17 Sep Throwback Thursday: Mel B – “I Want You Back” (featuring Missy Elliott) [Live on ‘Top of the Pops’]
In the fall of ’98, Mel B (a.k.a. Scary Spice) became the first Spice Girl to put out a solo single.
While working on the Why Do Fools Fall in Love soundtrack, Missy Elliott — who executive-produced the project — hit Mel B up to record “I Want You Back,” which she produced. Mel B, who was on tour with her bandmates, flew out to New York, where the song and video were recorded in a matter of days.
For reasons unknown to me, the video for this song is nowhere to be found, but it was peak Hype Williams. Think the “She’s a Bitch” video, expect with a green tint and a lot less choreo.
“I Want You Back” didn’t get the full single treatment in the States, so it didn’t even crack the Billboard Hot 100. Elsewhere, however, it was a major hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and even topping the UK Singles Chart.
Overall, the song isn’t remarkable, but it happens to have one of my favorite bridges ever. Check it out below.