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1.Look at me : This was the first single release from the album and it did not go to No. 1. It is however, a very good song. The horn and use of trumpet get a bit overwhelming at times, and this is not a slick pop-beat song, but it works, and Geri's thoroughly enjoyable East London accent makes it worth sitting through.

2.Lift Me Up : This went to No. 1 in the UK when it was released as a single. Many of Geri's songs don't have a message at all, but its all good fun. I love the opening verse where she shows us what a good voice she has (`All the colors of the rainbow, going somewhere, baby like you and I'). She almost sounded like Barbra Streisand there !

3.Mi Chico Latino : The only Latin flavored song on the album is also one of the most enjoyable. Geri uses all of the usual Latin clichés the same way Gina G did (`la Vida', `dolce vita', etc.) but who cares as long as the song works? And it does. This was Geri's first UK No. 1.

4.Bag it Up : Also a UK no.1 hit (come to think of it, she HAS had many No. 1s from this album, hasn't she?) this is the most campy and bitchy songs on the CD. Geri advises women to treat their men `like a lady'. Rather novel, I thought. If you ever manage to get the CD single of this, you'll find the video on it. Its unmissable. This song became an instant hit in gay clubs and discos, and deservedly so. Very danceable.

5.Let me love you : The song starts off with an Indian chant, and then lapses into full pop song, with the most infectious chorus. The almost Beatleseque mood is heightened by use of the sitar, an Indian instrument that the Beatles used on their later works. This is one of the best songs on the CD. A very welcome surprise.

6.Somehow : Alternating between rock-chick and pop-virgin, Geri takes on different musical styles in this song, and it works! This is the best song on the album. Pity it wasn't released as a single. Actually, EVERY song on this album could have been a prospective single. The album comes together very nicely. This track has a very hummable chorus and an even more infectious verse. The perfect pop song, I thought.

7.You're in a bubble - This reminded me of one of the last songs on Macy Gray's first album. Its very strong musically, and sung with fervor. I especially liked Geri's spoken opening lines about not taking oneself too seriously. Her accent just cracks me up !! Very engaging.

On the whole, if you at some point have been interested in Geri Halliwell, I would recommend that you get this CD. I never expected much from it, but it gave me so much back ! And any CD that can do that, no matter how cheesy, is certainly worth having! Highly recommended.


The Death of Ginger...   December 29, 2004
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Of course could Geri Halliwell ever really kill 'Ginger'? Naw but for this CD she *reallly* tried (even having her funeral in the 'Look at me' video) yet later gave up and by 2004 has fully reverted back to her Spice sounding days. But for now let's go back to 1999.
Schizophonic overall has a very 'grown up yet not' pop vibe to it which is truly to this CD and this CD only. Perhaps its all in the name Schizo: split Phonic: listening/music.

Schizophonic kicks off with 'Look at me' her very first single so aptly titled. Geri follows this with some 'deeper then the Spice Girls could ever go' tracks: 'Lift me up' a sweet ballad and 'Walkaway' which is about her leaving the group. Yet Geri doesn't want you to forget what makes her great: her sassy kitch pop. Thus 'Mi Chico Latino' a latin flavored quick paced track and 'Bag it up' a sassy jazz inspired pop anthem appear.

From here Geri decides to try something inspired and new again. 'Sometime' is a angel vs devil type of track thats honestly unique. The verses are sweet and church sounding while the bridge is a devil trying to get out sound, while the chorus is a mix. Honestly one of the better pop tracks of ALL TIME! Geri follows this up with 'Let me love you' a hindi inspired innocent and sweet love song. Again its innovational and really a pop masterpiece!

For the final tracks Geri almost reviews what we all just heard: good ol pop, innovational pop, and of course the inspiring pop. 'Someone's watching over me' is a sweet ballad dedicated to her deceased father and the final track 'You're in a bubble' is again in your face innovational kitsch pop...it's also rumored to be inspired by an ex bandmate though that's never been proven.

Overall 'Schizophonic' was a brilliant start out in to the solo pop world...not to mention before it's time in some places.