Taking Chances does not occur without some Courage. There was a commonality between these two records that sung to me, as Celine has continued to do so for the world for decades, and most recently performed in Vegas, again. I couldn't help but think of Cher's Believe and its effect as an artist's reset button.
It was intriguing to hear Celine sing the single from the Deadpool sequel several years prior. It was simultaneously an ironic and iconic selection; it wouldn't stray too far from his perceived musical tastes yet could be called an "odd" pairing. It is safe to say that as a phoenix would, she rose from the "ashes" of heartbreak. Then, she wrote a whole album incorporating loss, resilience, and bravery as some of the themes. I don't usually comment on the cover art, but its simplistic and minimalistic approach is an adept reference to walking from the flame and still standing tall.
The first line in "Flying on My Own" addresses the detour from the traditional Dion formula; it's appropriate because her voice soars and synergizes with the sonic accompaniment.
"Lovers Never Die" is an assertion of her distaste for a relationship she was in, as well as the disrespect and deception that came along with it. Her presentation of the words offers spunk to accompany her resignation.
I cannot help but think that I have heard this song before, but this song co-written by Skylar Grey and (then fiancée) Elliot Taylor assures the broken hearted that "Fallin in Love Again" is possible. Its sparse arrangement allows the listener to focus on Dion's vocals that build until her final declaration in the lines "once again."
The next song showcases even more of her vocal vigor. It not only supposedly interpolates a song of the same name by RiRi, I have looked for her version but could not find it so it may not have been recorded, but incorporates elements of rock and this robotic inflection in the second verse. It also features the songwriting talents of both David Guetta and Sia to create a smash of a single and is worthy of multiple plays.
It is appropriate that the next two songs were released as singles because to showcase vulnerability and spotlight your imperfections requires moxie. To delve into a personal matter that deeply affected her in the loss of her soul mate years before is commendable, and the emotion is expressed and understood. The musical accompaniment is appropriate and does not resort to schmaltz or force an empathic connection to her pain. While her aptly titled "Imperfections" does not list any, which is not the point because that is subjective, it is relatable to everyone who cares to listen because we all possess our own imperfections, whether we perceive them or not.
In albums there are varying degrees of appreciation when it comes to the songs, some are those we rave and praise, some of them we criticize and ignore, never listening to again, and all after listening to the song once. Some of the songs are in between, and if it came to deciding whether I wast a fan or not, these two are option three, and would not change my mind upon first listen.
I must say I appreciate the intrapersonal encouragement the lyrics simulate in "Say Yes" because too often we say "no" to experiences that could be beneficial to us, such as dancing like "Nobody's Watching." The latter dougie'd a space in my heart after first listen.
And now for this next song I will employ the use of a pick up line, for a higher purpose! Not everyone realizes how much energy their mind can expend, especially if they run through someone else's all day. We all take part in the chase, in the context of this song it would involve love and affection, appreciation and acknowledgment. While I chased inspiration to approach a presentation of this tune, it is as much to say that the song speaks for itself.
The next song employs the talents of Sam Smith and Stargate, to name the most recognizable associated with this song in the pop music world, but that being said, the emotional substance is not lacking in this touching ode that Celine dedicates "To the Lover That I Lost."
While it may annoy some that may read this, I wanted to point out that in the next song Sia co-wrote with another hot producer in Greg Kurstin. It is a fun song, really catchy, yet it addresses what can be an unpleasant aspect of a loving relationship: being away from the partner. Absence makes the heart go fonder and it is healthy to keep separate interests as well and time away from one another, but it still hurts. While there is a lot of "baby" talk going on, the feeling can be understood.
The thirteenth track is a pledge to herself and her late husband, that she will be strong. She sings "...and though I might have been lonely or lost. I don't feel like giving up because you climbed off" to affirm her resolution, while later stating that "...sometimes love must die to be born again." Which can include self-love too, because even in a positive and loving relationship one can still lose touch with oneself.
The arrangement was brought to us by the Dap Kings, who recorded heavily with Miss Sharon Jones before she passed, may she rest in power and rest in peace, and it suits Celine. It focuses on a re-evaluation of a relationship, and how it shifts from what was a mere acquaintance to a life partner (or soulmate) which fits the title perfectly. "How Did You Get Here?" It also lightens the mood after her musical pledge in track thirteen, "I Will Be Stronger."
With "Look At Us Now," I can see an awkward reunion of two former lovers at a gala event. The woman in that glittery red dress Celine is wearing, while her former lover in a nice suit. They are separated, yet not entirely disconnected, nor entwined in outsiders' embraces. This song perfectly scores the scenario as they decide that while there is passion that fuels that last act of fornication, it is better to leave and lose than reunite and lose even more.
While that seems like the perfect time to say goodbye, it was not the healthiest relationship. "45 steps in the same direction" sounds like finding a soul mate in a one-night stand. This rush of finding that person unexpectedly is indescribable. The plethora of emotions one can experience can be overwhelming. She sings "...If God's got a plan, it's out of our hands anyway," which rings true, and sounds like divine intervention to me as she declares the meeting as "heaven sent." In a line shortly after, she promises "if you need me, I'll be in your memory."
It was not until after I heard the song that I found that Steve Aoki played a part, literally, in this song, and did so in a subtle manner where I would not have known had I not looked it up. So, the question directed toward me could be "What was the point?"
While the question I have for the whole scenario, I return to the full lyric "Don't need to understand, if God's got a plan. It's out of our hands anyway." It could have been to say, to the chagrin and disagreement of many, that one can have more than one soul mate. It does not mean that the soul mate is meant to stay in that person's life forever, or even more than one night, but that type of connection is plausible, and with the potency behind it how can one not call it "heaven sent?"
Which brings me to the next song that restates the feeling of finding one's soulmate and connecting on a deeper level. Celine asks "Is it madness? Is it the worst kind of madness?" but to those that know, "No, It's the best of all."
This earworm with a "Heart of Glass" must have pushed through the dirt of past relationships until finding the soulmate had transmogrified the heart into a diamond. She hasn't broken any new ground, but the chorus invokes the sadness yet encourages someone to sing along with it, and that could be due to personal experiences and/or the synergy of Sia and Greg Kurstin.
Through it all, as this review comes to a close, I can say that I did not hear too many throwaways, it is just that some left me without much to say. Every note that Celine sings in "Boundaries," the lyrics, and instrumental accompaniment may not be extraordinary, but sounds perfect the way it is.
Sometimes with reviews I unintentionally take "The Hard Way," and while I don't usually review every song, I might make reference to a majority of them. While it was not my favorite song musically, it did state that "you gotta break just a little, die just a little, to come alive in the right way," which is not without its truth. Heck, it may even bring a tear to the eye.
