Girlbands Forever: A celebration of female pop pioneers
The new BBC documentary Girlbands Forever spotlights the lasting impact of iconic British girlbands like the Spice Girls, who burst onto the music scene in 1996 with their hit “Wannabe,” transforming the industry with their brand of girl power, reports BritPanorama.
Reflecting on the significance of these groups, Su-Elise Nash from Mis-Teeq commented, “The Spice Girls changed a lot for everybody. Before then, people never really understood just how big girlbands could be.” Despite initial dismissals as light entertainment, the contributions of girlbands to music and culture became undeniable and worthy of recognition.
After years in the shadows, during which girlbands were often overlooked by major awards, Little Mix made history by winning Best British Group at the Brit Awards in 2021. This milestone was celebrated in the documentary, which illustrates how these groups created music addressing themes of friendship, ambition, and feminism, resonating deeply with young female audiences. Their messages were significant, filling a void in representation within the music industry.
The influence of the 90s girlband wave has been profound, inspiring subsequent artists such as Girls Aloud, The Saturdays, and more recently, FLO. While the Spice Girls laid the groundwork, many others contributed to a redefining of female pop music. Groups like All Saints and Mis-Teeq challenged stereotypes around girlbands, offering a more authentic sound and relatable image.
Nash credited her involvement in the UK garage scene for the band’s credibility, stating, “Coming through that UK garage scene gave us a credibility that maybe more fluffy acts didn’t have – that street cred.” Their first single “Why?” achieved moderate success, but subsequent remixes went viral, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive music environment.
Mis-Teeq’s debut album, Lickin’ on Both Sides, went platinum and reached a broad audience while the group managed their careers independently, illustrating a level of agency that was increasingly rare among pop acts. “No one knows what you want more than yourself,” Nash insists, highlighting the importance of control over their artistic direction.
During the same era, Sugababes found their footing with potential hits like “Overload.” However, the group faced turmoil as members departed due to personal conflicts, pushing the narrative of girl group dynamics into the public eye. Despite the challenges, they continued to produce chart-toppers, with Range joining the fold just as they began to rise.
Heidi Range, who joined Sugababes at 18, described how the transition felt surreal and fast-paced, but the group quickly found success. “Freak Like Me,” her first single with them, soared to number one shortly after her arrival, yet internal strife inevitably surfaced over the years, causing lineup changes that shifted the band’s dynamic.
These dynamics illustrate broader industry challenges, including how Black artists like Nash felt they had to work harder to gain recognition. She recalls how Mis-Teeq was often featured within magazine pages rather than on covers, emphasizing the racial disparities that existed within the music industry at the time.
As the landscape of pop music has evolved, earlier practices like body shaming through tabloid culture have received substantial criticism. Range expressed her anger about the scrutiny of female bodies in the media during Sugababes’ peak, revealing the mental health burdens associated with such public attention.
Both Mis-Teeq and Sugababes eventually disbanded under less-than-ideal circumstances, with Mis-Teeq’s collapse tied to a record company bankruptcy. Reflecting on the bittersweet end, Nash mentioned, “You can’t put a price on that,” acknowledging the personal time gained as a silver lining.
The reunion and resurgence of interest in girlbands suggest that their legacy is far from finished. The original Sugababes lineup has reunited, generating excitement among fans both old and new. Nash’s sentiments reflect this optimism: “We are on really good terms… I’d never say never!”
Ultimately, Girlbands Forever serves as a crucial reminder of the contributions that female artists have made to the music industry, underscoring a diverse and dynamic legacy that continues to influence contemporary artists. Its efforts to celebrate these milestones highlight the ongoing need for appreciation of female voices and diversity in pop music.
In a landscape still dominated by certain narratives, it is clear that these girlbands opened doors, paving the way for future generations of artists. Their collective achievements offer much to the discussion of gender and power in contemporary music, proving that the essence of girl power remains as relevant as ever.
