It would be all too easy to write off Melanie Chisholm as a bitter and twisted former pop star, and she doesn't help dispel this myth on the single Next Best Superstar.

Yet, ironically, this sharp, observational warning to a younger potential pop star is the one song on Beautiful Intentions not written by the former Sporty Spice Girl. Indeed, Mel C is probably the only Spice Woman who seems to enjoy her own music. Mel has financed the project privately in a labour of love with no pretensions to conform to industry rules, so you won't find any fluffy pink disco covers here.

Several of the songs were previewed at Mel C's joyous York gig at Fibbers last summer, and unusually for many pop acts, Mel's touring band plays on this album, injecting the raunchy intimacy Last Night On Earth and You Will See demand.

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, May 05, 2005