Melanie C’s Sweat: A Sporty Spice Return to the Dancefloor
Melanie C, once known as Sporty Spice, has made a triumphant return with her latest album, Sweat, which marks her ninth studio release. The album is a celebration of her experiences as a DJ in the vibrant nightclubs of Ibiza, blending sporty energy with club-ready rhythms. With a title that suggests intensity and a sleeve featuring the 52-year-old singer in a bodysuit and weight-lifting belt, Sweat promises to be anything but subdued.
The title track is a funky dance number that could easily double as a fitness workout. Melanie commands listeners with lines like “Keep your eyes on me, speed it up slowly, get your heart pumping,” reminding everyone that she’s here to make them sweat. This energetic approach aligns with her recent shift from rock music to dance and electronic pop, starting with her 2016 album Version Of Me.
Her musical inspirations include icons like Diana Ross and Madonna, and these influences are evident throughout the album. Ross’s 1982 single Work That Body is sampled on the title track, while Drum Machine evokes the spirit of Madonna’s Ray Of Light. The lyrics, “There’s a drum machine, and it’s playing in my heart,” highlight her deep connection to the music that has shaped her career.
In a nod to the 1990s girl power movement, Sweat is filled with empowering messages about self-worth. On Attitude, Melanie declares herself “sassy, trashy, cool and confident.” Undefeated Champion is an anthem of positivity, while her vocal performances remain bright and tuneful, showcasing her strength as a singer.
This album values energy over emotional depth, but there are moments of intimacy. One Track Mind serves as the sole ballad, and Emotional Memory tells a story of falling in love again after heartache. Additionally, Cashmere explores the theme of romance, with Melanie vowing to put her phone “on aeroplane mode” when alone with her new lover.
To keep things fresh, Melanie collaborates with younger artists such as Welsh singer Violet Skies, BRIT-nominated Londoner Rose Gray, and electronic musician Theo Hutchcraft of Hurts. These collaborations bring a modern edge to her sound.
However, the real achievement lies in how she combines her vocal talent with her skills as a DJ. Her ability to blend these elements is a testament to her versatility as an artist. Melanie C will kick off her tour on October 20 at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, with more details available at gigsandtours.com.
Best of the New Releases
Noah Kahan: The Great Divide (Mercury)
Following the success of his 2022 album Stick Season, Noah Kahan reflects on fame and his past in The Great Divide. The album features tracks like All Them Horses, which offers a jaded take on stardom, and ballads such as Downfall and End Of August, produced by Taylor Swift’s Aaron Dessner. While Kahan embraces heartland rock, the album’s 77-minute length may test the patience of some listeners.
STAR RATING: 2/5
The Black Keys: Peaches! (Easy Eye Sound)
After exploring mainstream pop on their previous albums, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return to their roots with Peaches!, a gritty covers collection inspired by North Mississippi hill country blues. Tracks like You Got To Lose and Where’s There’s Smoke, There’s Fire showcase their signature swagger and heaviness.
STAR RATING: 3/5
