Customer Reviews

Free Me

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4 star:		(23)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Thumbing her button nose at current chart trends Emma (Bunton, once Baby Spice, now seems to prefer simply 'Emma') has come up with something of a surprise with this contemporary and sophisticated pastiche of 1960's Swinging London, Bossa Nova and bubblegum music. It's a brave move, and a very successful one.

'Free Me' matches Emma's honeyed vocals against equally lush orchestral arrangements, Latin cocktail rhythms and excellent pop songs evocative of Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch, Antonio Carlos Jobim and James Barry. She channels the spirit of 60's Brit girls such as Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black, evokes the lounge calm of Astrud Gilberto and even mixes in the charm of Motown and early 70's easy listening. I'm sensing we're seeing an artist more in control of her output than in the past (the album title alone seems to suggest this, also, Emma has co-written all but one track on the album).

'Maybe' (also a single) is the stand-out track with an infectious melody and its lush Georgie Fame rhythms. The natural extension of the song is the brilliant campy film clip with its way-out Vogue `69 fashions and crazy choreography. I only wish there was a 'Movin' With Nancy' (Sinatra) style TV special to accompany the whole album. There's a touch of James Bond ('Free Me' and 'No Sign of Life'), pop anthems ('I'll Be There') and musical hooks at every turn ('Tomorrow', 'Breathing'). The solitary cover (and current UK single) is 'Crickets Sing for Annamaria' (originally by Latin maestro Marcus Valle). Although perhaps more obviously suited to, say, Bebel Gilberto, Emma pulls it off magnificently. 'Lay All Your Love On Me' co-penned by Cathy Dennis (Kylie, Britney hit machine) is more cute than the chart-blazer I was expecting, but excellent nonetheless.

'Who the Hell Are You' reminds a little of Emma's Spice Girls past (and not just because of the title) and 'Amazing' is the song they should have left off the album. As she has side-stepped current fashion for longevity and quality I doubt this album will age the way that the records of many of her contemporaries do. Even her Spice sisters, I mean, will you be listening to Geri Halliwell's "Scream If You Want to Go Faster" five years from now? Are you listening to it now? Who's Geri Haliwell?

After a strong start and solid centre 'Free Me' does lose a little steam towards the end but overall it's a brilliant example what a great pop album can be: Fun, catchy, memorable and all without pandering to the trends of the current market.

Anyone can disregard the Spice Girls as a fad act or a manufactured band that catered to a certain passing trend. However, that would be the judgment of a person lacking in knowledge when it comes to popular music - a genre overlooked as phony, but in reality, is a culture-rich category of music that is nothing but a reflection of our time.
The Spice Girls conquered the world from Japan to the USA, breaking the stateside consistence on delivering "real" music and ushering in an era of pop. Yes, it was the Spice Girls who made it possible for bands like *N Sync and artists like Britney Spears to break it big. Notice pop music in the early nineties before the Spice fever - it was at a low-point with nothing identifying pop but a few British boy bands and big time divas, who also shied into the R&B field for sanctuary from pop-phobia, a la Janet Jackson and Toni Braxton.
After the Spice Girls' skyrocketing success came a fast downfall, however, with Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) leaving the band in pursuit of a solo career, which every single one of them would meander into later.
Halliwell released the widely-appreciated Schizophonic, with hits such as "Look at Me," "Lift Me Up" and "Bag It Up." The ginger one also released a yoga video and a sophomoric slump, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster, with the title track "Calling," and her rendition of The Weather Girls' classic, "It's Raining Men" as singles. The latter also appeared on the soundtrack of Bridget Jones' Diary.
The four other spices stuck together for one more album, Forever, then embarked on solo careers.
Melanie C (Sporty Spice) managed to be the most successful of the members with her incomparable debut Northern Star. The release contained many hits such as "Northern Star," "Going Down," a collaboration with the late Lisa `Left-Eye' Lopes titled "Never Be the Same Again" and the number one dance track that still frequents the dance floors, "I Turn To You." Her second album, Reason, did not receive the same amount of triumph but would have its moments with "Here It Comes Again," "On the Horizon," "Melt" and the rowdy "Yeh Yeh Yeh."
Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) and Melanie B (Scary Spice) both suffered with their solo careers. Posh became the target of British tabloid with her famous husband while releasing a self-titled album that lacked in quality and delivered two measly-put singles: "Not Such an Innocent Girl" and "A Mind of Its Own." Her only real hit is a collaboration with the Truesteppers and Dane Bowers, of Another Level fame, on the track "Out Of Your Mind."
Posh is now attempting a second chance on her solo career with the double A-side "This Groove / Let Your Head Go."
Scary Spice, on the other hand, delivered one of the most overlooked albums of the pop era. Hot was a no-nonsense dance filler that included her effort with Missy Elliot, "I Want You Back." Hot had strong singles that were generally forgotten by the public. Songs like "Tell Me," "Feels So Good" and the ode to her baby, "Lullaby," were all melodically pleasing.
The fifth member of the Spice Girls still has a lot to prove. Emma Bunton first burst out as a solo artist collaborating with Tin Tin Out on "What I Am," originally by Mary Curran. Then came the singles from her debut, A Girl Like Me. She started off with "What Took You So Long?" and the simply gorgeous "Take My Breath Away." Then came "We're Not Gonna Sleep Tonight," which was like every single on the album - a hit, but not close enough to be considered a smash.
This time around, Bunton releases her sophomoric effort, Free Me, with three singles already out. The album sounds like a concept release with its unashamed approach at mimicking the swinging 60s. "Free Me" is included and the shaky "Maybe" sets the mood for the album. Moreover, the latest single, "I'll Be There," stands out as a well-worked-for hit.
The album is steady in sound without too much experimentation. Songs, whether slow like "No Sign of Life," or jittery like "Crickets Sing for Anamaria," all have bellbottomed flair to them. Even the album sleeve looks like it was taken off of a 12" record.
"Lay Your Love on Me" is whistle-catchy, while "Amazing" featuring Luis Fonsi, is reminiscent of George Michael's album-cuts. A highlight on the album is "Tomorrow," which sounds a bit like the Spice Girl's smash "Stop."
It is hard to determine what direction Emma Bunton is taking on Free Me; however, this album does not take risks, yet encompasses a taste of its own that is not widely available in pop format.

A 21st Century Petula Clark. And believe me, that IS NOT an insult.

Despite this being Emma Bunton's second time around as a solo artist, 'Free Me' is actually her first disc to be released in America. In 2001, Virgin Records oversaw the release of her first album, 'A Girl Like Me,' which was not released in the US market. Shortly after they dumped her from their roster.

Yet out of her departure with Virgin came 'Free Me,' Bunton's more mature, sophomore effort overseen by 19 Records. On her first album Bunton hadn't quite found her sound. It was a bit erratic and possessed a hodge podge of pop tracks mixed with lite R&B tracks, whereas 'Free Me' possesses a unique 60s sound reminiscent of Petula Clark. Working closely with music guru Simon Fuller and 19 Recordings, Emma managed to find her sound and craft an album that is not only timeless but original.

The album's opener and title track, 'Free Me,' possesses a sexy James Bond theme with a heavenly chorus and lush horn sounds. Bunton's voice sounds ever so sweet and blends wonderfully with the rich instruments found on this track. What follows is 'Maybe,' the album's pinnacle and arguably one of the most infectious pop songs of the last decade. Straight out of the 60s, Emma works her magic with catchy 'ba da ba da ba' bits strewn over a bossanova beat that includes light drums, pianos, and horns. It's a blast from the past pop song that one might expect to find as the themesong to an Austin Powers film. And 'I'll Be There' is crafted in the same light. It's dramatic and includes a big, sing-out-loud chorus and a fantastic instrumental breakdown.

'Breathing' is a stand out track which features more of Emma's sweet as candy vocals that drip over subtle maracas and light drums. The long player picks up with another album gem, 'Crickets Sing For Anamaria,' which despite its odd title is an interesting piece. Although it is a cover song and a difficult one at that, Emma manages to make it all her own. Rising up to the challenge, she glides through the difficult, quick chorus with ease. It deviates from the 60s theme slightly in that it is very Latin influenced. It's a definite contender with 'Maybe' for the title of the most unique song on the album.

Midway through the album Emma adopts a bit of an attitude in 'Who The Hell Are You?' Yet her vocals retain the same sweetness found throughout 'Free Me,' despite singing a song about being jilted by a lover. 'I know what I like, I don't like you very much. Here's one thing you can do, stay out of touch,' sings Bunton in the breakdown before the drums kick back in and she dives back into the chorus. 'Lay Your Love On Me,' which follows, is a sexy Cathy Dennis penned track that see's Emma back to oozing sex appeal and talking about the birds and the bee's.

The 60s fest comes to an end with 'Something So Beautiful,' a number where Emma's light, sometimes whispery vocals sound incredible as they intertwine with horns and strings before being joined by light drums. The disc finishes with two fantastic dance remixes of the title track, 'Free Me,' by Dr. Octavo and Full Intention. While the Full Intention mix is superb, the Dr. Octavo mix goes one step further and surrounds Emma's vocals with swirling synth sounds that turn the song into an anthematic club stomper.

While artists like Britney Spears and Hilary Duff rely on electronic music, Emma opts for live instruments. Rich sounds and tone color are heard through the album. 'Free Me' is a triumph, a real delightful throwback to 60s music that would have been wasted had one of Bunton's contemporaries tried to make this album.

I'm pleasantly surprised by this album. Emma Bunton has crafted an album of late 60's popular sounds, but it still has a contemporary element to it. The majority of songs have bossa nova, salsa, classic Motown, and period film soundtrack elements to them. Fans of Mantovani, Burt Bacharach, and Sergio Mendes productions who are looking for something new or more pop should be interested in this album.

None of the songs on the album come across as filler; however, some tracks do stand out more than others and here are a few highlights:

1. "Free Me" - A classic production; breezy and relaxed bossa nova, like a James Bond theme.

2. "Maybe" - Catchy and so adorable! A samba rhythm and piano arrangement similar to Sergio Mendes' classic "Mas Que Nada," although the vocal is more Anglo/American go-go dancing than Latin. The video is notable (not included) for its Bob Fosse influence.

3. "I'll Be There" - Probably the strongest radio song on the album. It begins like a sad, longing Spanish ballad, but the bridge picks up the tempo and the chorus is Motown at its heyday (Think Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terelle). Very uplifting.

5. "Breathing" - A mysterious but somehow energetic song. Although the rhythm is Latin, the melody and chord arrangement are classic rock: Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" (an incredible song to take inspiration from).

6. "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" - A fast tropical salsa, Emma's vocal delivery is almost tongue-in-cheek, which adds some humor to the album.

13. "Free Me [Octavio Edit]" - A dance mix that ups the energy of the otherwise breezy song. It keeps the sexiness, especially in the fading, "free me.." vocal. Bringing the song up to dance tempo (~126-128 BPM), however, has distorted the chorus vocals a bit.

These are just a few highlights and the album has no skip-worthy tracks - an accomplishment nowadays. My only critique would be that some of the track sequencing could be better. This album is so good, it would be even better if the songs fit together like one continuous piece. As it is, it's more a collection of very good, stylized pop songs - which is not a bad thing!

I've been a Spice Girls fan for about seven years now. I followed the group when they headed back into the European/UK pop scene, & watched each of the five girls start solo careers. Most don't know that Emma had her first single back in 1999, her cover of Edie Brickell's "What I Am", her first album "A Girl Like Me" followed in early 2001. Emma has always been hard at work delivering above average pop for quite sometime.

Flash forward to today & Emma has become one of the most successful of the former Spice Girls. "Free Me", which I purchased last February when released in the UK for $35 bucks, is an excellent chill-out/lounge record with '60's influences of Motown, bossa nova, & jazz to name a few.

The record is nothing but lush, from it's orchestrated soundscapes on tracks such as the romantic "Something So Beautiful" or "Tomorrow". But those who want more than ballads will also be satisfied with the upbeat tropical romp of "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" or sassy bounce of "Maybe". The record is something that anyone can listen to; an aspect of any great pop record.

Now the remixes tagged onto the end is what got this album considered for a US release. Unless you are into the club scene these remixes really won't do much for you, & you might want to consider purchasing the original version. I myself now own a UK & US copy of this astounding pop record.

While it is doubtful that Emma will find as much success with this album as she did on the UK Singles & Album charts, it isn't a bad starting point for working in the States.

After Free Me has stormed the UK and Europe and many other countries in Asia and Latin America; it is finally comming to the USA! Free Me is one of the best pop albums to come out, ever, even said so by album reviewers of many shows and magazines. She will be on Regis and Kelly performing her hit single "Free Me" January 26, 2005! Check it out!

01. Free Me / A very good song, one of the favorites to my friends. Very good first single choice. 9/10
02. Maybe / Definately the most single potential track on the album, one of my favorites and definately my friends favorite. I hope it gets a good remix in the US to make it a sure fire hit. 10/10
03. I'll Be There / I love this song, period. This is a pure example of how this album defines a genre in todays music scene. 10/10
04. Tomorrow / A great song, romantic, would go well over on adult alternative stations and pop. 9/10
05. Breathing / US single potential, should be released in Europe if 19/Universal decide to release any more singles of the album. 9/10
06. Crickets Sing For Anamaria / Catchy, remake, fan favorite. Should have been a good succesful record? I think its the crazy almost english she is speaking. 7/10
07. No Sign Of Life / One of the better slower songs on this album. This track, if you were living under a rock in the UK, you would think it was Olivia Newton John. 8/10
08. Who The Hell Are You? A great 60's sounding pop song. Uptempo, would make a great radio/single sales hit. 10/10
09. Lay Your Love On Me / This is another reason to buy the album. It's full of amazing songs such as this one. 8/10
10. Amazing (feat. Luis Fonsi) This song is a big, um Frank Sinatra. Not one of the better ones, but some people will like it. 6/10
11. You Are / Not alot of people know this but, this song was not intended to be on the album at first, thank god they did because its a great song and only makes an awsome CD better. 9/10
12. Something So Beautiful / This is a prime example of her simplicity can be the ingredients for an absolutely awsome song. The way it's written, the beat, everything is perfect to end out this amazing CD. 10/10

Bounus Tracks:
13. Free Me (Dr. Octavo Seduction Radio Edit) The best remix to "Free Me" that could possibly be made! Im looking foward to this CD in America so I can have this song on an official album! 12/10 (Cause I can do that lol)
14. Free Me (Full Intentions Freed Up Radio Edit) Hmmm, whyd this put this on here? Dont we already have a remix to "Free Me" on the album? O well, it got play on dance radio so what the hell, put it on their! 8/10 (Would have much better of had a remix to "Maybe.")

Since I was a kid in the 1960's, I've always enjoyed the pop sounds of that era. The lounge sounds of Burt Bacharach, Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66, of "Look of Love" Dusty Springfield and Marilyn McCoo. And, I thought original music in the genre had long since disappeared, only to be enjoyed on reissued CD's and the occassional James Bond rerun (Connery only).

Well, here it is again in the sounds of Bunton on "Free Me". In a word, this is a "lush" album. Frankly, I was surprised. My daughter was but a moderate Spice Girls fan, and I would only get an ear of their music through her door. Didn't know much about them. But, a while back I was poaching the books while drinking my coffee at Borders when I heard something over the PA I hadn't heard in a long time--original 1960's influenced melodies. When the clerk told me who the artist was, I admitted to having never heard of her (I didn't know any of the Spice Girls by name only) but bought the album on the spot and took it home.

I have a vintage 1968 Corvette in which I pretty much only play vintage 1960's music. But the "Free Me" album is a great interface for pure pleasure driving the car--especially at night. This album is simply SUPERB, lush, in evoking moods--much in ways of Bacharach, Sinatra, and Springfield.

Bunton is spot-on with regards to vocal timbre of the 1960's, but even more impressive are the orchestral arrangements. It is quite apparent that no expense was spared in the hiring of top notch musicians for this album. The album is well-made. After listening through a few times, set your player to Random to see just how nicely produced is each song. Insofar as Bunton was also a co-writer on each song, this just proves that she had a sense of wanting to capture the important pop tonalities of the 1960's from the start.

Ironically, the only time the album lags is when she departs from the '60's pop sound for a modern duet ("Amazing") that sounds like the theme to the 1980's Bruce Willis/Sibyl Shepard "Moonlighting" television show. Odd, and out of place, the inclusion of this one.

Otherwise, an excellent effort from Bunton that is highly recommended for someone looking for music influenced by the 1960's atomic lounge pop sounds. It's lush, it's fun, it's romantic, and it's a different sound for today--especially in a top-down 'Vette in the summer nightime city. I very much hope she stays with this for a while.

If I heard some young person listening to this I would do a double take. In a negative/anger infested music scene this is an absolute surprise, and I never thought I'd be digging an ex-Spice Girl's tunes. It's light, breezy, melodic, huge orchestrations, much in the vein of vintage Swing Out Sister. Mucho recommended, pretty much all of the tracks are very enjoyable and worth a purchase.

Well, she totally took her time to come back to the music bizz. I'm so glad she did that!. Her new album, Free Me, is an outstanding combination of '60s tunes and trendy pop beats. I'm sure American people will love it, so I encourage you all to purchase it, trust me, it'll be worth it. Personally, I enjoy every single track on the album, though my favs are Maybe, Free Me, Breathing and No Signs of life (It should have been a single in Europe!).
It's time for everybody to start giving the solo Spices a chance. They're damn good!, get rid of all kinds of prejudice, sit back and enjoy what pop music is all about.