“Weak” is the second official single taken from The Sea, the new album from former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (AKA Melanie C), her first album in four years. It’s a beautiful, stirring pop ballad that really showcases the voice of the Spice Girls. Despite having to share the spotlight with four other ladies, there’s no denying that Sporty was the one with the pipes. Sure, the others had their moments but as far powerhouse vocals and impressive range goes, Melanie C was it. “Weak” is a bit bland and one note in the build up, but when it comes time for Chisholm to take it home, boy, does she ever. The song was co-penned by Chisholm, alongside Ina Wroldsen and Jez Ashurt with Andy Chatterley taking producer credit.
“Weak” is the follow up to the very commercial “Think About It,” the first international single taken from Mel C’s new record. Single #1 barely made it into the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at a disappointing #95. Considering how poorly the first song did, I wonder if anyone had high hopes for “Weak.” While the single failed to chart on the mainstream singles chart, it did manage a #29 spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart and #50 on the UK Airplay Chart.
The Sea was released back in September on Chisholm’s own indie label, Red Girl Records (UK & US) with Warner Brothers taking on international distribution duties. The album peaked at #45 on the UK Album Chart. Not that great if you consider that her first two albums (1999’s Northern Star and 2003’s Reason) both went top 5 upon their initial 5. At the same time, it could have been worse. Melanie C‘s last album, 2007’s This Time, became her lowest charting album debuting and peaking at #57.
Ever since parting ways with Virgin Records, Melanie has struggled to find the chart success she had as a major label artist. If it’s any consolation, a lot of artists experience the same problems going from a major to an indie. It all comes down to money and budgets and promotion, all of which are shrunk down to very little in an indie environment. While some artists have more success than others, I think it must be particularly hard for a member of a top selling girl group trying to maintain some kind of a lucrative solo career. Whatever happens, I hope Melanie C keeps releasing the kind of music she wants to release. Check out the video below and download “Weak” on U.S. iTunes HERE.
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