Forever, the new CD from the Spice Girls, proves that these ladies plan on being known FOREVER. This is the Spice Girls first album since the sudden departure of Geri Halliwell, aka, Ginger Spice. And while many touted Geri Halliwell's departure would be the end of the Spice reign, as the members went off to have families and solo projects (see this month's review of Melanie C's, aka Sporty Spice, Northern Star CD); the Spice Girls had different plans.

      Forever is a mature Rhythm and Blues album, full of sexy songs, and still plenty of GIRL POWER! Many of the songs were produced by Darkchild; who also produced songs for other hit musicians like Toni Braxton and the Backstreet Boys (See this month's issue for a review of their album Black and Blue).

      The first single off of the album, Holler, which has been a hit all around the world, and had just begun to climb the charts here in the US, is a hot and heavy song about women's sexuality. It is a strong, tasteful song, which will bring the Spice Girls a broader audience. I first heard the song and saw the video on Canada's answer to music television, Much Music. The video is set in a futuristic, virtual reality room, with each of the Spice Girls (who all go by their real names on this CD), interfacing in a very sexual manner with several hot young men. This video, as well as, the ballad, Let Love Lead the Way are available for viewing on the Forever CD.

      This album will in the same fashion as their past two CDS give the Spice Girls plenty of radio play, with tracks like Let Love Lead the Way, the pop/R&B, Tell Me Why (a Darkchild Production), and the very independent, sexually charged Weekend Love.

A weekend love is all it was
Nothing serious because
We're playing games, we're only young
Get with it, it was just a weekend love

      Also on this CD is the Goodbye track. It was released several years ago when Halliwell left the group. It is a beautiful ballad about growing, separating, and good luck. Whether all of what is said in the song is sincere is another story, but the words and music are beautiful.

Listen little child, there will come a day
When you will be able, able to say
Never mind the pain, or the aggravation
You know there's a better way,
For you and me to be

      So Spice fans rejoice! No matter what their detractors say, it is a given that the Spice Girls have woven themselves into the psyche of world music history. Forever proves that it is possible for a group of virtual strangers to form a group, develop bonds, identities, suffer under media scrutiny, publicly be harassed, and survive to create great music. Viva la Spice! The Spice Girls are Forever!

      Comments and or questions about this review can be sent to CosmicNerd@ybfree.com.

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