When it comes to narrowing down the greatest vocalists in the music industry, no list will dare leave out Canadian songstress Celine Dion. You know, the woman who sang "My Heart Will Go On", the Titanic soundtrack anthem that was everywhere in the late 90s. Dion is a powerhouse, an amazing talent and continues to impress audiences. Why else would she have five Grammy Awards, be the best-selling Canadian artist of all time, the second best-selling artist in the U.S, and have sold out 600 shows in Las Vegas. Legend.
Following the release of her 2007 English language album Taking Chances, Dion took some time off before jumping back into the scene last year with the November release of the number two-peaking Loved Me Back to Life, an album that showcased the artist stepping out of her adult contemporary comfort zone in order to compete with the other pop artists dominating the radio airwaves at the time. Preceded by the show-stopping title track, the album was a strong collection of tracks which highlighted a new direction and Dion's always pleasing vocal performances.
When "Loved Me Back to Life" originally premiered, every critic took notice. Dion was not giving the same gospel-inspired performance, she was giving listeners a soaring, pop moment where crashing production complimented her impressive vocals for possible radio takeover. The track was a Sia-penned, emotional rollercoaster with a huge chorus that showed the 45-year-old dipping her feet into multiple genres. A great opener for the album.
The powerhouse vocals continue on "Somebody Loves Somebody", a beat-driven production where the artist comes off sounding a bit like Nelly Furtado at times during the hook. The chorus is certainly a memorable moment for the track as Dion fully dives into the lyrics detailing a troubled relationship. "Some people live their lives, never believing in love, I don't want that for us," she beautifully sings.
R&B hitmaker Ne-Yo makes a welcomed appearance on "Incredible", the album's second official U.S. single, set up as a touching duet between the two lovestruck artists. Dion and Ne-Yo confess their undying love and affection for each other as they sing they "will go down in history". Both artists give beautiful performances and showcase surprising chemistry. The soulful, power ballad screams for the pop radio attention it deserves.
As a new rendition of Daniel Merriweather's 2009 track featuring the vocals of the record-breaking Adele, "Water and a Flame" seems like it was tailored to eventually be covered by Dion. With a throaty, drunken-like performance, the artist sings of two lovers no longer being compatible. At times, the cover version is reminiscent of the late and great Amy Winehouse with its jazz influences, but Celine definitely makes it her own.
"Breakaway", the album's second UK single, should not be confused for the Kelly Clarkson song of the same name. The powerful track is one of the album's many highlights as Dion lets her voice do all the work, hitting every note in almost every possible register. The performance solidifies the artist as one of the greatest vocalists to set foot into the recording booth. The empowering, inspirational semi-rock ballad will surely result in tears.
A perfect example of Dion's experimentation with the crossover potential of the pop and R&B genres is the compelling "Save Your Soul", a track that seems to have divided critics. Though the track does sound as if it could be found on a late 90s Jewel album, Dion's one-of-a-kind vocals allow the touching lyrics of "you could get on your knees, but I can't save your soul" and loud beats to create a real treat for listeners.
"Thank You" is another slower, mid-tempo moment for the album where Dion sings her thanks to the mystery man in her life. "Thank you, for the real sacrifice and the truth, behind your giving heart," the artist sings in the radio-friendly cut. Maybe a future single possibility? The track may not be the most exciting piece on the record, however, when the final minute rolls around, the graceful song ends on a stronger note.
As an updated cover of his original 1985 hit, Stevie Wonder joins Dion on a duet of "Overjoyed", where the two artists trade verses successfully before coming together on the chorus. Wonder sounds lush and alive while Dion does what she does best while making sure her male counterpart does not outshine. It may not be my personal favorite of the bunch, but two legends on one track can never be a terrible thing.
Duet partner Ne-Yo pops up on the must-hear album once more, this time as a co-writer for "Thankful", a beautiful snyth-pop inspired ballad with a glowing chorus which sounds reminiscent to a classic 90s Dion track transported to the year 2013. The artist gracefully glides over touching lyrics until a huge, church choir moment occurs towards the end and takes the song to an entirely different level.
Dion gives Janis Ian's 1975 teenage angst anthem "At Seventeen" an update and does a great job at giving the somber, self-hate ballad some needed life. The song is produced perfectly to be set as the doctor waiting room's soundtrack for years to come. Also wouldn't sound out of place in the elevator or while you're put on hold during a phone call. All things I wouldn't mind if I got to hear this voice at work.
With only the piano to guide her angelic voice, Dion delivers the soft and slow "Always Be Your Girl". Though the album was supposed to be a complete chance of sound for the artist, this is the traditional artist we have all come to know. "You'll always be the first one in my prayers, Just close your eyes and I am there," she sings. The song may bring the pace of the album to a halt, but it's all worth it in the end
The album comes to a close with "Unfinished Songs" penned by Diane Warren, the woman responsible for Cher's heartbreaking "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me". The lyrics of the inspirational track may be a little cheesy, ones that have been heard countless times before, however, when the chorus comes around, all that is forgiven. Like the preceding track, the closer is what we've heard from Dion already, but at least she does it right.
Loved Me Back to Life is a phenomenal adult pop album, to put it simply. While Celine Dion, known to many as the "My Heart Will Go On" crooner, could have put out an ordinary album that would have fit in nicely with her previous releases, she decided to challenge herself by giving her fans something to talk about. By putting out a record with roots in the pop, R&B, soul and jazz genres, all while maintaining the flawless vocal performances with come to expect from the legend. The tracks featured on her latest album may not scream "chart topper", but they should. Perfect production, beautiful instrumentals and the showcase of true talent, not just Top 40, generic fluff. The album receives a strong and deserving 88%.
Tracks to Hear: "Incredible", "Breakaway", "Save Your Soul" and "Unfinished Songs"
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