The Spice Girls story starts here. In Part 1 of our POP 101 deep dive, we break down how five strangers who answered a newspaper ad became the biggest pop group on the planet, from the Heart Management auditions and the "Touch" era all the way through their debut album “Spice” and the “Wannabe” explosion.
This is a full, honest discussion of the come-up: how they ran away from their first managers with the demo tapes, found Simon Fuller, signed to Virgin, and overruled the entire record label to make "Wannabe" the lead single. We get into the Union Jack dress, the birth of "Girl Power," the Peter Lorraine nicknames, cracking America, and the "manufactured vs. self-made" debate that follows this group forever.
Parts 2 and 3 coming soon!
All Spice Girls episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd_MfDbJG3bYcnQoHdo4rKHshC0Ewav6G
Join us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/CCTVPOPS
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- 0:00 - Intro
- 0:37 - Do we like the Spice Girls?
- 2:48 - The Auditions and the Touch Era
- 11:16 - The Showcase and Leaving Heart Management
- 17:24 - Simon Fuller and Virgin Records
- 20:40 - “Wannabe”
- 30:05 - The Nicknames
- 33:15 - Girl Power!
- 36:42 - “Say You’ll Be There”, “2 Become 1” and the “Spice” Album
- 43:24 - US Release & Brit Awards 1997
- 48:47 - “Mama” & “Who Do You Think You Are”
References:
- Hans Spice Girls Quiz https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQad4hJEr94/
- “Giving You Everything” Documentary
- “Raw Spice” documentary https://youtu.be/TtPNd0ebNWc?si=rRbPE8i_tz14rxbx
- Touch - “Do You Think About Me” demo https://youtu.be/gcetMrMc4WI?si=LCg3Jm45rGvWa8Zc
- Touch - “Sugar and Spice” demo https://youtu.be/KP83-LFIZxk?si=2wQaIF3-OUnyvwwh
- “Wannabe” at Virgin Records Conference Room https://youtu.be/-aokNVS6hhU?si=6Ee0G8SUo8BCnuOq
- “Wannabe” MV https://youtu.be/gJLIiF15wjQ?si=YMTuHJdhlVP-FgRx
- “Wannabe” Live at TOTP (Japan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmmq53LjeZw
- Spice Girls Acapella Compilation https://youtu.be/lHCnLLzHCBQ?si=mM98pv6T_zneWtMq
- “Say You’ll Be There” MV https://youtu.be/9ro0FW9Qt-4?si=E32xwLQw02LHlrLK
- “Say You’ll Be There” Rap Version https://youtu.be/-fVDafFyXDM?si=v1AjVd6x1zKuI8uy
- “2 Become 1” MV https://youtu.be/FA5jsa1lR9c?si=0Jv1BrPN3B7CaRIS
- “Mama” MV https://youtu.be/VsNbhwSXDB8?si=K4CWJERNbl1afAAY
- “Who Do You Think You Are” MV https://youtu.be/-YriinrRGug?si=xDRd6FHx8bD978S7
- “Who Do You Think You Are” Live at the Brit Awards 1997 https://youtu.be/w4c11XUeaC8?si=ck1acCKNuv9Zlceo
00:00:00 --> 00:00:23 And I'm Victoria Malcolm. It is the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls and the Wannabe release. And since we're apparently not getting a documentary or getting much more than this new merch release and the Funko Pops, we're going to do it for them. We're going to do our CCTV version of the documentary, the Pop 101.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:44 Yes! And we have reviewed all of the Spice Girls album and the B-Size as well as Victoria and Mel's B's debut album. So we are deep in it and welcome to our deeper, deeper, deeper dive. We're really excited. Chris has been a lifelong fan, like out the womb. Mm-hmm. You know, like peace signing it. Yeah. Yeah.
00:00:45 --> 00:01:01 Yes, they are my favorite group of all time. Definitely the start of my obsession with pop music. I would definitely argue I'm in the top 10%, if not top 5% of Spice fans in the world. Like, have you seen that video of that person doing the quiz?
00:01:02 --> 00:01:18 Which song featured on the first album, Spice, includes the lyrics, Listen Up, I Gotta Tell You, about the ins and outs and goings on. Last Time Lover. Correct. I was right there with them. We should go into the streets of New York and just, hello, for $5. Honestly, the amount of brain space that this group has taken up
00:01:18 --> 00:01:40 in me is absolutely ridiculous, especially with all the solo stuff too. Like I'm a massive Mel C fan. Yes, you are. And we have reviewed her latest album as well. So yeah, I'm really excited to do this. I know. He's been talking about it for a little while. He said, we should do it. We should do it. And then finally it's like, this is perfect timing, you know? So listen, y'all.
00:01:40 --> 00:02:05 Perfect, auspicious days and such. But yeah, I came to know them via movies. So shout out to my sister for renting movies from Blockbuster. And a lot of these 90s and early 2000s movies using Wannabe. I know Wannabe is not their, you know, it's like their iconic song. But like, that's the song that was in everything. I was like, that's the song I'll go off. We'll talk about it later. I did not know Wannabe.
00:02:05 --> 00:02:13 A full catalog. Right. I didn't even know they actually existed because I also consumed them via VHS from a friend's
00:02:13 --> 00:02:41 mom who got the tape and she had it. And like, it was weird. Everything has been very much. Yeah. A spice world. And I was like, they're real. So yeah. Um, shout out to getting older and wiser. But yeah, so, but the point is we have a fair range of fandom between us. It's like a spice boy straight up through and through. And a girl who's just literally just figured out how to shake and pour, you know what I'm saying? I'm like a sprinkle or pour. He's a poor. I'm a sprinkle. Um,
00:02:41 --> 00:03:08 So let's be so real about that. But yeah, I'm excited because class is in session. So in the early 90s, the UK charts belonged to boy bands like Take That and E17. But a father and son management team, Bob and Chris Herbert of Heart Management, decided there was a gap in the market for an all-female group and with their financier, Chick Murphy. Yeah.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:25 They envisioned five strikingly different girls who would each appeal to a different corner of the audience. And in February 1994, they placed an ad in the trade paper, The Stage, looking for a young woman who could sing and dance, famously asking, Are you streetwise, outgoing, ambitious, and dedicated?
00:03:25 --> 00:03:38 And around 400 women turned up to the Auburn Audition at Danceworks Studios in March 1994. And they were split into groups of 10, taught a routine to eternal stay, and then did solo songs of their own choosing.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:56 I know there, but now it's over. But now the teachers are teachers. Teach me where to let me awake. And let me only have a word.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:17 And after the auditions and a few lineup changes, both Jerry and Mel C. almost not making it in, the first main lineup was chosen. Victoria, Mel B., Jerry, Melanie C., and Michelle Stevenson. And this group was tentatively named Touch.
00:04:17 --> 00:04:42 yes oh man so good for bob and chris for seeing the gap in the market you know i think they'd maybe don't credit as much because they're always just like there was a gap in the uk market of course there were the american girl groups yes coming out like they had tlc right and eternal was around as well you know just to give the uk a little look there too um but yeah i think it makes sense they were kind of like where are the british ones you know
00:04:42 --> 00:05:07 Yeah, they wanted a piece of the pie, essentially. We had TLC here and En Vogue. And then, you know, Eternal was like that answer to En Vogue. And we also do have an Eternal Pot 101. And we've also met Louis. So if you guys want to just, you know, literally subscribe now, you might as well. But yeah, so it's interesting how the sound was like this big, bold, vocal R&B situation. So at first I was like, what the heck is Touched?
00:05:07 --> 00:05:36 But if you think about what they were trying to accomplish, that makes sense. I just feel like R&B doesn't always have to be super sensual. But I get it, I guess. So I appreciate the attempt at trying to make an R&B girl group for the Brits. Right. And the original audition footage is so fun to watch. Of course, the biggest one is Victoria doing Miner from Cabaret. She's amazing. Which is just iconic. It's the most bizarre choice for a girl group audition. And she's so poised the whole time. It's like...
00:05:36 --> 00:05:48 did you come to the right audition? Yeah. But she sounded great. Yes. I think after watching that documentary, I like, like her so much. I liked her before because I just thought she was so cool. I like cold women. I don't,
00:05:49 --> 00:06:12 she's very dry yeah and i but come to find out she has like some of the best humor ever yes um but yeah i think that was iconic because she was like i'm not changing myself and i think that's amazing and then also going back to like mel b i think she had mentioned like they had purposely cast her because she was black um or biracial if you guys know her yeah they definitely wanted a black girl yes one of the members yeah
00:06:12 --> 00:06:29 Yeah, so it kind of, again, all this, like, we're trying to do an R&B thing, and, like, also, Victoria fit that whole, like, very, you know, short mini dress in a heel snap and clap kind of vibe. You know, it just makes so much sense. And then, of course, you have some of the other girls coming in. I don't know what Michelle's vibe was, but, you know...
00:06:29 --> 00:06:46 Yeah, I don't think her audition ever came out. But I just love Jerry's story as well. Like, I love that Jerry just kind of blabbed her way in. Like, she missed the audition. She just kind of talked her way in and made it into the lineup. Like, she is just the epitome of...
00:06:46 --> 00:07:01 If you want something, you just have to ask for it and just do everything you can to go get it. Yeah. That's charisma, everybody. If you were ever wondering what that was. Speaking of touch, they moved into a house in Maidenhead and spent most of 1994 in girl group...
00:07:01 --> 00:07:24 Mm-hmm.
00:07:24 --> 00:07:46 The girls have since mentioned that she wasn't as motivated and just didn't fit in. Michelle, however, said it was her choice to leave. And then their vocal coach, Pepe Lemaire, recommended a former student to replace her, Emma. And the name Touch lasted until around August 1994 when Jerry pushed for Spice, inspired by a song called Sugar and Spice that they had already recorded in the year.
00:07:46 --> 00:08:09 And it became the Spice Girls specifically, rather than just Spice, a bit later. Partly because a rapper named Spice already existed. And partly because the industry was just calling them the Spice Girls. The Spice Girls. Alright, so those Touch Era songs were very interesting. I mean, you can totally hear the whole R&B thing and I'm so glad that they managed to get out of that strictly R&B sound.
00:08:24 --> 00:08:53 I do wonder what the visual of the group would have been with a name like Touch, you know, with that mid and like down tempo music. Like it would have been, I don't know. I don't I can't even imagine. I can't even fathom what it could have been like. It could have just been like Eternal Part 2, you know. I think that's what it was. Right. Precursor to Honeys that we all also talked about on our show. We have a pop one on one of the Honeys as well. But yeah, it's just fun to think about what R&B was. And it's just R&B in the 90s, especially if you weren't like.
00:08:53 --> 00:09:11 like a black artist, was super serious because we have to prove ourselves. I mean, look at Wild Orchid. They are doing the absolute most because it's like, we can sing. But yeah, you can totally hear their whole vibe even in the demo. You can hear the harmonies, the rapping. It all makes sense to what they eventually became. So it's like little, you can see the spice peeking through.
00:09:11 --> 00:09:39 Yeah. I mean, yeah, it's this fascinating to listen to. Like the songs in general are not amazing. You know, they're definitely generic, but there is some potential in songs. Like I feel like you can tell their demos, right? Like Walking on Air, even Sugar and Spice. Yeah. You know, there's potential for sure. And it's just fun to hear their vocals here. Like the blend was coming together. The harmonies were actually really tight in there as well. And it's interesting to hear the vocal distribution because I think they mentioned... Mm-hmm.
00:09:39 --> 00:10:08 I think they also wanted them to have a lead singer. Right. Oh, yeah. That was what was happening with all these groups at the time. And you hear that like Mel C's leading quite a few. Victoria gets to lead. Do you think about me? So it's interesting just kind of hearing their experimentation throughout these songs. And then also, can we just say, Michelle, that must suck to watch what happened after you left. I mean, hang on. Maybe she's actually okay. You know, what does she end up doing? I don't know.
00:10:09 --> 00:10:32 Someone let us know in the comments. It's like that fake, that fake, remember from, was it Honey's? And they replaced her and they had like this one girl in Australia with them. And it was like, who's that? You know? So maybe she was there for a little bit with dinner or even with Jason from NSYNC. You know, he was there for like a little bit. It's true. It's true. We need to do a popular for them.
00:10:34 --> 00:10:57 The members that could have been. Yeah. Oh, man. But yeah, I mean, Emma, obviously, she was that final piece. I think they have mentioned that very first meeting. I think they even talked about it on the Spice World 2019 tour. Like, before something kind of funny, they were like, when we met Emma at the tube station, it was like instant. They knew that she was right. Yeah.
00:10:57 --> 00:11:16 But you know what? If I saw that round little cherubic face in the tube station, I'd be like, oh, yeah, let's have her. She was so cute. And her voice became so integral to their sound as well. Oh, my God, yes. It definitely lightened up a lot of what was happening there. So I think it was just perfect, perfect, perfect.
00:11:16 --> 00:11:38 So yes, by late 1994, the girls were rattled and impatient. Months of hard work, still no actual contract, and a mutual direction that they never believed in. Okay? They pushed Hart to set up a showcase in December 1994 in front of industry writers, producers, and A&R people. They were ready. And sensing the momentum, Hart rushed to lock them into a binding contract.
00:11:38 --> 00:12:06 But it was too late. On legal advice, all five refused to sign. Yikes. It's so interesting, right? Because obviously now it's the complete opposite, where they will lock you in to a contract immediately before you've even done any work. But in this case, I think what the Hart men have since said is they were trying to actually scare them a little bit.
00:12:06 --> 00:12:35 you know kind of like this isn't solidified like this place isn't confirmed like you got to keep working hard to prove yourself before we're willing to give you a contract so it's interesting right it's like the whole thing changed um yeah and they have since learned you know to be fair like these guys have since gone on you know they managed five yeah uh and bewitched i think they're they've managed to to figure it out but i think they even said like they locked them in the second they they're
00:12:35 --> 00:12:49 damn they got them you know like nice to meet you sign this but we haven't you don't even know my name i don't care sign it you're mine like i still go to the bathroom and think about this in the toilet sign this
00:12:50 --> 00:13:08 That's amazing that you have to move in. But looking at the footage, like the girls were so adorable, just full of personality and sass. And of course, it is something to do with their youth. But also, I just think as a testament to their personalities, just based off first glances and reading the room, they were far too spunky for the R&B that they were told to make.
00:13:08 --> 00:13:31 Like, yeah, they have the whole like Adidas and the whole tracksuit vibe. And like, they're kind of like, you know, but these girls were plucky and it's okay to like a genre of music. They may have actually liked R&B. Like, it's okay to like a genre of music, but like just not fit the vibe of it at all. Like, I've seen a ton of like blonde suburban girls at like a rapper's concert. And he's talking about all types of killing, stabbing, you know. Yeah.
00:13:32 --> 00:13:41 And I'm like, girl, whatever makes you feel good. You know, whatever. Like, they were cute and they needed fun things. Like, they danced their butts off, but they needed jigs, not full breakdowns, you know?
00:13:41 --> 00:14:03 Yeah, I loved watching the showcase and I actually love the Raw Spice documentary as well that just documents this whole process. Because you could really tell how much they rehearsed their butts off. Like the vocals in this showcase are super tight. The dance routines are actually really clean and definitely the most complicated dance routines I think they would ever do.
00:14:03 --> 00:14:21 There's so much footwork. There is. Too much. Too much. And formation changes. Like, it's constant formation changes. I'm actually quite impressed watching this showcase, I will say. I mean, for some quote-unquote kids, you know, they did a good job for sure.
00:14:21 --> 00:14:51 Yes. So in January 1995, the girls had their first real professional writing session with Richard Biff, Standard, and Matt Rowe. And of course, they would go on to help create classics like Wannabe and To Become One in these first few sessions as well. And Wannabe was written in less than an hour. But unfortunately, Victoria missed the main writing session due to needing to attend a wedding, which is why she's the only member with no solo line on the track. And this has unfortunately led to a lifetime of the general public claiming that Victoria cannot sing.
00:14:51 --> 00:14:51 Thank you.
00:14:52 --> 00:15:21 And in March of 1995, the group walked away, or more like ran away, from heart management. They made sure to take their demo master tapes with them on the way out so their work couldn't be held hostage. And through pure diligence, they then tracked down Sheffield songwriter Elliot Kennedy, who had been at the showcase, and talked him into working with them. And through showcase connections, they also linked up with the production duo Absolute, Paul Wilson and Andy Watkins, who were deep in R&B at the time.
00:15:21 --> 00:15:43 and have since mentioned that they were quite confused by the girls, especially when they heard wannabe for the first time. They did not understand what was happening. Right. Oh, man. Shout out to all these songwriters for seeing the vision. And again, shout out to Jerry and Mel B for, you know, leading the group. And just, again, just out of pure...
00:15:44 --> 00:15:56 spunk like you mentioned yeah they like went through the phone book they like stalked these men to get them to work with them which is just amazing iconic um so yeah i i
00:15:56 --> 00:16:25 I love this story. If they ever do a biopic, I feel like this whole scene would be hilarious. Like the way they talk about it of them running away in the middle of the night from this house. Like it's just hilarious. Like they're freaking escaping captivity. Right. But yes, with Monabee, I feel so bad for Victoria. Like, LOL. Sorry, girl. I would have been like, sorry, I can't come to the wedding. My dreams are on the line, you know? Or at least actively schedule the recording. Yeah.
00:16:25 --> 00:16:46 But yeah, I am glad that they did keep elements of R&B in their ballet. To Become One is one of the songs I sang when I was hell-bent on Waiting for Marriage when I was a kid. So I remember that song as well. So it's one of those things where I'm like, okay, it's good to have something that, maybe that's just a trend. I think we've always talked about it. I was like, how come it seems like they released this one amazing, bright song and the other one's like this ballad?
00:16:46 --> 00:16:56 it works though it kind of just shows them shows the range of the group but yes again shout out to the men being like you know what
00:16:57 --> 00:17:25 Sure. Let's see what happens. Yeah, sure. Right. Yeah, Victoria... I mean, the girls could have left her something. Come on now. She does have... Are you for real? Or she does a lower harmony in that. You know? Are you for real? And I will say, at least when they sing it live... And there are some acapella versions of the chorus as well. She's very prominent in that lower harmony. Make it last forever. Friendship never ends. If you want to be my lover. So...
00:17:25 --> 00:17:51 With everything assembled, the girls started touring their own demos around record labels, refusing every exec who told them to pick a lead singer and wanted them to change their sound. The Simon Fuller connection came through the absolute zero who told him about the group, and they played him the demo of Something Kind of Funny. And following a chaotic first meeting, Simon Fuller signed the Spice Girls to 19 Entertainment. And the pitch that won them over...
00:17:51 --> 00:18:06 per Melby was that unlike every other manager saying just like this, sing like that, Fuller was laid back and understood they wanted a say in their own careers. He also encouraged them to play up their individuality. And this was also encouraged by Annie Lennox.
00:18:06 --> 00:18:33 oh simon fuller he would of course you know go on to do a ton right he did s club seven he obviously created the whole pop idol american idol franchise so he has a brilliant mind for sure so them finding him was kismet like i think of course i think it eventually got to the point where people just credited him for their success but it's a partnership and
00:18:33 --> 00:18:54 Yeah, totally. They needed each other. Oh, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And I do love hearing about the girls and how they would just kind of barge into record labels and start dancing on the conference tables, performing like Love Thing and Wannabe. Yeah. Like, again, it just takes balls. Right. And Mel C has said that, you know, I think when they're together together.
00:18:55 --> 00:19:12 their confidence they're able to kind of do all this because she was like on her own there's no way in hell she would feel comfortable doing anything like this you know that's valid yeah yeah yeah it's like the lure of the flies thing is like kill the pigs let her throw mash her head in and like that's the sing the song dance on the tables get in their faces like yeah um
00:19:12 --> 00:19:42 But yeah, Something Kind of Funny is a good pitch song. Side note. It's got the personality, for sure, without citing Tutu Bray. And shout out to Simon, like I said, for understanding the concept. There's a whole idea of the sum of the parts paint the full picture is important. There's a member for everyone vibe. Someone to mentally latch yourself onto and imagine yourself as. I think that's great to have. And also, I do wonder what about it was like, this is going to work. I respect the faith, the loop of faith for sure.
00:19:42 --> 00:20:10 Mm-hmm. Yes. So by mid-1995, the industry buzz was loud, and labels in both London and LA started circling. So after a bidding war, the group signed a five-album deal with Virgin Records in July 1995. And Virgin was building a massive launch campaign, but there was a genuine fight over the lead single. So the label thought that Wannabe was too weird and radical for a debut. Virgin's executives wanted Say You'll Be There, which they considered the cooler track, and...
00:20:10 --> 00:20:40 or Love Thick as well was up for consideration. But Simon Fuller even sided with the label at one point and told the group that Wannabe would not be the first single. And the girls led by Jerry and Mel B refused. Jerry's response was, is not negotiable as far as we're concerned. Wannabe is our first single. And Virgin commissioned a more R&B and hip hop version of Wannabe with the Dave Way remix. But luckily the girls were able to veto that and overrule the record label's terrible plan.
00:20:45 --> 00:21:13 It was a terrible plan. That Dave Way remix, sorry, Mr. Dave. That was not it. That was not it. It's so bad. Oh, my gosh. Like, removing the kind of, you know, Grease Summer Nights piano situation and just the brightness of the actual track. Yeah. It's so, like, that hip-hop beat, it just doesn't work with the song at all. Like, that would not have done well. You know...
00:21:13 --> 00:21:41 Doing the whole group chant over rap, hip-hop beats, or like boom, that is not like a far-fetched concept, but it's just, again, it does not fit their personalities. Yo, it's like, boom, chop, boom. I'm like, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on. My thing is, the Dave Way version sounds like a whack TLC thing, and I think that would have buried them. That thing would have flopped like a pancake on wet cement, okay? Just...
00:21:41 --> 00:22:01 Just in there. Okay? Wannabe also, speaking of like 20 minutes out of 20 minutes, less than an hour of it being written. Some people have said it's been 20 minutes. Who knows? Wannabe Deadstock is meant for a teenager. It's a plucky pop song about Zika Zika. It's not...
00:22:01 --> 00:22:20 And friendship being more important. And friendship. But here's the thing, though. If you are an adult listening to this, you're trying to figure out what's like, you can kind of infer what that means. But if you throw that mention in of friends and friendship lasting forever, you'll have armies of little girls and their little friends singing. Mom, call the radio station. Request the song.
00:22:20 --> 00:22:42 Teenage girls phoning in. The power of teenage girls is truly amazing. No buying power, but the influential effect that they have. The Beatles would be nothing without the girls that screamed for them and then the pretentious men that thought they were amazing after. Let's be so real. So to have girls screaming for other girls and screaming these things and feeling like they have a friend in this girl group.
00:22:42 --> 00:23:03 Because of, you know, I have this part, you have this part. It's really, really good. So it being a hip hop track just doesn't make sense. Because little girls aren't considered cool. They're considered whimsical. And the song captures that whimsy. And the silliness. Because what the heck is a zig-a-zig ad? Don't worry about it. Right. Don't worry about it.
00:23:03 --> 00:23:16 Yeah. You know, so it's cool. Yeah. Reading about all this, again, it's just fascinating, right? Because, yes, I have worked at record labels. I've read many, many record contracts. And the fact that they were able to put in there that they could veto
00:23:17 --> 00:23:35 decisions and they would make kind of the ultimate decisions on things huge that's that is huge like i have been in a lot of meetings with a lot of artists where they're just told what the next single is and they don't get to say anything yeah and they hate the song you know at least in this case i'm sure they don't hate say you'll be there and love thing yeah but
00:23:35 --> 00:24:04 But yeah, no, so they're really lucky that they were able to negotiate that. Yeah. And Wannabe, I think I was reading an article about it because obviously 30th anniversary just happened. And I think people were saying it's one of the most instantly recognizable songs ever in existence. Just from hearing that first, yo, within the first two seconds, you already know what it is. So yeah, it's so insanely catchy and memorable. It makes such an impact. There's such a power to it.
00:24:04 --> 00:24:10 Like it catches your attention the second it starts. Yeah. So it being the first single makes so much sense.
00:24:10 --> 00:24:39 If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. Make it like... And the Wannabeu video apparently horrified the Virgin execs. The girls wanted to create the same energy they had when they were pitching to the record labels. They were running around the office and jumping on tables. The label floated a reshoot, including an alternate version for America. But the group refused that too. And prior to the single's release, the video was sent for testing to the British cable channel, The Box, where viewers called in to request videos.
00:24:39 --> 00:25:00 And there it reached number one on the channel's viewer chart within a few hours. Amazing, right? And Wannabe was released in the UK in July 1996. And it entered the chart at number three before climbing to number one and staying on for seven weeks. And it eventually hit number one in 37 countries and became the best-selling single by...
00:25:00 --> 00:25:19 an all-female group. That's amazing. Yes. As ever, people. Uh-huh. Oh, man, the music video is so good. Again, it's just so impactful. Like, from the beginning, you're kind of watching them kind of walk in to this fancy hotel. You're kind of just like, what's about to happen?
00:25:19 --> 00:25:38 Yeah. You know? And there's so much rewatchability because all the extras are doing different things. All the girls are doing different things. Yeah. You know, so if you watch it and you watch each of them just doing random things with all the random people, it's so fun to watch. Mm-hmm. It's just, again, it's absolutely perfect. So the fact that the label...
00:25:38 --> 00:25:57 was worried about it. I know one aspect of it was because you can see some nipples. Yes. Because it was very cold, apparently, in that hotel. Yeah. So I think they were a little bit worried about that. And I think there is a censored version that does exist that did air in some of the more conservative countries. I believe it. Oh, man. But that staircase...
00:25:58 --> 00:26:28 that staircase is just the most memorable thing. So they just launched the Funko Pops from the wannabe costumes. Sold out, yep. And the advertisement. They went back to that hotel and they have the Funko Pops on the stairs, which is really cute. That is so cute. Stop. Oh, that's adorable. Yeah, they're all sold out now, which is so funny because I remember before the anniversary was announced, I could find a Funko Pop of them literally at like a Hot Topic or like some other like, you know. Yeah, they released them quite early in the stores before the official...
00:26:28 --> 00:26:51 Yeah, they did. Newberry Comics had them as well. We got shout out to Funko Pop for making these cute little memorabilia anniversary versions. But yes, the video I remember for several reasons. One being Mel B being brawless. Victoria's short dress. Because I was like, oh my God, she's so, wow. Like, wow. She's like, you know, it's one of those like I wouldn't wear because I was like, I wouldn't wear that. But I thought she was just so, ooh, so cool. Mm-hmm.
00:26:51 --> 00:27:01 Um, and then Mel sees back handspring. People call it backflip. A backflip is a, that's a back tuck, a back handspring. When you go backwards on your hands, I'm not a gymnast, but it does irk me when I hear backflip is back handspring.
00:27:02 --> 00:27:31 but yeah I was like I'm gonna learn how to do that I never learned but I have long since learned how to do other things with my hands me having my head upside down so that's awesome right yeah the song is a the song and the video have become like an anthem and a beacon for girls around the world I remember being in school and watching the end violence campaign on YouTube with international women and girls dancing like their butts off with various message of protections for women I don't know where the original video but it is on YouTube
00:27:31 --> 00:28:01 And it's women from like India, South Asia, East Asia, America. It's all over Africa. They're all over. And even most recently, I feel like the, the effect of wannabe is just felt because in dream Academy, the show that has produced cat's eye, the challengers performed the song and in K-pop, the Amazon show featured a K-pop girl group covering that as well. Cause it's just like, it's iconic, you know? And it's just so impactful. 37 countries said it was great. So,
00:28:01 --> 00:28:21 Can't really refute that evidence. Yes. Oh, man. I mean, we do say on the show, of course, you know, we ask the question, is Wannabe one of the Spice Girls worst or best songs? We do have some here. Because as much as I love Wannabe, I do think they have stronger in their discography. But...
00:28:21 --> 00:28:46 As a first single, it was a perfect choice, for sure. But it does make me a little bit annoyed that some people only know Wannabe. Wannabe. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, so we brought the questions to you all. It was Wannabe. Spice Girls' worst single? Or song? Oh, man. I do also want to shout out, because I think Emma and Mel C just did a little...
00:28:46 --> 00:29:12 they were kind of the only ones to really celebrate this anniversary together. Yeah. But they were talking about the fact that they went to number one while they were in Japan. And Top of the Pops was just like, we need you on the show. And they like went to this random Japanese temple and performed Wannabe in front of it. With a TOTP on the back. Yes. It's so random, but it's perfect. Like the global domination had started.
00:29:13 --> 00:29:42 even before the single had come out. You know what I mean? That is insane to me. Like, the more I think about it, it's just like, how, because, you know, with technology, we can just hop on the internet, right? But like, how is this song getting across everything? You have to literally physically bring these tapes. Like, again, that shows the power of Simon Fuller's management company as well and like Virgin's Reach. Because that's a lot of printing. That's a lot of pressing. That's a lot of sending. And shout out to the DJs who were like, what's this?
00:29:42 --> 00:29:58 Because it didn't sound like anything at the time. It's true. And then girl groups I came after tried not to sound like that. So it's just like a moment of time. I was just like, you know, frozen on the top of Mount Fuji next to that temple. I don't think it was Mount Fuji. I'm being a jerk. Oh.
00:29:58 --> 00:30:24 But yeah, the girls have had taken over the world already, which is insane. And they came with names. The girls' nicknames were Sporty, Baby, Posh, Scary and Ginger. And they were not actually part of Simon's original master plan. They came from a lunch with Peter Lorraine, an editor from Top of the Pops magazine, who met the group over lunch in Notting Hill. He went back to the office and brainstormed nicknames with his editorial team for a summer 1996 feature.
00:30:24 --> 00:30:46 And Peter Lorraine would go on to manage Girls Allow, The Saturday's Steps, and All Saints to name a few. So it's safe to say that he kind of knows what he's talking about. He's a true pop legend. And it would be noted that Jerry's original nickname was Sex or Spice. But this was obviously adjusted due to their very young audience of what? Girls.
00:30:46 --> 00:31:02 Yes. I mean, what a brilliant move. And it's so interesting because you can't, there's obviously scans of the original article. Like, it's so amazing that he did this just as a, you know, just because he needed a way to kind of frame the article. Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:02 --> 00:31:25 And it literally just became their caricatures. Like, that's insane what he did. And so many groups have since tried to recreate that. Yes. You know, so many groups have tried to give nicknames to their members and it never has really worked again. Yeah, I mean, it's kind of forced. The Saja boys, the Saja boys have worked. That's kind of, but that was just their names.
00:31:25 --> 00:31:52 I know, but that's because of what they represent. Romance, abs, baby, mystery, you know? Right. So it's, like, amazing. I'm not going to lie. I'm still, even when we did, like, our Black Girls in Pop music, I never liked the scary thing. I'm like, that's the word you came up with, with the one. Things are, quote, unquote, a little bit better now, but I would have not picked a different name. Yeah, that's fair. I think it's also because she's so intense.
00:31:52 --> 00:32:17 Like she's, I think with her though, she's just so loud and just so in your face. Yeah. You know, like I think even in interviews and stuff, when you watch them, she really does like intimidate everybody. So I would hope that it came more from that. You know what I mean? I hope so too. At least she's since embraced it. Yeah. And I think with the leopard print and everything, it's kind of turned to like an animalistic kind of thing. Which I'm kind of here for.
00:32:19 --> 00:32:43 It's so funny. If you guys have ever watched Dance Moms and how Nia was, Nia Sue was always put in animal print for a solo. It's just, I can't. I know I'm wearing it now, but I can't lie. I did avoid animal print for a reason. Cause I was like, I don't know how I feel about it. But you know what? Mel, after meeting her and, you know, getting a sense of who she is of small sense, by the way, cause it was only what? An hour or two we spent with her, like in the same room rather. Yeah.
00:32:43 --> 00:33:07 yeah um she's she's a cool chick she's a cool chick um but yeah you know shout out to peter and his brain um the names make them digestible in a way and relatable and for the labels that they receive for better or worse it makes them commodifiable period yes and that is exactly i mean the music business is a business and that is exactly what needs to happen in order for money to be made so
00:33:07 --> 00:33:26 Mm-hmm. Exactly. Worked out, yeah. So the girls were not just getting recognized for their distinct looks and personalities, though. The phrase they kept using in interviews, girl power, was starting to catch on to. And it would go on to become a major part of their whole brand. A slogan you could find on everything from t-shirts to lunchboxes.
00:33:26 --> 00:33:50 But they didn't actually make it up, though. The term had been kicking around for years before them, coined by the American punk band Bikini Kill in 1991, and later used as the title of a 1995 record by the pop punk duo Shampoo, which is where Jerry has said she first picked it up. But it was the Spice Girls who blew it up into the global phenomenon that it is now, and made it mean friendship, confidence, and sticking together.
00:33:51 --> 00:34:09 This is very true. I mean, I think as a little girl, I've always been kind of a girl power kind of gal. Between Sailor Moon's little peace sign, it wasn't a peace sign. She was doing like something with her fingers. But between that and then seeing Jerry, I think my hands are permanently set to V's.
00:34:09 --> 00:34:25 you know but yeah the whole concept is perfect I think having a hand symbol in a gesture is perfect them looking differently it's perfect you know tens across the board in terms of all of it and I think
00:34:25 --> 00:34:49 With her, with Jerry's kind of like concept of how things work and all the connective tissues that make things quote unquote iconic. Even if she's not doing it on purpose, she understands the iconography of having a symbol or saying certain things. I mean, the whole group in general just understands who they are and having things that were like, you know, Mel with her, Mel C with her ponytail. It matters.
00:34:49 --> 00:35:07 You've got to have this set in stones, like people recognize you. The whole different but united thing is powerful. And I think the girls had a really good time with it. I think at one point or another, I was reading an article in this magazine where the girls were talking to other little girls. Like they kicked their leg. They wave their hand. Woo.
00:35:07 --> 00:35:35 And Mel B's like, you know what? This is a cult movement. By the end of the evening, you'll all be naked in a chance. All chant together, girl power, girl power, girl power. So I think it's easy. It's easy to digest. And I mean, looking back on life and even things now, it represents so much. But like as a little girl, it just feels like friendship. And who doesn't want friends? Like taking on a very like superficial like candies and rainbows kind of thing. It's very sweet.
00:35:36 --> 00:35:54 Yeah, it's interesting hearing them talk about it now. Because obviously as a kid, I didn't really understand why it was such a big deal, right? But they really did break down a lot of walls, as they've said. Like the whole industry, they were not putting girls on magazine covers. Like they were dismissed by a lot of people.
00:35:54 --> 00:36:22 So I think them being this gang of, yeah, very different women coming together and just kind of defying everybody. It's kind of amazing. It's the underdog story, right? Yes. But it ended up, you know, being so important just to overall culture as well. And I think it has made such a huge impact on the way that generation and future generations have seen like gender equality. Oh, yeah, totally. Yeah. Yeah.
00:36:23 --> 00:36:51 Yeah, that's why Wannabe has become like this anthem, even though it's not like the song that says like, respect women. That whole, that whole era was very much like, bees! Bing, bing, bing, bing, bing! But yes, moving right along, the momentum was not stopping. Meanwhile, the singles came. Say You'll Be There went to number one in October 1996, and To Become One landed in December and became the fastest selling single of Wannabe.
00:36:51 --> 00:37:06 1996 and their first Christmas number one. The single version included a recorded verse sung by Victoria instead of Cherry, who was on the album version where they changed the lyrics to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ plus community.
00:37:06 --> 00:37:22 And the debut album Spice, released that November, was the fastest selling album of the year, removing over 1.8 million copies in the UK in seven weeks, and gave them the Christmas chart double, number one single and number one album. Spice Mania was truly underway.
00:37:25 --> 00:37:46 Yes, so of course we have done the full album reviews. So if you would like to hear us really deep dive into every single song in their entire discography, definitely check out those album reviews. But just to talk through some of these singles, like Say You'll Be There.
00:37:46 --> 00:38:13 I think it may be my absolute favorite Spice Girls song, though it's very hard to choose and it changes sometimes. But it really is just perfect in pretty much every way. But I think listening to the album overall, there's a few things that really stood out because I've just kind of been listening to them kind of nonstop along with Madonna over the last few weeks in preparation for this. The harmony arrangements overall are just perfect.
00:38:13 --> 00:38:20 There is the dynamic between the five voices, the way they arrange the whole thing.
00:38:20 --> 00:38:44 It's actually really intricate, and they do not get enough credit for that. No, not at all. And there are just so many gems on the album overall, and they really showcase their personalities. And there are genuinely clever lyrics and great melodies as well. So I think, yes, they were kind of known for the whole branding of it, but the music...
00:38:44 --> 00:38:52 As objective as I can be, given how big a fan I am, it is genuinely really well done.
00:38:52 --> 00:39:21 Oh yeah, I think so too. I think Saber there is a good example of their harmony. There's a lot of background vocals there. And even there's a melody of the top line is really good. The bridge has so many elements that make it interesting to listen to. Because it wasn't just a hit because people were like, oh yeah, they're girls, I'm a girl, I like it. Because there's only so far that can go. The music does eventually have to speak for itself and it did. Yeah.
00:39:21 --> 00:39:43 And then interestingly enough, like I was too young to even fathom who they were. Like I was still pooping, I think. Well, you still poop now. You mean uncontrollably. Well, yeah, I remember getting older and listening to 2 Become 1 and say you'll be there. And I have no clue where, though. And that's the thing. Like I think a lot of people who are like.
00:39:43 --> 00:39:57 a little bit younger, maybe like they grew up with like Destiny's Child. If you're like around that age, like you grew up watching Destiny's Child and Cheetah Girls, you may have seen little trickles of Spice Girls coming in because by that time they had already, quote unquote, phased out.
00:39:58 --> 00:40:19 And Destiny's Child was kind of on the come up. And then, you know, Cheetah Girls that turned into Hannah Montana in high school. All these things came right after. And it's like, it's so interesting to think about how did I get this information? Where did it come from? I have no clue how it was put on at all. And speaking of put on, I do remember To Become One with the...
00:40:19 --> 00:40:43 put it on put i don't know why i remember that but to this day i remember and i had an older friend like she's always she's actually a little bit older than you and she would sit down we'd watch when the lights go out because she grew up listening to that yeah even though she's an american and she also loved to become one so she would play the best she loved a good ballad she'd sit there and we tonight on her couch is the night so she also kind of like showed me certain things i was like
00:40:43 --> 00:41:04 Oh my God, I remember this. I don't know why. But yeah, say you be there, I remember being confused about the nature of the song and it being unrequited love. And interestingly enough, the version that has the rap verse makes it so very clear that it's like, bro, I'm not interested in you anymore. Like if we do hook up, it's going to be a quick little, you know. And if not, just be a good friend.
00:41:05 --> 00:41:28 Yeah, I want you not as I love about a friend. So maybe we could get onto the covers now and then. As the pop version, it's so innocent. You're not really picking up on it. It sounds like G-Funk is really poppy. Again, watch the full review because I can go into depth. But yeah, I think in terms of the songs, you have one that's like really bright and just kind of nonsensical. You have one that has a typical structure. And then you have this ballad.
00:41:28 --> 00:41:57 That also holds up. And it's like, Omar, what are you talking about? And they're being considerate of what's happening, you know, with everyone. Because everyone is doing it. Except me, apparently. It's so interesting looking back, right? Because obviously I was quite young at the time singing along to all these songs. So I didn't really know what to become one meant. Meant. Yeah. And I remember they were very clear about Put It On, Put It On being a reference to safe sex. Mm-hmm.
00:41:57 --> 00:42:04 And while I was reading that, I still didn't really understand what they were talking about. You know? Yeah. But I was still like screaming my lungs out to everything.
00:42:06 --> 00:42:30 But even that, like, there actually are some deeper lyrics on this album, too. Like, if you listen to, like, Naked, for example. I was thinking Naked, too. Yeah. Or even Last Time Lover. Yeah. You know, like, I didn't really know what was going on, but the melodies were just so good. There was still something that I connected to in it. And then as I've gotten older, I just kind of appreciate the lyrics way more than I did at the time. Yeah.
00:42:30 --> 00:42:56 Yeah, To Become One has such a perfect chorus. I love the way they arranged it, like with Emma and Jerry singing together, Mel C and Victoria singing together, and Mel B kind of getting the outro. Yeah. Again, just going back to how creative and intricate their vocal arrangements were, because you really don't get that with a lot of groups, you know? Nope. And so, yeah, I think there needs to be more respect on that.
00:42:56 --> 00:43:23 for sure you know what i need for the girls when they do spice girls cover stop doing wannabe try try try to do a little try harder okay try a little harder all right so maybe maybe i'll do a cover one day but my cover would be of one specific song we're not there yet but it's like hands down even i'm at your house i sing it i feel like i feel you can think of it like i could i could be sick as heck i'll still sing that song okay
00:43:24 --> 00:43:52 So Wannabe was released in the U.S. in January 1997 and debuted at number 11 on the Hot 100, which at the time was the highest ever chart debut by a British act beating a record held by the Beatles for I Want to Hold Your Hand. And the Spice album followed and went on to become the biggest selling album of 1997 in the U.S., eventually certified seven times platinum there, and it remains the best selling album by a girl group in history at more than 23 million copies worldwide.
00:43:53 --> 00:44:19 Amazing. And at the 1997 Brit Awards, the Spice Girls performed Who Do You Think You Are? And Jerry wore her now iconic Union Jack mini dress, which was a Gucci black dress originally. And she thought it was too boring. So her sister sewed a Union Jack T-tail onto it with a P sign on the back so it wouldn't read as nationalist. And it became one of the most famous outfits in pop history. And the group won two Brits that night.
00:44:19 --> 00:44:45 a british video award for say you'll be there and best british single for wannabe and liam gallagher of oasis announced before him that he was skipping the ceremony in case he ran into them which mel c playfully mentioned during their acceptance speech which i think is hysterical i'm she's like yeah liam you have something to say i was like i loved it i loved it she's a thug i love her she's i will beat you up yes
00:44:51 --> 00:45:21 I think the U.S. release is so interesting, right? Because I'm curious kind of what the conversations were around it, like how confident the label was, right? Because I feel like with their promo, they did do quite a lot. So I think they knew from the very beginning, like they told Simon they wanted global domination. And as we know, the U.S. is very, very hard to break. We talk about so many artists that are huge, literally in the entire world, except for the U.S. Yep.
00:45:21 --> 00:45:47 just out the gate. They had it. Yeah. You know? Yeah, man. That is, um, that is, uh, impressive. I don't know what it is with the Americans and their, you know, a refusal to listen to other pop music. That's literally in English. Um, I can get the whole, I don't understand the language, but if it's in English, I don't get it. Um, if it's good, I don't get it. Um,
00:45:47 --> 00:46:12 But yeah, I think that performance, the Brit performance is so interesting because I was watching it and I was thinking to myself, like as an adult woman and watching these early mid 20s, early 20s, I was watching them and I'm like, this is how I feel when I'm like walking around on stage or even just throughout life. I was telling someone, one of my friends, my personal friends, cult friends, I was telling her, I was like, yeah.
00:46:12 --> 00:46:32 I don't walk into rooms anymore thinking, oh, my God, I hope they like me. I don't give a crap if you like me. I'm here now, you know? And I think there's something to be said about these five women who are singing, quote, unquote, bubblegum pop dressed completely. They were dressed a damn mess. Let's be so for real here. They were not matching whatsoever. But what I can say is that the silhouettes were still really sleek.
00:46:32 --> 00:47:02 and tight and it fits the girl's personality. Now, if you're going to have different outfits, everything needs to be at least, you can't be like baggy. It can't be all over the place. And even though it was, because everyone's personality is strong enough and their identity is so strong, it didn't feel like, why is she wearing that? And I think it's a testament to who they were. It's just a stark contrast, honestly, just looking at them to so many girl groups that came after. Like the magic started to fade
00:47:03 --> 00:47:08 appreciation i mean right now we have a girl group girl girl group
00:47:08 --> 00:47:35 Boom. But Spice was like one of the first to really feel like, you know, random girls put together and none of them are like the weak link. You may have your own opinion. Okay. You may have your own opinion. But Victoria in that bikini and that designer. Honey, you can't tell her nothing. She looked amazing with that little, you know, Quancy Bob. She was eating it up. They were all, they looked amazing. They were super, super confident. And I think that's what also sold it.
00:47:35 --> 00:47:46 Like you were lip syncing for their life, but you saw girls thrusting in your face. Yes. You know, Mel C. Yeah, no, she's, she was, God, that girl was something else. She was,
00:47:47 --> 00:48:15 centers them for sure you know i love how simple the whole ritz performance is yeah like you said they're lip-syncing to the album version like there are no dancers it's literally just the five of them yeah kind of vibing out you know we're relatively simple dance routine yeah and some formation changes and stuff it's just pure star quality and chemistry like you could tell how in it they were yeah yeah
00:48:15 --> 00:48:37 And so I think that's what makes it so great. And it's so interesting because I feel like a lot of other quote unquote iconic awards performances are usually because they're doing the absolute most in terms of production. You know, or there's some or there's something, you know, like a shocking thing. Yeah, shocking that happens. But in their case, it literally was just them, just the five of them.
00:48:37 --> 00:49:00 Just being them. Yeah. You know, Jay and her car spray paint boots, you know? Yes, exactly. Oh, man. So in March 1997, the Mama Who Do You Think You Are, double A-side, which was the final single from the Spice album, went to number one, making the Spice Girls the very first act in UK chart history to have their first four singles all reach number one.
00:49:00 --> 00:49:08 And this was also the comic relief single in the UK, which was a huge honor for them. And barely eight months after Wannabe, they were now the biggest pop act on the planet. Yeah.
00:49:18 --> 00:49:47 The harmonies for the whoo. Like it stands out to me. The attitude behind it. The delivery of the verses with the vocal fry. And then them. It's so silly. But yeah, I mean, it's crazy that the song is about like they're haters and not about a guy. Like my child mom was like, who do you think you are? You know, it's so cute. And then Mama, I vaguely remember that song as well. Like I feel like
00:49:47 --> 00:50:10 Mother's Day, it may have sprouted up on, like, you know, radio. It was like, oh, for our little mouths to sing. And it worked. I mean, again, I was still hooping my pants. It was no singing. But eventually, when I got older, Mother's Day came along. You had Mama by Boys to Men and then Mama by... You know? You just would never listen to Eminem's King of the Closet, you know? Because that's not for your mom.
00:50:11 --> 00:50:18 Yeah, I remember as a kid being confused why the U.S. did not get these songs as singles. Oh, really?
00:50:18 --> 00:50:44 Yeah, because I think the first time I saw these music videos was watching the Laserdisc of One Hour of Girl Power. Remember Laserdiscs? Yeah, but One Hour of Girl Power is an amazing name, though. Yeah, it was their first documentary kind of series or whatever. Wow. Well, actually, they never did it again. So it's just the One Hour of Girl Power. That's all that exists. That's hilarious. Yeah.
00:50:44 --> 00:51:12 the music videos are at the end of it. And I remember being like, oh, I've never seen these before. And this is when I really did start questioning kind of why things were different, like territorial in the music industry. Yeah, you were globetrotting, you know. Yeah, and that led to my career, which is very interesting. Yes, very brilliant double A side, of course. And again, strategically as well, right? Mama for AC Radio. Who do you think you are?
00:51:12 --> 00:51:29 For the kids. Yeah. And Who Do You Think You Are remains one of my absolute favorite songs of theirs. Like, I've even choreographed to it. And yeah, you mentioned subject matter. Like, the fact that it's about people in the industry staying humble. Yeah. I love that. And the fact that they wrote that before they even made it. Right. Right.
00:51:29 --> 00:51:54 Like they were already seeing that there were egos they had to deal with. Yeah. You know? And yeah, the attitude in the vocal execution. And yeah, I mentioned the harmonies as well. And as they continued performing it, they added more harmonies to it too. Yeah. Like I think the Earl's Court Show, it's a full four-part harmony, that entire chorus. Yeah. They kill that. So yeah, I love these two songs. And yeah, if you look at the five singles...
00:51:55 --> 00:52:16 It really is quite the range. Like there is something for everybody there. Yeah. For sure. So really strong choices. Absolutely. It's a testament to them and their belief in themselves. And also the talent, which is also why I understand why you're like, wannabe cannot be the one thing that you all know.
00:52:16 --> 00:52:45 I get it. Yeah. I totally get it. But that's what happens when you have that one really good song. People just don't let it go. But yes, we have reached the end of part one. So we got to stop here, y'all. Make sure you understand. We have more. We have to start here because it's going to get a little long. Next time on CCTV, Spice Mania goes into overdrive. The girls fire the man who built the empire. They film a movie and record a whole album at the same time.
00:52:45 --> 00:52:48 and one of them walks out in the middle of the biggest tour on Earth.