Search - Geri Halliwell :: Schizophonic

A Welcome Surprise !

Cabir Davis | 02/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Very Geri.

H3@+h | VT | 12/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this disc while in the midst of my Geri (Ginger) Halliwell crush back when. Though I don't think "Schizophonic" was anyone's "Album Of the Year" when it came out, it is actually better than I expected. Some of the tracks lack greatness, and her voice was never her strong-point, but between the better half of the album and her delivery, it works. It succeeds in the same way the Spice Girls did, in being just fun and catchy pop, nothing more. My favorite songs are "Look At Me", "Lift Me Up", "Mi Chico Latino", and "Sometime". Overall, I don't think the music is quite as hot as she is herself, but it is rather spicey, and well worth the used price here."

A Fresh New Start For Geri

Benny Yau | Vancouver, BC, Canada | 06/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the Spice Girls members, Geri (aka: Ginger Spice) has always been my favourite, whether it be her looks, talent or just personality. When she left the group, I knew she had something up her sleeve. Well, sure enough, out come this wonderful debut album, "Schizophonic." Here is the track-by-track review:-1) Look At Me: (1st single) With a funky beat and even funkier lyrics, this tune may seem a little awkward at first for some listeners, but after the second or third time, you'll laugh and sing right along with this moderately-fast tempo song.2) Lift Me Up: (3rd single) My most favourite song from this album... in fact, probably of all time. When the first note is played, you will be automatically transported to a high mountain, watching a beautiful sunrise. The happy feel to this song is guaranteed to, like the title suggests, lift you up!3) Walkaway: In her autobiography, Geri told that she wrote the first verse while she was hiding from the press during her post-Spice days. The mood and lyrics of this ballad tells of her struggling to walk proudly into her new life.4) Mi Chico Latino: (2nd single) The latin feel of this club favourite is sure to light up any party or night out! Like a Ricky Martin fast song... only better!5) Goodnight Kiss: An unusual song with a jazzy beat that speaks take it or leave it. Either you like this song, or you don't.6) Bag It Up: (4th single) The perfect example of battle of the sexes. This sort-of continuation of "Who Do You Think You Are" has deadpan lyrics that screams "GIRL POWER"!7) Sometime: Once again, either you like it, or you don't. The church organ and choral arrangements in the beginning of the song might turn some people off. However, it is a pretty good moderately paced ballad.8) Let Me Love You: A strange little number with a sitar and East-Indian introduction. Sort of like the last track, but with a different beginning. Also, the tempo of this song is a little faster than "Sometime".9) Someone's Watching Over Me: A feel good song about how a girl wants someone to watch over her. Not the best song, but not bad either.10) You're In A Bubble: ...If you like the fast songs a la Spice Girls, you'll like this one. Note: The lyrics for this song in the album insert does not include the chorus for some reason, so I still don't quite understand one of the lines!Altogether, this is a very exciting release from Geri Halliwell, and all music fans should at least find one favourite track in this album. The lyrics are all very insightful on Geri's life. A must-buy for music lovers. Good job, Geri!"