(3 / 5)
Melanie C returns with her latest solo album “Sweat”, nearly six years since her last full length project, 2020’s self-titled LP ( which reached # eight in the UK chart).
“Sweat” marks not only a personal best for her in the charts, peaking at #3 in the UK chart after its 1st May release, but it is also the highest charting solo album of any Spice Girls member. She also topped the Official Record Store Chart after an extensive tour of independent UK record stores.
So what’s 52-year-old Lancashire lass Melanie been quietly cooking up in London, Stockholm and Sydney, between her “in-demand” DJ sets? Based on the album cover image and promo’ videos, clearly plenty of hardcore gym sessions!
The 13-song set kicks off with the title track which leans into the brand of Mel C the sporty and energetic one, now rocking her fantastic abs. Sampling Diana Ross’s “Work That Body”, this bouncy dance track could be straight out of an 80s workout video – which is exactly the point. It’s catchy, fun, with a great bassline and sets the tone for the rest of the record, which transports us to a sweaty, hazy, heaving dance floor.
Melanie Chisholm takes us on a journey with this album; building up the energy, but also leaving room for a breather. The vibe nods heavily to 90s rave-inspired beats, some of which would slot nicely into a Becky Hill or even Martin Garrix set.
Track # five, “Pressure” brings thumping bass and a trance-y bridge that would surely be a dead cert floor filler at most clubs. She slows the pace down a touch in the second half of the album, closing on the hypnotic “Flick of the Wrist”.
If you were looking for deep or heavily autobiographical lyrics – that’s not really here, but it doesn’t need to be. There’s introspection and strong themes of being independent dotted throughout all of the songs. “I’m cynical, hypocritical. Thought I’d learned this time,” she admits on “Emotional Memory”, and warns “If you try to take me down, I’ll fly” in “Undefeated Champion”.
“Cashmere” is the most lyrically-driven song, an easy-going, breezy track that describes an exciting new relationship. There’s enough of an emotional hook with each song to bring us onboard and maybe as the playlist to get through that last gym set.
Overall, this album, her ninth solo offering, isn’t breaking any boundaries but it’s a decent, solid, fun, spicy (see what I did there?) dance album; and the uptempo cuts here are ready-made summer festival bangers – or for your very own kitchen disco!
By Fran Parry
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’
(3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
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