Brand new 14-song studio album featuring such songwriters and producers as John Shanks, Ben Moody (formerly of Evanescence), Linda Perry, and Ne-Yo.
Taking Chances is not without its daring moments--we'll get to those--but the first order of business in any review of this much-hyped record, on which Celine Dion is said to have slunk away from her songbird instincts in favor of embracing her inner rock & roll wild child, should be fan reassurance. Therefore: fear not. Taking Chances has its share of poignant, pretty ballads (both "A Song for You" and "Right Next to the Right One" are goosebump-raisers) and love songs (the hopeful, heartfelt title track, which unfolds into an anthemic power ballad midway through, may be the best one). As far as standard Celine fare goes, in fact, Chances is likely her strongest non-French outing since 2002's A New Day Has Come; nobody unfolds a lyric with more care or nuance. And, as the subtle "My Love" deftly proves, any early-career instincts to over-sing have gone poof along with her '90s-era, sweet-natured-kook persona. Because it's a generous 16 songs long, it may even be possible to ignore the non-Celine-like moments on Taking Chances and just enjoy the more fan-faithful tracks. But that wouldn't be any fun, would it? There are songs here--"Can't Fight the Feelin'," "Fade Away," "That's Just the Woman In Me"--that will astound diehards and make fans of those who've dissed her for more than a decade. If you didn't think the diva behind Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" had it in her to screech from the bottom of her soul, a la Janis Joplin, flip to track 15 and guess again. --Tammy La Gorce
Celine Dion Photos
More from Celine Dion
Celine Dion
One Heart
All The Way...A Decade of Song
Let's Talk About Love
A New Day Has Come
These Are Special Times
The Colour of My Love
A New Day...Live In Las Vegas w/Bonus DVD
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Not as good as the original:
While Celine again delivers a wonderful performance, I think everyone needs to listen to the original version of 'Taking Chances' as performed by Platinum Weird. Find it on ITunes. It is amazing.
Decent Effort Derailed By Too Much Filler:
Celine Dion's first proper English language studio effort in over four years feels alot like her previous "comeback" effort after an extended hiatus, 2002's A NEW DAY HAS COME. Whereas that set announced her return after taking time out to start a family, TAKING CHANCES returns her to the buying public at the near-end of a five year stay at Caesar's in Las Vegas. The time away has allowed the singer(or maybe more knowingly her handlers) to take stock at the shift in musical tastes as well as current radio... more info
Disappointing CD:
Taking Chances is a very disappointing CD. Celine Dion choose to go in a new direction with her music. The songs and style are geared for a new audience of younger listeners. Such a waste of an awesome talent. I played the CD once and now it just sits. Save your money.
See the Tour:
Saw the Taking Chances show this week...It was a great mix of "old" favorites and new songs with an global flavor...Awesome...amazing...drop everything and buy tickets NOW!
