The Spice Girls were the first major British pop music phenomenon of the mid-’90s to not have a debt to independent pop/rock. The Spice Girls used dance-pop as a musical base, but they infused the music with a fiercely independent, feminist stance that was equal parts Madonna, post-riot grrrl alternative rock feminism, and a co-opting of the good-times-all-the-time stance of England’s new lad culture. Their proud, all-girl image and catchy dance-pop appealed to younger listeners, while their colorful, sexy personalities and sense of humor appealed to older music fans, making Spice Girls a cross-generational success. The group also became chart-toppers throughout Europe in 1996, before concentrating on America in early 1997. Their first single, “Wannabe,” became the first debut single by an all-female band to enter the charts at number one in England. It remained at number one for seven weeks, and by the end of the year, “Wannabe” had hit number one in 21 other countries. Their second single, “Say You’ll Be There,” entered the charts at number one in the fall. Spice, their debut album, was released at the end of the year, accompanied by their first ballad, “2 Become 1.” Both the album and single went directly to number one, staying there for several weeks. The Spice Girls concentrated on America in early 1997, releasing “Wannabe” in January and Spice in February. Spiceworld, their second LP, appeared later in the year in conjunction with their feature film of the same name. They released Forever in 2000. The Spice Girls will spice up any event.
