Stuck In Our Head: "2 Become 1" - Spice Girls

Their debut single went to number one in thirty-one countries. Their debut album became the biggest-selling album by a female group in music history. Nearly two million people willingly paid £85 for two hours in their presence on their reunion tour. How have the Spice Girls not appeared on Shiny & New before?

For two years, the Spice Girls ruled the world. They also ruled this writer's heart, and while not appealing quite as much to the other writers of this wonderful blog, no one cany deny their legacy and significance. They were a new female generations' idols, they were a new male generations' gay icons. Everyone had a favourite. But this post isn't about signifant artists, it's about those bloody annoying songs we just can't get out of our heads, and we've had the first of three consecutive Spice Girls Christmas number ones, "2 Become 1", in our head all day.

A simple message about people coming together and love, the song stands as much of a symbol of Girl Power as "Wannabe" or "Spice Up Your Life", yet in a starkly different way. A gorgeous example of the power a simple, beautiful pop ballad can wield, it set the standard and so far, few have managed to meet it. 2006's effort from Girls Aloud, "Whole Lotta History" was noted as "sub-Spice Girls" by an Irish newspaper, showing while girl bands today can still knock out wonderful belters and tunes, it takes a special one to capture the magic that the Spice Girls managed to. They may not have had the longevity or lifespan they craved, but while they were big, they were big. Something Cheryl Cole is none too pleased about.

By the way, if you really want something to make you feel old, "2 Become 1" was Christmas number one twelve years ago. That's a small child.

Further links
Emma Bunton's solo rendition - gorgeous
Return of the Spice Girls Tour version - also gorgeous
Paul Gilbert's acoustic cover - er.. different