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Back to something a little more up-to-date, although it had been available on an album in 1997. There's a definite sense of end-of-an-era about 'Viva Forever' which proved to be the last single released by the original lineup; at least if we forget the 2007 reunion, which is probably best for all concerned. Indeed, a pre-recorded Top Of The Pops appearance was reportedly their last performance as a quintet in their original career. In some ways this is coincidental, and it's a happy accident for the rest of the band that Geri Halliwell doesn't have any very prominent vocal parts that would have to be edited out. Ironically, though, there was no taking her out of the video that had taken months to animate.
Even if the farewell to one member was a fluke, it's clear why this was the fourth and last single from the album, with its reflective mood and nostalgic (if incoherent) lyric. It overdoes some of the late-1990s "tasteful" production tricks (Mmm... flamaenco guitars) but it's a perfectly listenable slice of pop. The imperial phase was ending and I don't think they were ever this good again.
Also appearing on: Now 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 47
Available on: Greatest Hits
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