Free Me

I guess I must be the last one that had the opportnity of getting this terrific album via Amazon.com, since now it's not available here anymore (at least not in a new condition!) and that's a shame, because this album is really outstanding, and one of the most enjoyable solo projects from one of the more talented ex-spice girl.Emma is a wonderful singer, she knows how to interpet a song, she has a sweet honeyed voice, and when I listened to this album I felt as if she's standing in my room, singing to me privately!That being said, it's also an album that can make you get up and dance, in some of the tracks. The whole thing has a strong 60's feeling, without forgeting to be modern and fun, with a varietyof styles in it - from Bossa-Nova to fast Samba to Epic ballad, to pop songs. I especially like the title song "Maybe", and the fast-paced "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" and "Amazing" - an amazing duet with a relatively (at least in my country) unknown singer, Luis Fonsi. The other songs are well-made and fun also. If you can buy this album used, do it, because it's a real treasure to the ears, and though I've waited something like a month until I finally got it in mail, it was well worth my time and money. Planning to get one day her third one, she's that good!Emma - please, don't be confused because you're not selling so much as you did when you were a spice-girl. Keep releasing albums like these, your fans really need more of your music.

I bought this after seeing Emma Bunton perform the title song on David Letterman. Not being a fan of bands that look too pre-fab and polished (Spice Girls), I didn't expect much. I was very pleasantly surprised with her performance, and the album. Only one real clunker track, but the others are quite good. I thought a few were reminiscent of Petula Clark, who I also like, (my musical tastes run all the way from Black Sabbath to Kate Bush.) Considering her voice and the overall sound on the album, I'm surprised she hasn't been tapped to do the theme to a James Bond film.

Emma Bunton's sophomore album is just an elegant blend of genres from the 60s British Pop sound of "Maybe" (a favorite of mine) to the Latin pop cover of "Crickets Sing For Anamaria", the James Bond-esque song of "Tomorrow" and the Motown inspired music of "I'll Be There". Overall this album was wonderful and proved that Emma Bunton is more than just Baby Spice.

What a surprise!!!!! this is a deligthfull collection of songs , 60s and 70s influences, groovy rithms , bossanova , romantic lyrics, this album is awesome Emma is also gorgeous, with that naive looks and that body , wow!!!!, the general mood of the album is so Britt and i love it, good effort and turned out in a very impressive wayHM

Great solo album.

5 Stars All the way!All the tracks are very goodA must for diehard spice fans!There's not 1 bad song on this album.Should of been the next thriller of the 21st century.

It's always a treat when an artist takes a different route. In the midst of all the hip hop pop, rap and alternative rock, Emma has emerged with a sound as unique and sweet as her Baby Spice image was. Now a woman with a sexy side and stronger voice, she has come a long way since her debut 'A Girl Like Me'.Free Me - A beautiful track with sweeping strings and strong harmonies, Free Me takes you on a desperate adventure in which Emma 'longs to seduce you'. The harp and strong hornline add to the emotional depth, and the beat keeps a steady pace. This song sets the tone for the whole album wonderfully. (10/10)Maybe - Her first single off the album, Maybe is a pop-latin-tinged anthem. With infectious piano and more beautifully arranged strings, Emma successfully uses similar instruments as in the first track while creating a brand new sound. The looped vocal percussion in which she sings playfully 'ba da da da da' will hook you. (10/10)I'll Be There - At first listen, this song has less punch than the previous two. Again, Emma includes strings, apparently her main instrument of choice. The soothing hand drums roll into a strong drum beat with ease. The bridge section contains a beautiful guitar solo, reminiscent of past solos from decades before. This song in particular has very complimentary lyrics and music; the two go together well, as in all good songs. (9/10)Tomorrow - This seems to be her first real romantic song of the album. A pure love song, it's sunny and strong, but contains a hint of doubt. She wonders if she can be 'strong enough for he'. Once again, there's flowing strings, and a percussion arrangement with a light latin feel. Her vocals are beautiful in this track. (10/10)Breathing - Ah, a pan flute, something new on this track. I thought in general that Emma's vocals weren't as clean, and the meaning of this song was a little fuzzy. Still musically beautiful (with strings), it's a relaxing listen. The pan flute adds a new feeling of calm and serenity. There's also a sitar sounding instrument in the chorus. (7/10)Crickets Sing For Anamaria - The most intricate track on the album, Crickets is fun with a simple meaning about love. With a very strong latin percussion beat, vibraphone (which sounds like an instrument solo through the whole song), and a beach style guitar, Emma's voice sounds beautiful in this song. Her dialect perfectly compliments the music. Very fun, and very sweet. (10/10)No Sign of Life - Even someone as cute as Emma has insecurities. She's just broken up with a lover, and obsessing. The steady piano rhythm and longing strings keep the pace of the song moving while the occasional harp and hornline help the transition from verse to chorus. Another strong track vocally, Emma is convincing in her desperation. (10/10)Who The Hell Are You - This song reminds me of the Spice Girls hit Who Do You Think You Are, and not just in the title. The meaning is similar, as Emma sings about a guy who's not good enough for her. And it seems as if Emma has ditched the strings for the first time. This song is much more electronic, with an electronic beat box which carries through pretty much the whole song. (9/10)Lay Your Love On Me - If you want shagadelic, you've got it right here. Lay Your Love On Me has a sneaky feel to it from the start with a high piano and whistle solo. A glockenspiel teases in the chorus line and the funky guitar brings a mature mood. Syncopated claps make this song all the more fun. (10/10)Amazing - Emma sings a duet with Luis Fonsi on this track, and the effect is stunning. They sound beautiful together, and the vocal arrangement is divine. It's a classic love song, with a constant steady light beat and deep harmonies in the chorus. A relatively simple tune with romantic piano runs and airy strings, it's lush enough to slow dance to. (9/10)You Are - This is classic Emma, short and sweet. She includes a piccolo and light vibraphone, and once again the guitar arrangement is classic and smooth. This is a summer love song, or at least it gives off that impression. The vocal arrangements are very natural and altogether cute. (10/10)Something So Beautiful - Emma ends her album on a lovely note, combining all the best elements of her previous tracks (strings, vibraphone, harp, guitar, a simple bass line, gorgeous french horns) and made a song that leaves a lasting impression. With very little percussion, this track really shows off Emma's vocal talent. (10/10)Entirely mature and as always fun and sweet, Emma has finally come into her own with this fresh musical style. The whole album has a late 60s feel, right down to the sleeve design, outfits and photos. Even if she strays from this particular image in the future, Emma will only grow more as an artist.

This is an amazing album and the service was excellent.

Bought this for some of the songs that was on it. For all it cost was cheaper than downloading them! Emma has a really lovely voice and pleasant to listen to. I really love Maybe, one of my favourites of hers!

A other one for the Spice Girls collection

My Mother in law loves this album and had played it literally to death, it became to scratched to use. Excellently packaged and rapid delivery!

One can only imagine that Virgin marketing department was rubbish and what a coup for Polydor to pick up one of the best artists in recent times. Not a big fan of the Spice Girls collectively but the style that Emma has adopted as a solo artist appeals. I can only recommend this to fans of Swing out Sister, Lighthouse Family etc.