Version of Me

The London singer’s seventh solo album reflects a new life phase. Coming five years after her last release, <i>Stages</i>, a playful collection that featured fellow ex-Spice Girl Emma Bunton, <i>Version of Me</i> makes it clear that Melanie C is moving on. She balances pop ballads (“Version of Me,” “Dear Life”) that tackle heavy topics like identity and motherhood with adventurous numbers like “Numb,” a bouncy house track with production from Sons of Sonix (Stormzy, Ariana Grande) that feels fresh enough for the UK club circuit.