Tracks:
Go!
Northern Star
Goin' Down
I Turn To You
If That Were Me
Never Be The Same Again
Why
Suddenly Monday
Ga Ga
Be The One
Closer
Feel The Sun
Never Be The Same Again (Single Mix)
I Turn To You (Hex Hector Radio Mix)
Performer 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.
Professional 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!"
Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo
Country: USA
Studio/Live: Studio
Guest Artist: Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopez
Release Date: 28 August, 2000
Label: Pre Play
Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.2 x 1.4 centimeters (0.04 kg)