Spice Girls
Spiceworld [Reissue]
UMC/VIRGIN
Spiceworld was released 25 years ago at the height of Spicemania, selling more than 14 million copies worldwide during the era of global neo-liberal consumerism ushered in by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair in the mid-’90s. During this time a new type of mainstream, watered-down, yet generally positive feminism—albeit stripped of its radicalism—was being toted by public figures like the Spice Girls, who were largely influenced by the riot grrrl scene that came before them. They, in turn, influenced millions of millennials, likely helping to pave the way for the feminist politics of today. But does Spiceworld hold up now?
The British pop quintet’s second record—released just 364 days after their debut—is an ambitious album that borrowed from many genres and boasted a wide and surprising array of reference points: the playfulness of A Hard Day’s Night, a dash of doo-wop (“Too Much”), a smidge of Earth, Wind & Fire–inspired disco (“Never Give Up on the Good Times”), and little bits of R&B, reggae, Latin, hip-hop, Motown, and vaudeville. It’s a solid sophomore effort that was toppled by its extreme ambition and scope.
You could make the argument that the Spice Girls' superstardom following their debut record may have led them to not invest (or not be able to invest) as much creative energy into this album. “Too Much,” one of Spiceworld’s stand-out tracks, is a song they wrote about their mixed feelings with superstardom during their peak explored through the metaphor of an unsatisfying relationship—the sort of relationship you can’t let go of, but at the same time need to let go of as it agonizingly pulls you in opposing emotional directions. This album, coincidentally or not, pulls the listener in too many different directions as well: some moments feel sincere, others not so much. Despite that, it really is a fun, campy listen.
Still, the 25th-anniversary reissue of Spiceworld also has lots of extra goodies for diehard fans who want to stroll down memory lane and relish in Spicemania once again. Apart from the original 11-song release, the anniversary edition includes 14 new tracks including live recordings, B-sides, and alternate mixes. If nothing else, it’s worth a revisit for those who want to remember just how massive the Spice Girls were in 1997.
