Album Review: Melanie C – Sweat

Melanie C has arguably always been the runaway member of the Spice Girls. Her brilliant vocals have led her from an excellent feature spot on Bryan Adam’s hit Now You’re Gone, to a standout debut solo album the year after, and she’s continued to grown artistically in those twenty-five plus years. Now, on album nine, Mel is sounding firmly on the modern music pulse.

The title track opens Sweat with a pulsating rhythm and a vocal that’s direct and engaging. Its reminiscent of early 2000s dance, but sounds crisp and modern at the same time. Melanie maintains restraint across the entire track, letting the guitar and vocal samples do the talking until the last minute of the song, where she emerges to hint at the side of her we all know. Drum Machine keeps the pace but sees Mel truly arrive. A song about putting yourself first but being open to fall for someone again, its pounding bass and unstoppable beat hold hints of drum and bass. Following track What Could Possibly Go Wrong switches up into 80s territory with an arpeggiated synth and low-fi, distorted chorus line, but keeps the ball rolling. Till It Breaks feels like a breather in the mix, but Pressure builds gradually to a euphoric drop that keeps up throughout the runtime. The filters over the synths throw back to the Modjo classic Lady (Here Me Tonight), a reference that is both welcome and perfect.

Emotional Memory and Attitude use similar euro-dance ascetics, the latter especially with its funk-inspired guitar lines and synth filters. The former moves on a slightly calmer wave but keeps the beat strong and driving. Good For Nothing is more of the same, leading into Undefeated Champion, which proves to be one of the best tracks on the album. The vocal lines manage to show off multiple different aspects to Melanie’s range, the tune is catchy, and it incorporates all of the elements used previously to create a top-tier pop song. Cashmere can’t live up to the previous song but knows it, working with raggaeton influences to create a dreamy atmosphere. Free To Love has echoes of September’s Cry for You, while One Track Mind starts off slow but builds into an atmospheric semi-ballad. Closer Flick Of The Wrist returns to where the album began, with plucky synths, a more low-key vocal, and a workout-worthy beat. 

Sweat is a concept-tight record, pushing along for its entire runtime with little rest time. Musically it’s consistent, tight and flawless, and Melanie’s vocals are on point. It’s a fine comeback after six years, and is certain to leave listeners excited for the live shows to come.

Ryan Bulbeck

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.