Melanie C's debut album "Northern Star" was well-received by both fans and critics. Her strength as a solo artist shined in songs like "I Turn To You" and "Never Be The Same Again". While her debut had strength and was musically diverse, Melanie had yet to impress with her vocals, and the inconsistent styles displayed throughout her debut made the flow from song to song rugged.

The recent release of Melanie C's latest effort, "Beautiful Intentions", shows Melanie has come into her own as a glamorous and feminine (but still strong in spirit) rocker. Her second album "Reason" falls somewhere in between the sparkly melodies of "Northern Star" and the harsh honesty of "Beautiful Intentions". Clearly, Melanie's singing is far more impressive on "Reason" than on her debut. The melodies are laid back, and most of the songs featured on the album would sit comfortably in the adult contemporary genre. There's a charming closeness surrounding "Reason"; somehow, the songs seem familiar upon hearing them for the first time. This familiarity, though extremely inviting at times, can often seem somewhat uninspired and, dare I say it, boring. However, Melanie's song writing is to be commended, and in particular, her lyrics are insightful and thought provoking.

Most of the tunes on "Reason" adopt a sunny and positive vibe. Even the sad songs have silver linings of hope and optimism. "Lose Myself in You" and "Positively Somewhere" both come to the conclusion that it's ok to be uncertain of what the future holds, whether it's in a romantic relationship or at the turning point of ones life. "Melt" and "Water" both have simple but gorgeous introductions, including acoustic guitars and subtle backing chords. Most songs have a lazy-summer-day disposition, but there are several moments of glory on "Reason", including the peppy and inspirational "On The Horizon", which features brass instruments and has a very infectious beat. Other favorites include the soulful and relaxing "Do I", with some of Melanie's best vocals on the album (her lower range sounds beautiful here). In "Let's Love" we get a sample of what was to come with Melanie's newest album "Beautiful Intentions"; it's easily the hardest rocking song on the album, with strong electric guitars and a lyrical intensity. Perhaps the best moment of the album comes with "Home", featuring Melanie's vocals stretching successfully from soft and lush to loud and commanding. The musical production in the song is also worth mentioning; there's a lovely balance of guitars, sparkly keyboards and intense chords.

Overall, "Reason" is a soothing sound to the ears. It isn't very innovative, but it sounds comfortable. The album's flow is much smoother than "Northern Star" and the lyrics are more pleasant to listen to. In spite of all that, I would still recommend "Northern Star" over this. "Reason" is so laid back; it's less impressive and more simplistic. Even though the album shines as a whole, emotionally moving and climactic moments are few and far between. If you really want to go for an emotional ride, I'd recommend Melanie's newest album "Beautiful Intentions". But these lighthearted tunes make this album an avenue worth exploring.

Reviewer: M-A-T from UK

Well, I bought this CD and now there is no chance to stop listening to it! Here are my first impressions:

> 1 Here It Comes Again: very lyrical lead-in! the title is programme (here she comes again)! great voice and high catch factor! 10/10

> 2 Reason: soft album-entitling track full of intensity! first surprise: melanie plus piano = huge feelings! 8/10

> 3 Lose Myself In You: starting r'n'b like, pretty laid-back and cool song! let's sing a long! great! 10/10

> 4 On The Horizon: guitar sound is back! somehow reminding me of carlos santana with cute michelle branch! positive energy and happiness! gorgeous! 9/10

> 5 Positively Somewhere: well known melanie style - nothing more to say ... high quality 8/10

> 6 Melt: 40 seconds tug heartstrings and almost made me cry! suddenly melanie turns the tables with appealing and strong messages! all in a wonderful sound garden! perfect! 10/10

> 7 Do I: a lovely and emotional chorus in a the-corrs-like style! nothing out of the ordinary, but extremely heart-warming and catchy! lovely 9/10

> 8 Soul Boy: strange beginning, quite slow-motion and chill-out song. okay! 6/10

> 9 Water: easy going piece of pop music with musical surprises! big up 2 times! 9/10

> 10 Home: pretty sag song, seems to be very autobiographical when looking at the lyrics (once upon a time before all this mess began i never felt alone)! emotions pure! 9/10

> 11 Let's Love: classy rock sound, melanie's voice fits in perfectly and there's a good message: let's love! well done! 8/10

> 12 Yeh, Yeh, Yeh: up beat, party crasher - excellent ending of an album! PARTY ON!

so, i guess there are enough reasons to buy REASON! come on! it's great!!!

Melanie C is often referred to in the British Press as the heir to the Pat Benatar throne, and for good reason. Her superb Debut CD "Northern Star" yielded 2 Huge Pop/Rock inflected Dance Hits in America: "I Turn to You" (Hex Hector) and "Never Be the Same Again" (Jonathon Peters). Her follow up CD "Reason" is one of the most underrated CDs of 2003. The Label chose "Here It Comes Again" and the "too Pop for Melanie" "On the Horizon" as the first and Second Singles, respectively. This perhaps explains why the CD failed to "catch". The real gems on this CD are buried at the end: the Modern Day Pat Benatar-esque track "Let's Love" and the equally rocking "Yeh, Yeh, Yeh". Another Artist showing her "Benatar roots" is Pop/Rocker AMBER. Her Pop Perfect "Just Like That" from her Superb "My Kind of World" quite by accident sounds almost like Benatar herself and is something of an unintentional nod to the Artist. And the Monster Hit-to-be Whitney Houston Meets Pat Benatar Power Ballad "Sacrificial Lamb" makes AMBER a worthy contender to any Female Rocker's throne. Amber has already hit #1 on the all important trendsetting XM Radio with her Alt Rock infused Single "You Move Me". My advice to the fans? Give Melanie C "Reason" a listen and pick up AMBER - "My Kind of World" as well.

Although she was never my favourite Spice, Melanie C has certainly impressed me with her solo albums. I was impressed with her first, Northern Star. However, I have been blown away by Reason. She is now my favourite Spice, to say the least.

Mel has shown a lot of growth since Northern Star. Her songs are definately more meaningful, more deep. They're all completely relatable. In a word, this album is LOVABLE. Every song shows depth and versatility from one to another. In her more simplistic songs, Mel shows her vulnerability in a candid way. And in more upbeat, spunkier ones she shows how much she loves to rock.

The album has no fillers, I can tell! It is the best [money] I ever spent. This is certainly the best album that has ever graced my ear.

P.S. the best songs are "On the Horizon," "Do I," and "Reason."

REASON - Melanie C's sophomore album. Is one of those albums that really stuck with me in 2003! After her first attempt to fly solo with Northern Star in 1999, she out-does herself with REASON. I've always considered her as a talented vocalist, even when she was still with the Spice Girls; let's face it, she has the pipes (Emma Bunton comes in second) and with this album, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is not a fan of hers; if you're into deep lyrics and a different sound, this is the album to listen to! Very inspirational, a happy optimistic record! It's a shame that this album is not marketed right in the US because they don't know what they're missing. Each song tells her personal stories and her life experiences! Enjoy!!!