Look at Me

"Look at Me" is the debut solo single by British singer Geri Halliwell from her debut solo studio album, Schizophonic (1999). It was written by Halliwell in collaboration with Andy Watkins and Paul Wilson, members of the Absolute production duo, who also produced the track. The song was released on 10 May 1999 in the United Kingdom by EMI Records as the lead single from Schizophonic. Musically, "Look at Me" is a jazz-pop song featuring a nine-piece brass section, while the autobiographical lyrics depict Halliwell demanding the attention of everyone around her. "Look at Me" received mixed reviews from music critics, with some finding similarities to Shirley Bassey's work. Commercially, it was successful; in the United Kingdom, the single debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart behind Boyzone's "You Needed Me", by a difference of 700 copies. It was later certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipments of 400,000 copies. Across the world, it peaked inside the top ten in countries such as Australia, Finland, Italy and Spain, while topping the charts in New Zealand. An accompanying music video was directed by Vaughan Arnell and filmed in Prague and London; it premiered on Top of the Pops and features four versions of Halliwell: a vamp, a bitch, a virgin, and a sister. The visual also depicts the funeral of the singer's former "Ginger Spice" stage persona. "Look at Me" was promoted during a short promotional tour that visited a number of cities worldwide, as well as through televised live performances on Party in the Park and MTV Ibiza 2000 Festival. In 2012, it was featured in the jukebox musical Viva Forever!. Background and release In 1998, Halliwell left the girl group Spice Girls, claiming differences between herself and the group. She would later admit to having problems with an eating disorder and depression. Additionally, rumours that she had had enough of fellow member Melanie Brown's critics towards her as the reason for her departure were circulated by the press. Her departure from the group became one of the biggest entertainment news stories of the year, making news headlines the world over. Halliwell then signed a three-album deal with EMI worth US$3 million, influenced by Robbie Williams' solo success after leaving Take That.