BANDWIDTH: A Popular Culture Electronic Magazine ©2000

Sporting a New Look:
Melanie C's Northern Star

Cosmic Nerd Girl

      Ever since that horrible film, Spice World, (read about their NEW album Forever in this month's issue) I knew that if Mel C aka Sporty Spice pursued a solo career she would be a huge star. The first Mel C song I heard was about a year and a half ago, it was Northern Star, and I immediately fell in love with the song. My interpretation of the song is that a star of old is telling a new star how to take on the pain strife of being famous and how quickly it can be given and taken away. And when I heard I Turn to You and Never be the Same Again, featuring Lisa "Left Eye Lopez" of TLC, I was hooked.

      Mel C's album Northern Star is a mixture of hard core punk, rock, pop, and R&B. This is why I love foreign musicians; they are not afraid to experiment with different sounds. And the fans are not afraid of hearing them do it.

      Mel C's second single to be released I Turn to You, is slowly climbing the charts here in the US. It is an electronica tune that is exhilarating, inspiring, childish, and lovely all at once.

When the world is darker than I can understand
When nothing turns out the way I planned
When the sky turns gray and there's no end in sight
When I can't sleep through the lonely night
I turn to you like a flower leaning towards the sun.
I turn to you. Cos you're the only one.
Who can turn me around when when I'm upside down.
I turn to you.

      But the song on Northern Star that stands out the most is definitely Never be the Same Again, featuring Left Eye. What a track! Putting these two together was a great and unexpected idea that turned into one hell of a powerful song. Left Eye along with Mel C. have proven beyond a doubt that their musical talents can hold their separate from their respective group mates.

I call you up whenever things go wrong.
You're always there. You are my shoulder to cry on.
I can't believe it took me quite so long.
To take the forbidden step.
Is something that I might regret.
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
A lonely heart that can't be tamed.
I'm hoping that you feel the same.
This is something I can't forget.
I thought that we would just be friends.
Things will never be the same again.

      Mel C. proves that it is possible for musicians to merge various music styles and retain artistic integrity. If you are a Spice Girls fan this is a delightful outgrowth, and has only helped Melanie grow as a Spice Girl. And if you just a music fan looking for something different, deep, easy to listen to and just plain rocking, then you need to get this CD. You will not be disappointed.

      Comments and or questions about this article can be sent to Cosmic Nerd.