Spice up your life, 25 years later…
The Spice Girls are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album in October, with a reissue! The release features previously unreleased songs, demos and mixes from the Spice archives.
Spice 25 is being released on October 29, 25 years after the release of their debut album on November 4, 1996.
The collection includes the album’s original 10 bangers, plus previously unreleased demos and mixes, including the 7-inch radio mix of the record’s second single Say You’ll Be There – released today – where the familiar harmonica solo is… wait for it… replaced by a saxophone. How 90’s!
The expanded edition also includes two previously unheard songs, One Of These Girls and Shall We Say Goodbye Then?.
Spice 25 tracklisting
CD1
- Wannabe (02:53)
- Say You’ll Be There (03:56)
- 2 Become 1 (Single Version) (04:05)
- Love Thing (03:39)
- Last Time Lover (04:11)
- Mama (05:05)
- Who Do You Think You Are (04:01)
- Something Kinda Funny (04:05)
- Naked (04:26)
- If U Can’t Dance (03:49)
CD2
- Wannabe (Dave Way Alternative Mix) (03:25)
- Say You’ll Be There (7-inch Radio Mix) (04:09)
- 2 Become 1 (Orchestral Version) (04:05)
- Mama (Biffco Mix) (05:49)
- Love Thing (12-inch Unlimited Groove Mix) (06:25)
- Take Me Home (04:07)
- Last Time Lover (Demo) (04:05)
- Feed Your Love (04:36)
- If U Can’t Dance (Demo) (03:36)
- Who Do You Think You Are (Demo) (03:49)
- One of These Girls (03:33)
- Shall We Say Goodbye Then? (00:53)
Spice spent 15 weeks at Number 1 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart, and across the world was topping the charts in all major markets, including Australia.
The record’s global sales are reportedly 23 million units, back when album sales were a physical thing and made us run to the shops to buy a release. So this is hopefully a return to collectible physical music!!!
Emma Bunton said in a statement: “From the first wannabe baby steps to conquering the whole world with a team of Spices, thank you doesn’t seem enough to all of you who have supported us, followed in our footsteps, walked in our great big shoes and who have shared our dreams. It’s been 25 years of pure magic. Spice Girls forever!!!”
Geri Horner added: “To our diehard and loyal fans; without you there is no us – sending endless love and gratitude. Whoever you are, whatever your dreams – live them, be them. The Spice Girls motto is testament to that.”
The 2CD release comes in an A5 hardback booklet, with a collection of images plus new messages from the group, and a set of six Spice Girls postcards featuring photographs by Tim Roney, taken in Paris in September 1996. The album will also be released on picture disc, limited edition coloured vinyl and cassettes. There is no word yet on if this release will be available outside of the UK yet you can grab the release on Amazon here.
Commenting on the album’s milestone anniversary, Melanie C said: “25 years, wow! I have so many wonderful memories of writing, recording, promoting and touring this album and so many people to thank. This is the record that set us off on our incredible journey. A huge thank you to our fans and family all around the World. Thank you for always being there with your unrelenting support and making our dreams come true. My love and gratitude always.”
Melanie B added: “All I ever wanted was to be accepted and to make everyone around me – gay, straight, brown, black, shy or loud like me – to feel they can celebrate who they are and to be free to be themselves. All I hope – 25 years on – is that message has been heard loud and clear. It’s true that in the end love IS all you need so I thank everyone who has ever bought a Spice Girls record or stood in the rain to greet us or got dressed up in pink, in a tracksuit, a ginger wig, a leopard print catsuit or put on Vic’s iconic pout!”
Speaking of which, Victoria Beckham said: “We couldn’t let 25 years pass without thanking the fans for their incredible support. There are so many people who have played a part in the success of the Spice Girls throughout the years, you know who you are and we thank you.”
