If you were wondering why Melanie C was quick to turn down being part of the Spice Girls reunion this year (to celebrate the fact that their debut single “Wanna Be” was exactly 20 years ago), then here’s the reason; Melanie has better things to do.
Together with Sons of Sonix, she’s released the single “Numb” this week and to make it short: It’s a really good song. With it, Mel is returning to dance music and showing, once more, that she’s not just sporty, but also very surprising spice.
It’s very easy to underestimate her, especially due to her past as Sporty spice, but she has proven to be the most versatile spice around. Effortlessly, she’s moved from pop to rock music, via dance, throughout her career. But she’s also done a lot of interesting one-off things, like cover the James Bond song “For Your Eyes Only” (originally by Sheena Easton) and record a musical cover of “I Know Him So Well” (from the musical Chess) with other former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton.
Somehow, even though she’s vocally equipped, I keep missing something when I see her perform. It’s a presence. Maybe a misplaced humbleness. I don’t think every singer should have an entrance to the stage like the one Will Smith recently tried to achieve on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, but she could use a little of his magic charisma.
Nevertheless, her growth as a solo artist is notable each time I see her and on record, she hasn’t really failed me yet.
“Numb” immediately grabs me due to its hit potential. Of course, that was to be expected from the duo, Sons of Sonix, who’ve already worked with other major artists, such as Ariana Grande and Emeli Sandé. This collaboration is no exception and should have a positive effect on Mel C’s own music career.
The tropical house track is easy to catch up on, but also has all of the straight forward features without it being horribly predictable. Basically, you should give it a try. It won't leave you numb.
