Virgin
Pop, 2003

Former Sporty Spice Melanie C may have the dubious distinction of being the only Spice Girl who could get a second CD out. Reason, a long delayed release because Virgin is waiting for the backlash against the Spice Girls to die down a little first, is a smoother, more polished album than her solo debut. Unfortunately, it may be a little too smooth and polished: lacking the adventurous raw edges of Northern Star, Reason is like music best played in the background when one is drinking overpriced latte at some fancy bistro – dull and devoid of character.

Tracks like the title track, the slow and wannabe-sexy Lose Myself in You, and the sunny Positively Somewhere are standout tracks, but I am hard-pressed to hum even the melody of the chorus.

Too safe, too nondescript, this album doesn’t stick to the mind once I’m done with it. I think Melanie C will need a better Reason to get the public interested in her music. Such dull latte hour music makes it hard to remember that she’s back in the first place.