Geri Halliwell - Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001)

As on her previous album, Schizophoinc, the former Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell tackles several different genres of music on her sophomore solo set, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster, resulting in a varied album with very few dull moments. This gal sure knows how to pick 'em -- the songs are hopelessly catchy, and any limitations her voice may possess are masked by songs which are well suited for her range (and written by her as well). The album scored a number one European smash with its remake of the Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men," easily one of the album's least interesting tunes. This set opens with two irresistible, silly, fun, and catchy songs ("Scream If You Wanna Go Faster" and "Shake Your Bootie Cutie"). Other up-tempo tracks recall 1960s go-go pop, such as "Circles Round the Moon" and "Don't Call Me Baby," and others, such as "Feels Like Sex," are vampy and overtly sexual (without being offensive). Halliwell tackles ballads (the decidedly Euro-flavored "Calling," the uninteresting "Love Is the Only Light," and the superb "I Was Made That Way") and even reggae ("Lovey Dovey Stuff"). The album's strongest song is the mid-tempo, singalong, hand-clappin' "Strength of a Woman," which continues with the girl power theme (though now it's decidedly more mature) that originally put this vixen on the musical map. Despite a few dull moments (and the egocentric "Heaven and Hell [Being Geri Halliwell]"), this set is diverse, uplifting, and fun through and through -- only the most hardened and cynical listener would be incapable of finding a song to tap their foot to.