Bunton 's debut solo album , '' A Girl Like Me '' , released in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2001 by Virgin Records . The album debuted and peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart , with 21,500 copies sold in its first week . Its lead single , " What Took You So Long ? " , debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart . Although initial success was promising , '' A Girl Like Me '' fell down the chart quickly . However , the top five single " Take My Breath Away " , and top twenty " We 're Not Gon na Sleep Tonight " helped the album stay on the UK Albums Chart for several weeks . On 7 September 2001 , '' A Girl Like Me '' was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry ( BPI ) for sales in excess of 100,000 copies , ultimately becoming the 147th best-selling album in the United Kingdom for 2001 . The album sold 125,000 copies in the United Kingdom . The poor sales led to Bunton losing her contract with Virgin in 2002 . Bunton performed at Party at the Palace , an event that was held at Buckingham Palace Garden on 3 June 2002 in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II . Her solo performances at the event were a cover of The Supremes ' 1964 hit " Baby Love " and her own " What Took You So Long ? "
Party at the Palace
Party at the Palace
Emma Bunton