Performer Notes

This version of NORTHERN STAR replaces the previous version and contains two bonus tracks.
Personnel includes: Melanie C, Bryan Adams (vocals); Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (rap vocals).
Producers: Rick Rubin, William Orbit, Craig Armstrong, Marius DeVries, Rick Nowels.
Engineers: Gary Thomas, Randall Wine, Chris Fogel.
Personnel: Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (rap vocals).
Audio Mixers: Dave Pensado; Patrick McCarthy; Rhett Lawrence; Carmen Rizzo.
Recording information: Air Studios, London, Olympic Gardens; Angel Studios, Islington, London, England; Cello Studios, LA; Fredonia International L.A. Track Records, LA; Guerilla Beach Studios, LA; Royaltone Studios, LA; Sound Gallery Studos, LA; The Studio, LA; The Village Recorder Studio, LA.
The debut solo effort from Melanie C proves that the musical sensibilities of the woman otherwise known as Sporty Spice are informed by far more than just bublegum pop. The majority of these songs are about forced maturation, leaving loved ones behind, and facing up to the realities of a world colored by tragedy, heartache, and emotional pain.
William Orbit adds his deft production touch to the album-opening "Go!," creating an electronic soundscape at once insurgent and ethereal. Electronics also tinge the fiery "Goin' Down," on which the song's principal character, stung by betrayal, declares "From this little hitch/I have become a superbitch." "If That Were Me" is an affecting composition on which the singer addresses the plight of the homeless. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC fame makes a guest appearance on the catchy "Never Be the Same Again." Even Rick Rubin takes a turn in the production booth for the Beatles-esque romp "Suddenly Monday." Perhaps the album's most inviting track is the bittersweet ballad "Be the One," on which Mel floats through the upper register with grace and ease.

Professional Reviews

Rolling Stone (11/11/99, pp.130-2) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Madonna-esque symphonic ballads...Beatle-ish power pop...Garbage-y dance rock...and way more well-sung goodies than you prefab-pop haters might expect....Give it up for Gifted Spice."

Spin (1/00, pp.122-3) - 6 out of 10 - "...jacks musical/lyrical phrases from the '60s and '70s, like a girl-powered Oasis....She grabs phrases out of the atmosphere and coos them with all the sweetness she can confabulate....[a] curiously shimmering star-lite in pop's milky way."

Q (12/99, p.136) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...a highly competent, brightly burnished pop record....unleashes the rock beast within....there's plenty of variety and, more importantly, some solid tunes. Not bad at all."

CMJ (11/22/99, p.22) - "...sassy, charming....Mel is striking out on her own, alive and kicking....Girl power!"

Album: Northern Star [Bonus Tracks]
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Go!
2)	Nothern Star
3)	Goin' Down
4)	I Turn to You
5)	If That Were Me
6)	Never Be the Same Again
7)	Why
8)	Suddenly Monday
9)	Ga Ga
10)	Be the One
11)	Closer
12)	Feel the Sun
13)	Never Be the Same Again - (Single Mix)
14)	I Turn to You - (Hex Hector Radio Mix)

Album: Northern Star [Bonus Tracks]
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Go!
2)	Nothern Star
3)	Goin' Down
4)	I Turn to You
5)	If That Were Me
6)	Never Be the Same Again
7)	Why
8)	Suddenly Monday
9)	Ga Ga
10)	Be the One
11)	Closer
12)	Feel the Sun
13)	Never Be the Same Again - (Single Mix)
14)	I Turn to You - (Hex Hector Radio Mix)