GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Celine Dion has long been known for her powerful voice in ballads and pop songs, so it may come as a surprise to find that she has recently recorded an album of mostly rock songs! Her new album, Taking Chances, has a number of tracks with distorted guitars, real drums, and, of course, Celine's powerful voice to match!

The opening track, and first single, "Taking Chances", is all about finding that person that you find a connection with quickly, and you just want to be with them, even if it could turn out bad ("what do you say to taking chances?"), and taking chances is certainly what she has done with this album.

One of the stand-out tracks on this album is "That's Just The Woman In Me", which is a bit of a bluesy number, and reminds me a bit of Janis Joplin. The vocals are more raw than we're used to hearing from Celine, and shows the diversity in her voice. This track is definitely one of my personal favourites on this album.

"Alone" is another awesome track on the album. It opens with a music-box-style piano and cellos, and goes on to bring in timpanis, and, of course, the drums and guitars kick in after the first chorus. It has a fantastic string arrangement which doubles with the guitar solo, and the melody of the vocals in the chorus are very catchy indeed.

"Can't Fight The Feelin'" is sure to get your feet tapping, with rich, strong vocals, and both the chorus and verses are catchy! Then there's "Eyes On Me", which has an Indian feel, complete with sitar, and is yet another track that shows the diversity in Celine's voice. One surprising thing about this track is that is was co-written by, and features backing vocals by our own Delta Goodrem!!!

Speaking of songwriters, there are the obligatory Linda Perry tracks (singer of "What's Up?", and songwriter for "Get The Party Started", "Beautiful", and "What You Waiting For"), as well as tracks written by Aldo Nova (who has written for Celine before, as well as Bon Jovi. He was the guitarist on their early hit "Runaway") and even one co-written by former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody (he also co-wrote "Addicted" for Kelly Clarkson).

All in all, this album has to be one of the best albums Celine has released, and has become one of my favourite albums of 2007! Whether you're a big fan of Celine, or just like a couple of her songs, make sure you get this album, and I can promise you, it will become one of your most-listened-to albums in your collection!

"Taking Chances" is out now at all music stores.  Celine is also touring Australia in March/April 2008.  For more information, go to Celine Dion's Official website.