There will never again be a pop act quite like the Spice Girls. On season 2 of Into The Groove, Spice Forever, join host Richard Eric as he takes an in-depth, six-episode journey into the complicated, tumultuous story of the legendary girl group, tracing their beginnings, their rise to a level of fame that no one could have ever predicted, and eventually, their legacy. On episode 1, Get Your Act Together, we follow Geri, Mel B, Mel C, Emma and Victoria as they take control of their careers and art, and explore the first six months of their unparalleled global success, including the release of their debut album and the classic singles ‘Wannabe’, ‘Say You’ll Be There’ and ‘2 Become 1’.

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On episode six of Into The Groove, Richard Eric tells the story of Anohni and her astounding, unique 2005 album I Am A Bird Now. As Antony, she emerged from the New York City art scene and captured the ears of critics and audiences with her raw, heartfelt songs and astonishing voice. A dark and deeply personal record, featuring songs that explicitly reference Anohni’s identification as transgender, I Am A Bird Now received universal critical acclaim and seemingly came from nowhere to take out the 2005 Mercury Music Prize. This success made Anohni an unlikely chart star, and she eventually became the first individual to receive BRIT Award nominations in both the Male and Female fields. In addition, this episode goes beyond I Am A Bird Now to discuss Anohni’s 2016 Academy Award nomination, and her subsequent boycott of the ceremony – proving once and for all that, as an artist and an activist, Anohni is fearless.

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Episode five of Into The Groove is an extensive, detailed look at Madonna’s 2003 album American Life. Released at the beginning of the Iraq War, American Life was the era of Madonna’s career that seemed to go all wrong – the original video for the title track was withdrawn in a storm of political controversy, second single ‘Hollywood’ failed to chart despite an infamous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, and the album itself was critically panned. Far from the creative failure it was made out to be, American Life is the most famous woman in music laying her soul bare – more personal than even Like A Prayer or Ray Of Light, these eleven songs are a window into the private life of an icon. This episode, Richard Eric investigates the gulf between American Life’s critical reputation and its artistic merit, deconstructs the ways in which this album represents both a breakdown and a rebirth – and looks at the reasons why Madonna herself refuses to allow these songs to fall into obscurity.

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On episode four of Into The Groove, Richard Eric takes a look at one of the biggest all-female bands of all time, the Dixie Chicks. They were the darlings of the country music scene in the late nineties, but just after the release of their 2002 album Home, the group unintentionally became the target of one of the biggest backlashes in music history. By making comments that expressed their shame regarding then-President Bush, the Dixie Chicks angered their conservative fanbase and were blacklisted from radio. This episode delves deep into the album – an acknowledged modern classic – and the controversy that followed in its wake.

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RuPaul is more than just a legendary drag queen and host of TV phenomenon RuPaul’s Drag Race. On episode 3 on Into The Groove, Richard takes an in-depth look at Ru’s original passion, and the catalyst for her breakthrough: her music. The 1993 debut album Supermodel Of The World saw Ru burst onto the scene as a fully-formed and fabulous character, full of positivity and wisdom. Dance smashes like ‘Back To My Roots’ and ‘A Shady Shady (Now Prance)’ paid tribute to Ru’s background and influences, while ‘Supermodel (You Better Work)’ became an iconic anthem of confidence and acceptance. Ru may have seemed like an overnight sensation, but the road to success was long, and the impact of her stardom is still being felt after nearly 25 years – join Into The Groove as we delve into her incredible first few years at the top.

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On episode two of Into The Groove, Richard delves into Kylie Minogue’s 1997 album Impossible Princess. Widely considered to be a turning point in Kylie’s career, and a stylistic shift into the world of alternative and electronic music, this misunderstood record spawned several of Kylie’s best ever songs, but failed to connect with the public. Twenty years on, Into The Groove takes a look at the reasons behind Kylie’s reinvention, the factors that contributed to the album’s mixed reception, and why the Impossible Princess era was necessary for Kylie to become the legend she is today.

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Welcome to a new program exclusive to JOY podcasts. On the first episode of Into The Groove, Richard takes a detailed look at the Pet Shop Boys’ 1993 album Very. This hit LP was an upbeat, bright pop record that tackles social issues and relationship conflict in equal measure, while remaining fiercely positive and deeply intelligent. Very became one of the duo’s critical and commercial peaks, and the songs were a reflection of trying times for both the boys themselves and the wider gay community.

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