Schizophonic [IMPORT]

Geri Halliwell

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 15, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 15, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Import
• ASIN: B00000J8EM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (406 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,579 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Look at Me

2. Lift Me Up

3. Walkaway

4. Mi Chico Latino

5. Goodnight Kiss

6. Bag It Up

7. Sometime

8. Let Me Love You

9. Someone's Watching over Me

10. You're in a Bubble

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While hardly a masterpiece on the order of "Say You'll Be There," the former Ginger Spice's step into the solo arena does an acceptable job of refashioning her into a "grownup" diva. Generally underdeveloped material doesn't help, but the thin-voiced Halliwell acquits herself well enough on some pop-funk numbers and when tweaking the sort of '60s high camp of which Robbie Williams has been so fond. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of 99!, October 30, 1999

By	Mark Carter (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This album, by far, surpassed my expectations of the former Ginger Spice. While she may not have the best singing voice, she makes up for it in the heart and soul she puts into this album (and after just listening to Melanie C's album, this is the big difference between the two, Mel C can sing, but she doesn't have any soul. Geri does). You can tell by listening that she really put her best effort in creating a good album. None of the songs sound like "filler songs", and instead they could all be single material. Honestly, this is one CD that you shouldn't pass up. Schizo-phonic has my vote as being one of the best albums of 1999 easily.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Welcome Surprise !, February 8, 2001

By	Cabir Davis - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

So is Geri's first album is better than all the other solo albums by the other Spice Girls ? Yes it is. But unfortunately, its NOT better than the first two albums by the Spice Girls as a group (`Spice' and `Spice World'), but that's to be expected. Theres not a single song here that will be remembered in the same breath as `Wannabe' or `Say you'll be there' (or even `Stop' or `2 Become 1'), but then again Geri's style is different. The music here is actually very good, the production values are far better than the ones on Melanie C's solo effort (and MUCH better than Melanie B's `Hot'), but theres something missing. However, at the end of the album, you do realize that Geri is no flash in the pan, and that she can actually carve out a successful solo career if she wanted to. Lets go track by track (I've skipped the `fillers') :

1. Look at me : This was the first single release from the album and it did not go to No. 1. It is however, a very good song. The horn and use of trumpet get a bit overwhelming at times, and this is not a slick pop-beat song, but it works, and Geri's thoroughly enjoyable East London accent makes it worth sitting through.

2. Lift Me Up : This went to No. 1 in the UK when it was released as a single. Many of Geri's songs don't have a message at all, but its all good fun. I love the opening verse where she shows us what a good voice she has (`All the colors of the rainbow, going somewhere, baby like you and I'). She almost sounded like Barbra Streisand there !

3. Mi Chico Latino : The only Latin flavored song on the album is also one of the most enjoyable. Geri uses all of the usual Latin clichés the same way Gina G did (`la Vida', `dolce vita', etc.) but who cares as long as the song works? And it does. This was Geri's first UK No. 1.

4. Bag it Up : Also a UK no.1 hit (come to think of it, she HAS had many No. 1s from this album, hasn't she?) this is the most campy and bitchy songs on the CD. Geri advises women to treat their men `like a lady'. Rather novel, I thought. If you ever manage to get the CD single of this, you'll find the video on it. Its unmissable. This song became an instant hit in gay clubs and discos, and deservedly so. Very danceable.

5. Let me love you : The song starts off with an Indian chant, and then lapses into full pop song, with the most infectious chorus. The almost Beatleseque mood is heightened by use of the sitar, an Indian instrument that the Beatles used on their later works. This is one of the best songs on the CD. A very welcome surprise.

6. Somehow : Alternating between rock-chick and pop-virgin, Geri takes on different musical styles in this song, and it works! This is the best song on the album. Pity it wasn't released as a single. Actually, EVERY song on this album could have been a prospective single. The album comes together very nicely. This track has a very hummable chorus and an even more infectious verse. The perfect pop song, I thought.

7. You're in a bubble - This reminded me of one of the last songs on Macy Gray's first album. Its very strong musically, and sung with fervor. I especially liked Geri's spoken opening lines about not taking oneself too seriously. Her accent just cracks me up !! Very engaging.

On the whole, if you at some point have been interested in Geri Halliwell, I would recommend that you get this CD. I never expected much from it, but it gave me so much back ! And any CD that can do that, no matter how cheesy, is certainly worth having! Highly recommended.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Album!, November 19, 1999

By	Aileen (Canada) - See all my reviews

I'll admit, when she was Ginger Spice, she was my least favorite Spice Girl. I didn't think she was a very good singer, and I didn't like her clothes at all. But when I first heard "Look At Me," I was so surprised! I loved it! I bought the album as soon as I could, and I love almost every track. Even if you don't like her voice, her songs are all so catchy, like "Bag It Up" or sad and serious, like "Walkaway." A lot of the critics were way too harsh, in my opinion. Schizophonic is a great album-if you haven't bought it yet, you should.