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Geri Halliwell''Schizophonic/' CapitolfSOAThe early word on this was that it was a drastic change from the Artist Formerly Known as Ginger Spice’s past. That it was eclectic, daring, unusual (for her), even strong enough to convince us she has talent beyond simply being a celebrity.Who spreads these wacky rumors? Next they’ll be trying to convince us that Ginger is up for a U.N. goodwill ambassadorship. Oh, wait ...As it is, Geri Halliwell’s solo debut, “Schizophonic” (in stores Tuesday) may serve as the final element in her startling transformation from tart to true star, but musically it’s merely a thin cutabove the Spice Girls’ brainless pop.Which in its own way can be wildly entertaining. As if to prove she’s got more moves than her former mates combined, Geri’s first single, “Look at Me,” strikes quick, a deliciously lusty bit of Shirley Bassey fun that’s a bit like the Propellerheads’ “History Repeating” made (even more) mainstream. jTo her credit, she matches the excitement of that one more than once, notably on the closing, perhaps self-examinatory “You’re in a Bubble” and the cool samba of “Let Me Love You,” while the gentle swing of “Goodnight Kiss” outdoes the cooing sexiness of the Spicers’ own tease, “Too Much.”But those moments are few. The bulk of “Schizophonic” is pulp pop that only does an ade quate job remaking greater artists, including Madonna (“Mi Chico Latino” may be Geri’s attempt to cash in on the Latin craze but it sounds like “La Isla Bonita”) and pal George Michael (whose polite funk informs “Bang It Up” here).It certainly shows that Geri, like Sporty or Scary, is better off alone and has a great deal of potential. But for now it’s all imagined, just like her supposed musical reincarnation from fluff to finery. “I can even 60 reality,” she boasts early on. Not yet she can’t.You might enjoy if you like:early George Michael or Madonna, Gloria Estefan, the Spice GirlsB.W,MORE REVIEWS: Jazz albums on Page 55. Soundtrack LPs on Page 56.
Newspaper Details
Santa Ana Orange County Register
Santa Ana, California, US
Fri, Jun 11, 1999
Page 134
Full Page
Clipped by
Critic A.
NA, 02 Jan 2025
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