from a background that was not great.. she really put some thought and expression into this track. " I can't even live without my phone, but you don't even have a home " and " When its cold, is it hope that keeps you warm" really pull on my heart strings. I suppose really its not just about the homeless, but its about all of us. We should be thankful in what we have as there is always someone worse off than us in life.

Never be the same again.

Mel C does a duet with Jennifer "Left Eye" Lopes and was released after Northern Star. I get the feeling that this track was written for a male friend and things progressed into a relationship. Not necessarily Mel C but for anyone who has crossed that barrier between friendship and love and maybe found that it hasn't worked out. As indeed we all need to be friends before we can love, but as with all relationships if that friendship goes, so does the love. I really like this song to. It has a relaxing, easy listening quality to it. Both " Left Eye" and Mel C enhance each other voices.

Why?
This is a really moody, sultry track in which Mel C is sings about a break-up of a relationship. I like this one.. but the lyrics are a bit lacking in some way. I think its constant WHY throughout the track.. but that's what the tracks called so I suppose I should of expected that.

Suddenly Monday

Yes I feel like that.. weekends go too fast! LOL.

This track is a up tempo track about the fun we all have in a relationship and the weekends. Its a nice song but a little short, just under 3 minutes long!

Ga Ga

Sounds like my younger daughter!! Ga Ga is another upbeat track but I'm not sure what's its all about. Perhaps its about how we all go Ga Ga when we meet someone we are fascinated with. " Crazy, stupid.. wanting you" " Dark thoughts needs satisfying" A fun track. .if not a little lusty!

Closer

This is one of my favourites on this album. Its a beautiful ballad which creates a lovely atmosphere of love. " How tight can you hold me" and " how much love can we make" gives me the impression that the song is meant for someone close to Mel C's heart. We all want to be held tight, loved and cherished. This track expresses that fact very well.

Feel the Sun

This is another ballad and Mel C is either singing about Spirituality or Religion. Its a beautiful track which is slow and atmospheric. I feel that this record is asking for guidance from someone, if not from religion but from herself. We all need some sort of guidance from something. Whether from Family, friends, faith or ourselves. " Life has begun, now I will be safe from the storm" "This angel's my salvation" " I'm feeling strong, I can never fall "

There is also 2 re-mixes of " I turn to you" and "Never be the same again" Both of which are good. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes easy listening, meaningful music. I think Mel C will go far in the music industry and she has a great voice. Although I do like Geri and Mel B, I feel that Mel C will be the most successful out of the Spice girls. I'm sorry if my interpretation of the album is about love and relationships, but I feel that she has experienced life first hand and wants people to know about it.

The only criticism I have of this album is not about Mel C but about the album cover. The cover opens out into one page, in 5 sections. The lyrics are included but instead of going from left to right down each section, they go right across all the sections. This makes it extremely hard to read or follow, but who reads them anyway!
This album is still in the charts so go and buy it at all major records stores.