Melanie Cs New Album Inspired by Ibiza Nights

: Sweat (Virgin)

VERDICT: Sporty goes clubbing

STAR RATING: 4/5 

The spectacle of female singers heading to the dancefloor has been one the most conspicuous pop trends of the spring. From Robyn’s Sexistential to ’s Ambiguous Desire and Jessie Ware’s Superbloom, the rhythms of the night have reigned supreme.

The lure of the mirror ball shows no sign of abating, either. Earlier this month, announced that she’ll be releasing a new dance album, Confessions II, on July 3.

And today, the artist sometimes known as Sporty Spice returns with a celebratory solo album, her ninth, inspired by her experiences as a DJ in the nightclubs of Ibiza.

As its title suggests, Melanie C’s Sweat isn’t a subdued affair. The album sleeve shows the gym-toned singer, 52, in a bodysuit and weight-lifting belt.

The title track is a funky dance number that could double as a fitness workout. ‘Keep your eyes on me, speed it up slowly, get your heart pumping,’ commands Melanie. ‘I’ll make you sweat.’

The former Spice Girl, born Melanie Chisholm, launched her solo career by looking to rock music. Her 1999 debut, Northern Star, saw her team up with Bryan Adams, while Queen’s Brian May once called her Rocky Spice.

Since 2016’s Version Of Me, however, she’s pivoted to dance and electronic pop – and Sweat ebbs and flows like a crowd-pleasing DJ set.

Chisholm has cited Diana Ross and Madonna as inspirations, and there are nods to both here. Ross’s 1982 single Work That Body is sampled on the title track, and the shimmering Drum Machine is a Madonna-like call to clubland that recalls the queen of pop’s Ray Of Light. ‘There’s a drum machine, and it’s playing in my heart,’ sings Chisholm.

In a throwback to the 1990s girl power creed, the album is peppered with proclamations of self-worth. On Attitude, Chisholm declares herself ‘sassy, trashy, cool and confident’. Undefeated Champion is an ode to positivity, while her singing throughout is bright and tuneful – a reminder that she was always the strongest singer in the Spice Girls.

This is a record that values energy over emotional punch, but there are flashes of intimacy. One Track Mind is the sole ballad, but Emotional Memory is a tale of falling in love again after heartache; and there’s further romance in Cashmere, which sees Chisholm vowing to put her phone ‘on aeroplane mode’ whenever she’s alone with her new lover.

She keeps things fresh by working with younger collaborators, too. Welsh singer Violet Skies, BRIT-nominated Londoner Rose Gray and electronic musician Theo Hutchcraft (of Hurts) are among the co-writers here.

But the real achievement is the way she combines her vocal talent with skills that can be traced back to her work as a DJ. Over to you, Madonna.

Melanie C starts a tour on October 20 at Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow (gigsandtours.com).

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