Enjoyable debut from Geri Halliwell

Rather than wait for the standard domestic CD of The Artist Formerly Known As Ginger Spice, I ordered the limited edition which had the CD and a video for her leadoff single "Look At Me" as well as an interview with her. But of the Spice Girls, Geri Halliwell's epithet Ginger was appropriate, as she was the most vivacious, tied for most assertive along with Scary Spice, and the one with a flare for drama. Schizophonic is a great showcase for Geri's voice apart from her former bandmates, and it's incredible to believe that this eclectic mix was produced by Absolute, one of the co-producers of the Spicey's first two albums.

The brassy and jamming "Look At Me" is basically about how image-obsessed we are and the various masks people put on fitting whatever image they want to present. Per the interview, Geri says she's laughing at herself, especially when she sings "I am a drama queen if that's your thing. Baby I can even do reality." A standout track.

"Lift Me Up" shows Geri equally home with mid-paced ballads, backed as she is by string-synths and soul-style backing vocalists. Even more heartfelt is "Walkaway," underlying the conflict in abandoning loneliness for something else, yet pulled by that feeling that it's okay to be just one. The orchestral arrangements rise in pitch towards the end to match the feeling.

The Spanish guitars and other musical motifs in "Mi Chico Latino" is a nod to Geri's Spanish heritage--she's half Spanish.

"Goodnight Kiss" is a throwback to nighttime cafe jazz, and although Geri's no torch singer, the piano and sax work well to give the atmosphere. Call it above average for the genre.

"Bag It Up" recalls 70's disco and soul, especially with the loud brassy horns, and per the interview, it's a battle between opposites, and genders. However, she makes it clear she's wearing the trousers between the two, and she even tweaks gender roles: "men are from Venus, girls are from Mars." The most vivacious track here. I couldn't help noticing the backup singers listed: Pepsi and Shirley. Is it the Pepsi and Shirley who backed up Wham!, I wonder?

Per the interview, "Sometime" is a reflective track searching for peace of mind featuring a strong bass and piano backing. After the beginning electric sitar and an Indian female vocalist, "Let Me Love You" yields to a post-Spice pop merged with the Beatles' Indian-influenced music in the chorus.

With the spoken "It's important to learn to laugh at yourself Don't take life so seriously," the funky upbeat "You're In A Bubble" is a slap those who don't go by that intro, and for them to "call the police, cause your karma's in trouble."

After the video, where she puts on four personas, the sister, virgin bride, and white collar workaholic, and the vamp, and even her Ginger self in a funeral procession for that persona, she explains her obligations to other causes, such as a cancer benefit and UN spokesperson, that initially entailed her departure as early as October 1997, but whose cancellation made her question her role in a larger scope. She describes her time with the Spices as a whirlwind marriage that ended when she decided to leave the peak of the pop mountain they had climbed, with no rancor shown.

Filled with good-natured brassy pop and soft reflective numbers, Schizophonic indeed belies its etymological meaning, a split sound. More exciting than Emma Bunton's first solo effort and definitely a far cry from Mel C's solo debut. For her second release, she screamed and went a little bit faster, but I've already talked about that. Oh, and the keychain has "Geri Halliwell" on one side, "Look At Me" on the other, and it still holds my keys.

CD-Good, Rest of Stuff-Not Worth It

I bought this package hoping to get an extra length CD, with perhaps some NICE things with it. The video that is included is really just a waste of time. And I'm not saying all this because I hate the Spice Girls, and Geri, I'm actually a great fan of all of them. The key chain is cheaply made, and the poster isn't really a poster, it's about the size of a piece of paper. If you are looking into buying this, it's really not worth the extra money UNLESS you don't the Schizophonic album yet. It's probably the best thing you will get out of this.

This Cd is full of heart and meaning

Geri Halliwell has remade her image, she proves that sexy is not always what counts. Although her voice is no Madonna, Geri's music is full of meaning, and she writes 95% of her music, which shows she has the brains and the bod. This cd is full of flavor. If you are feeling down, listen to Lift Me Up, of Bag It Up, and if you are really in a good mood, listen to Look At Me. You can not go wrong with this cd!