Reason [Import]

Melanie C | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 31, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Import
• ASIN: B00008G9GJ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,598 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Melanie C is back with 'Reason', the follow-up to her multi-platinum debut 'Northern Star' (1999). An album that shows her displaying a new vocal warmth & maturity, she has teamed up with a stellar collection of songwriters & producers this time to create an album that is certainly not the work of a manufactured pop puppet. Melanie's raft of collaborators include Gregg Alexander (New Radicals, Ronan Keating), Marius De Vries (Madonna), Dr Robert of the Blow Monkeys, & David Arnold (Bjork). Melanie has also got back in the studio with the man who was behind her first ever number one as an artist - Matt Rowe, writer of the Spice Girl's 'Wannabe'. Includes the single 'Here It Comes Again'. 12 tracks. Virgin. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful but Somewhat Bland, May 1, 2005

By 

C. Heath "Lyricweaver" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reason (Audio CD)

Melanie C's debut album "Northern Star" was well-received by both fans and critics. Her strength as a solo artist shined in songs like "I Turn To You" and "Never Be The Same Again". While her debut had strength and was musically diverse, Melanie had yet to impress with her vocals, and the inconsistent styles displayed throughout her debut made the flow from song to song rugged.

The recent release of Melanie C's latest effort, "Beautiful Intentions", shows Melanie has come into her own as a glamorous and feminine (but still strong in spirit) rocker. Her second album "Reason" falls somewhere in between the sparkly melodies of "Northern Star" and the harsh honesty of "Beautiful Intentions". Clearly, Melanie's singing is far more impressive on "Reason" than on her debut. The melodies are laid back, and most of the songs featured on the album would sit comfortably in the adult contemporary genre. There's a charming closeness surrounding "Reason"; somehow, the songs seem familiar upon hearing them for the first time. This familiarity, though extremely inviting at times, can often seem somewhat uninspired and, dare I say it, boring. However, Melanie's song writing is to be commended, and in particular, her lyrics are insightful and thought provoking.

Most of the tunes on "Reason" adopt a sunny and positive vibe. Even the sad songs have silver linings of hope and optimism. "Lose Myself in You" and "Positively Somewhere" both come to the conclusion that it's ok to be uncertain of what the future holds, whether it's in a romantic relationship or at the turning point of ones life. "Melt" and "Water" both have simple but gorgeous introductions, including acoustic guitars and subtle backing chords. Most songs have a lazy-summer-day disposition, but there are several moments of glory on "Reason", including the peppy and inspirational "On The Horizon", which features brass instruments and has a very infectious beat. Other favorites include the soulful and relaxing "Do I", with some of Melanie's best vocals on the album (her lower range sounds beautiful here). In "Let's Love" we get a sample of what was to come with Melanie's newest album "Beautiful Intentions"; it's easily the hardest rocking song on the album, with strong electric guitars and a lyrical intensity. Perhaps the best moment of the album comes with "Home", featuring Melanie's vocals stretching successfully from soft and lush to loud and commanding. The musical production in the song is also worth mentioning; there's a lovely balance of guitars, sparkly keyboards and intense chords.

Overall, "Reason" is a soothing sound to the ears. It isn't very innovative, but it sounds comfortable. The album's flow is much smoother than "Northern Star" and the lyrics are more pleasant to listen to. In spite of all that, I would still recommend "Northern Star" over this. "Reason" is so laid back; it's less impressive and more simplistic. Even though the album shines as a whole, emotionally moving and climactic moments are few and far between. If you really want to go for an emotional ride, I'd recommend Melanie's newest album "Beautiful Intentions". But these lighthearted tunes make this album an avenue worth exploring.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish she would come state-side, August 4, 2003

By 

J. Powell (Tampa, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reason (Audio CD)

Being a fan in the states, it had been awhile since I had heard anything from Melanie C. I was listening to "Northern Star" one day and decided to check out her website to see if a new album had come out. And indeed it had.

I rushed down to my local music store and checked to see if they had her disc as an import and indeed they did. And I haven't stopped listening to it since. It was little more pricey than usual CD's because it was an import but it was well worth the buy.

This album is a completely different sound than "Northern Star." It's a lot less "diverse", I suppose. You won't hear anything like "Going Down" or "Ga Ga" on it, and in fact, it's much more instrumental and pop-driven like "Northern Star", "Closer" and "I Turn to You". But Mel's vocals are so well handled it's hard to imagine disliking any song on the album.

"Here it Comes Again" is mildly catchy; "Reason", although I don't believe it's the strongest track on the album holds it's own very well and is so sweet, the way a ballad should be; "Lose Myself in You" is melodic in it's beats, and flows nicely; "Positively Somewhere" is cheeringly positive and upbeat; "Melt" frightenly hypnotic and peaceful; "Do I" is a simple song but that's what's so great about it; "Soul Boy" is fantastic and unique to anything else I've heard in awhile; "Water" is okay, sounds like something you might hear in a coffee house; "Home", "Let's love" and "Yeh Yeh Yeh" are the best songs on the album. Dark and haunting, I like the chorus on "Home", and "Let's Love" and "Yeh, Yeh, Yeh" is the stuff dance-pop addicts like myself crave.

I wish Melanie C were more successful in the states. Hopefully Virgin will try to bring her back into the States. I think she's enormously talented and gifted and wish she would get all the credit she deserves. I know a lot of people across the ocean here still would stereotype her because she was a Spice Girl but I think songs like "Yeh, Yeh, Yeh" and "Here it Comes Again" could change our minds even more so. People would probably be surprised she's lasted this long but we all know why. Come back to us, Mel C!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thousands of reasons!, March 1, 2003

By 

M-A-T (UK) - See all my reviews

Reviewer: M-A-T from UK
Well, I bought this CD and now there is no chance to stop listening to it! Here are my first impressions:
> 1 Here It Comes Again: very lyrical lead-in! the title is programme (here she comes again)! great voice and high catch factor! 10/10

> 2 Reason: soft album-entitling track full of intensity! first surprise: melanie plus piano = huge feelings! 8/10

> 3 Lose Myself In You: starting r'n'b like, pretty laid-back and cool song! let's sing a long! great! 10/10

> 4 On The Horizon: guitar sound is back! somehow reminding me of carlos santana with cute michelle branch! positive energy and happiness! gorgeous! 9/10

> 5 Positively Somewhere: well known melanie style - nothing more to say ... high quality 8/10

> 6 Melt: 40 seconds tug heartstrings and almost made me cry! suddenly melanie turns the tables with appealing and strong messages! all in a wonderful sound garden! perfect! 10/10
...... by the way: co-written by Guy Chambers (who worked before for Robbie Williams ... no doubt, melanie and guy did a superb job!)

> 7 Do I: a lovely and emotional chorus in a the-corrs-like style! nothing out of the ordinary, but extremely heart-warming and catchy! lovely 9/10

> 8 Soul Boy: strange beginning, quite slow-motion and chill-out song. okay! 6/10

> 9 Water: easy going piece of pop music with musical surprises! big up 2 times! 9/10

> 10 Home: pretty sag song, seems to be very autobiographical when looking at the lyrics (once upon a time before all this mess began i never felt alone)! emotions pure! 9/10

> 11 Let's Love: classy rock sound, melanie's voice fits in perfectly and there's a good message: let's love! well done! 8/10

> 12 Yeh, Yeh, Yeh: up beat, party crasher - excellent ending of an album! PARTY ON!

so, i guess there are enough reasons to buy REASON! come on! it's great!!!