It must be hard trying to live down having been part of the Spice Girls. What do you do after you were in a group as big as they were? Marry a soccer player and have 3 oddly named kids? Get involved in a paternity lawsuit with Eddie Murphy, disappear completely making the random appearance on Absolutely Fabulous or… well, I don’t actually know what that red headed one is up to nowadays…

Having sold over 35 million albums in two years, the Spice Girls went on to become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time and living up to that must be hard if you are trying to make your own way in the music industry. Well, Sporty Spice is trying. She has subsequently untied that tightly pulled ponytail, (hopefully burned the tracksuit) and donned something a little more feminine, experimented with some mascara and soft lip gloss, stopped kicking in the air (dresses ultimately don’t allow it) and voila, a dedicated female vocalist appeared, with a soothing melodic sound.

This Time is Mel’s fourth studio album, and second release on self-funded Red Girl Records. I have to site surprise at the top of my feelings about this album. Performing her own material seems to be working for Mel. The album is a pleasant mix of pop and soft-rock, with Mel’s strong vocals, emotional lyrics and pretty shimmering musical combinations.

This Time is gentler than some of Mel’s previous work; her soothing softer approach is demonstrated by the track “The Moment You Believe”; a piano ballad with all the right notes. This is a perfect example of her artistic growth and her evolution as a writer, an endearing track that gently lingers while demonstrating her powerful vocal range and talent. Another track from the album demonstrating Mel’s vocal ability is “Don’t Let Me Go” a catchy love tune and collaboration with Adam Argyle. I’m not much for the “Please don’t leave me” sad love song and the lyrics unfortunately on this isn’t all that deep but the duet is a beautiful example of harmonising by two talented musicians.

The album isn’t all soft sweet love songs though; “Understand” and the current hit “Carolyna” are strong upbeat tracks, supported by Mel’s powerful vocals. Although at times these tracks seem reminiscent of Northern Star, there is a progression, especially lyrically.

Having dabbled in almost all the genres; from dance to rock up to now, I think Mel has found her groove with this album. The lyrics are carefully crafted and intimately set against smooth selective compositions.

Some of my respect for the lady is from the fact that she doesn’t make the music to be fashionable, but rather for the love of the music. This Time is not only Sporty Spice in a dress, but Melanie C delivering some of her finest work.