THIS IS Melanie C's second solo album, and she sounds better than ever.

Following Northern Star, Reason is well put together, with excellent vocals, soothing harmonies and catchy lyrics.

She has already released Here It Comes Again from the CD, which is finding a firm footing in the charts and there are a few of the 12 tracks on Reason which would probably do just as well if they were to be brought out as singles.

The track that lends itself to the title of the album, Reason, is very sweet.

With little instrumental backing, Melanie Chisholm shows that her voice can stand the test of being an individual enterprise.

If ever there was any doubt about her talent since leaving the Spice Girls, this album should that squash it flat.

Especially as all but one of the tracks was co-written by old Sporty Spice herself.

And there is also a surprising amount of diversity as well, with a couple of songs that have a bit of a reggae feel - not exactly Bob Marley style, but not a bad effort.

Whether you are already and established fan, or if you just want a new CD for your collection, it would be worth picking Melanie C up for a quick listen.

With her new, mature sound, chances are you will enjoy it more that you might think.