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She gets a rough ride, does old Celine. Mention her name to most people and they'll make some rude comment about her appearance or curl up their lip in disgust at the thought of her music. Yet the fact that Taking Chances is her 34th album speaks for itself. You can knock her as much as you like, but you can't keep her down.
That's partially because she's had the good sense to base herself in Vegas for three years, where they don't care about fashions or trends, just about success and the ability to put on a sumptuous and over-the-top show! and no-one can deny such things of Celine.
Singers need more than the spotlight though, and even ones who have sold over 200 million albums still want to feel like they have something to offer. So she's left the lights of Vegas behind, stepped back into the real world and in fairness to her, brought along a clutch of songs that actually may change a few people's opinion.
In the UK, she's still best known for her mid-90s power ballads, for moments like "Think Twice" and the interminable "My Heart Will Go On", and while she's hardly jumped ship and sailed off into weird waters, she has pulled her neck in a bit and sprinkled more subtlety into her songs.
That may be down to her choice of collaborators. Amongst the list of luminaries who twiddle a knob, knock out a lyric or strum a guitar for her are the all-conquering Timbaland, king of R'n'B balladry R Kelly, ex-Evanescence axe wielder Ben Moody, Christina Aguilera and Pink co-writer Linda Perry! and the always entertaining Dave Stewart, whose influence stretches so far that there's even a lyrical snip of The Eurythemics' "Here Comes The Rain Again" woven into the title track.
The highlights are two very different songs. In the power ballad corner, she shows off her larynx with a belting take on Heart's endless queen of soft rock, "Alone". Up against it for the title is the more contemporary "Shadow Of Love", a song with enough disco and fun for Kylie to sing it.
Taking Chances doesn't quite do what the title suggests, but it does push Celine Dion to the edge of her comfort zone and show an artist who not only wants to remain relevant but is prepared to work hard to stay that way. --Chris Long
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I listened to this Album - awake - once so far, and then I let it play all night long while I was sleeping. I liked some of the songs very much. Some of the tracks are typical Celine, i.e., nice ballads that sounds perfect with her voice. Other songs are totally not the style of Celine, like the "Cant fight the feeling" which is a little 'Britney - Rock' combination, not very convincing. There's the 'Eyes on me', sounds like an Arab tune and the way of singing, however, a little bit of change from her Ballads, not bad!! The most impressive one is "That's just the woman in me", not because it a great song, but her performance, I don't think Celine ever used her voice like this before in any of her songs, she sounded a little bit like Bonnie Taylor. The remake of 'Alone' is good, I like to listen to any song with Celine's voice although I must admit, the one performed by 'Heart' is still a classic to me. To summarize, this CD presents new styles for Celine and hence the title of my review. I don't think any one will be reading reviews to buy any of Celine's work, I just felt like writing one. Good Album, I still cannot decide on my favorite one!!
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although I am an English speaker, I have always preferred Celine's French albums and singing, I feel they hold an added passion - possibly as French is her mothertongue. I was a little apprehensive when I first listened to this CD.
It's the first full studio English language album from Celine since 'Miracle' and I absolutely love it! Celine's voice remains exquisite. For some, Celine seems to induce the Marmite effect, but whatever your opinion, this album contains songs that show the versatility of her voice and is most definitely worth a listen!
There are some ballad tracks such as 'A Song for You' but also others which may be a surprise to those who expect more of a 'My Heart Will Go On'! 'Eyes on Me' could almost fall into the R&B genre and 'That's Just the Woman in Me' oozes soul. My personal favourite is 'New Dawn', which I would describe as mixture of gospel, soul and pop. My least favourite song is 'Alone'; a cover of the Heart hit from the 1980's. Although Celine sings it superbly, it's production is not exceptional and I expected more as it was produced by members of Evanescence.
Unfortunately and disappointingly, none of the UK versions of this album include the bonus tracks available on the Japanese version: 'Map to My Heart' and 'The Reason I Go On'.
This version of the album comes with a DVD giving a preview of the 'A New Day' DVD that will be released in December. The DVD is very short and is basically a promo item. NB - the Amazon description of the DVD is mis-leading. It does contain the live versions of the 4 songs listed from 'A New Day' and the released promo's of 'A New Day'. There is NO 'Making of the Show' or 'A Day in the Life of Celine' and only a very brief section of the 'Fan Appreciation Piece'. Nice to watch, but if you're going to buy the DVD anyway in December, it may be worth buying the 'Taking Chances' CD without the DVD and save a few pounds! This CD/DVD release comes in a card CD case, mine was a little squashed when it arrived, but fab none the less!
Overall this is a varied, intense and passionate album. Go buy it!
It's the first full studio English language album from Celine since 'Miracle' and I absolutely love it! Celine's voice remains exquisite. For some, Celine seems to induce the Marmite effect, but whatever your opinion, this album contains songs that show the versatility of her voice and is most definitely worth a listen!
There are some ballad tracks such as 'A Song for You' but also others which may be a surprise to those who expect more of a 'My Heart Will Go On'! 'Eyes on Me' could almost fall into the R&B genre and 'That's Just the Woman in Me' oozes soul. My personal favourite is 'New Dawn', which I would describe as mixture of gospel, soul and pop. My least favourite song is 'Alone'; a cover of the Heart hit from the 1980's. Although Celine sings it superbly, it's production is not exceptional and I expected more as it was produced by members of Evanescence.
Unfortunately and disappointingly, none of the UK versions of this album include the bonus tracks available on the Japanese version: 'Map to My Heart' and 'The Reason I Go On'.
This version of the album comes with a DVD giving a preview of the 'A New Day' DVD that will be released in December. The DVD is very short and is basically a promo item. NB - the Amazon description of the DVD is mis-leading. It does contain the live versions of the 4 songs listed from 'A New Day' and the released promo's of 'A New Day'. There is NO 'Making of the Show' or 'A Day in the Life of Celine' and only a very brief section of the 'Fan Appreciation Piece'. Nice to watch, but if you're going to buy the DVD anyway in December, it may be worth buying the 'Taking Chances' CD without the DVD and save a few pounds! This CD/DVD release comes in a card CD case, mine was a little squashed when it arrived, but fab none the less!
Overall this is a varied, intense and passionate album. Go buy it!
29 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
'Taking Chances,' Celine Dion's 2007 English language release can only stand to serve as the best work in her long and illustrious career--no small accomplishment. Over 26 years Celine Dion has released in excess of 24 solid hours of original recorded material in six languages. So when it was announced that her new album would be something different--edgy and playful, risky and unique--one had to wonder what else she could bring to the table.
Well, as it turns out: A lot.
Packed into 16 solid tracks, Celine runs the musical gambit from 80s ballad covers to R&B, Gospel to the edgy Rock that was promised. And don't worry, there are even a few traditional-style Celine ballads thrown in the mix for good measure.
But its far more than the genre landscape that sets 'Taking Chances' apart from Celine Dion's 33 previous full length releases. The lyrics are simply far and away the best Celine has ever had to work with. The subjects of the songs are as varied as they are focused and detailed. Astonishingly devoid of tired clichés, the lyrics tell real stories with beautiful images. The result is a foundation of memorable, catchy lyrics upon which a wide instrumentation and Celine's masterful vocals build songs that simply stand up and stand out.
Particular highlights of the album include a remake of Heart's classic 'Alone.' Celine breathes new life into the song and takes complete ownership of the material with her powerful voice. 'Eyes On Me,' might be her most adventurous undertaking since 'Refuse to Dance' on 1993's 'The Colour of My Love.' After a few careful remixes 'Shadow of Love' could be the hottest thing to hit dance clubs in the last decade, and 'Ain't Got Nothin' Left' will leave listeners stunned by the apt attitude Celine works into her voice. The hoarse, gravelly--yes, GRAVELLY--vocals on 'That's Just The Woman In Me' defy all expectations and show us that the veteran chanteuse is still learning some new tricks.
But the song that may best describe the album--and Celine Dion's career--is 'Surprise Surprise.' Appropriately, the chorus taunts "Just when you think you've got me figured out/Just when you think you know me well/Baby you barely even broke the ice/My river runs white/And you're not in sight/But you're closer than you were."
In recent years it has been difficult to watch Celine Dion struggle to remain relevant. Since 2003 she has released a string of less than satisfying 'concept' albums that, while containing gems of their own, have felt rushed and tired. 'Taking Chances' defies this sad precedent and will certainly catapult the chanteuse back to the top where she belongs. This album is a window into the world of a mature woman who knows exactly what she wants, exactly what she's got, exactly who she is, and exactly what she's doing.
Well, as it turns out: A lot.
Packed into 16 solid tracks, Celine runs the musical gambit from 80s ballad covers to R&B, Gospel to the edgy Rock that was promised. And don't worry, there are even a few traditional-style Celine ballads thrown in the mix for good measure.
But its far more than the genre landscape that sets 'Taking Chances' apart from Celine Dion's 33 previous full length releases. The lyrics are simply far and away the best Celine has ever had to work with. The subjects of the songs are as varied as they are focused and detailed. Astonishingly devoid of tired clichés, the lyrics tell real stories with beautiful images. The result is a foundation of memorable, catchy lyrics upon which a wide instrumentation and Celine's masterful vocals build songs that simply stand up and stand out.
Particular highlights of the album include a remake of Heart's classic 'Alone.' Celine breathes new life into the song and takes complete ownership of the material with her powerful voice. 'Eyes On Me,' might be her most adventurous undertaking since 'Refuse to Dance' on 1993's 'The Colour of My Love.' After a few careful remixes 'Shadow of Love' could be the hottest thing to hit dance clubs in the last decade, and 'Ain't Got Nothin' Left' will leave listeners stunned by the apt attitude Celine works into her voice. The hoarse, gravelly--yes, GRAVELLY--vocals on 'That's Just The Woman In Me' defy all expectations and show us that the veteran chanteuse is still learning some new tricks.
But the song that may best describe the album--and Celine Dion's career--is 'Surprise Surprise.' Appropriately, the chorus taunts "Just when you think you've got me figured out/Just when you think you know me well/Baby you barely even broke the ice/My river runs white/And you're not in sight/But you're closer than you were."
In recent years it has been difficult to watch Celine Dion struggle to remain relevant. Since 2003 she has released a string of less than satisfying 'concept' albums that, while containing gems of their own, have felt rushed and tired. 'Taking Chances' defies this sad precedent and will certainly catapult the chanteuse back to the top where she belongs. This album is a window into the world of a mature woman who knows exactly what she wants, exactly what she's got, exactly who she is, and exactly what she's doing.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great content
This one is a great cd, and I did really like the packaging, this is not the usual CD-sleeve, but one from paper, foldable 3-way, I liked it.
Published 2 months ago by attila7575
Celine Dion - Taking Chances
Maybe not her best selling album but quite a lot a quality here. Her voice is very nice.
Published 20 months ago by Joseph
Wow
Was that H. R. Giger who created the Cover? Must be. The queen of the dark and emotionless career witches.
Published on 18 July 2009
Very surprised at how good it was...
Wow.
I wasnt expecting to like it so much!! At first i thought taking chances was rubbish!! But no.. its very very good actually!! Read more
I wasnt expecting to like it so much!! At first i thought taking chances was rubbish!! But no.. its very very good actually!! Read more
Published on 12 May 2008 by John K. Short
what!!!!!!!!!
After hearing the title track and first single, i rushed out to by this cd, thinking at last Celine Dion is back after a lifetime away it seemed. Read more
Published on 29 April 2008 by st'pot!!
Largely Surpassed My Initial Thoughts.
I got this album as a christmas present, when i first listened to it, i thought oh no i wasted my money, i want my money back, but since i've had it and given it a lot more... Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2008 by R. Birkett
Winner Of Eurovision for Switzerland Celine Has Come A Long Way
BRILLIANT.... If you like Celine your like this Album, A few people were a bit dissapointed with the Album as it's so diffrent to her old stuff which is what makes it so Unique. Read more
Published on 1 Mar 2008 by Jay
A Great Album!!
This is a terrific album! Celine really shows off her voice and more importantly even, her emotional range. Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2008 by A. S. Barry
A Return To Form For Celine Dion
For most, you either love her or hate her and have felt either way from the start of her career. I've always liked celine and her voice. Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2008 by Fjireland
A Classis Celine Dion Record, FANTASTIC!
Just Like all her great records this is up with the best. A great listen with fantastic songs to get you on your feet.
Get It!!!
STD
Get It!!!
STD
Published on 28 Dec 2007 by Sophie
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