Falling Into You - Dion, Celine (CD 1996)

In 1996 Celine Dion released her most stunning and exciting album to date and captivated the world with her fourth English effort, Falling Into You. Satisfying the heart, soul and ear with almost every track I feel this is her most consistent and dynamic recording ever. Employing every vocal nuance and making drama with her powerful voice, Dion takes the listener on a voyage.

The album opens with the epic tale from writer Jim Steinman Its All Coming Back To Me Now . Jim Steinman has written many long, dramatic songs and is probably most known for his work with 70 s star Meat Loaf. He also was responsible for the eighties classic Total Eclipse of the Heart . This song is impressive on every level and is extremely difficult to sing well. Showing amazing control, breath support and sheer stamina Dion manages to pull off this song like it is nothing.

Next we have the standard movie theme and Dion does a nice, sincere job on the Warren penned Because You Loved Me from the movie Up Close and Personal. I really love this song and admit it reminds me of how wonderful my husband is and all the different times he has stood by me. Very beautiful and filled with vocal expertise, this song is sweet and emotional.

Falling Into You is a more subtle ballad and describes the experience of falling in love. It is a simple, effective ballad with a nice melody. I honestly wouldn t say it is the best on the album but it is enjoyable and modest. Seduces Me is another ballad that works on the same level.

Make You Happy doesn t really grab the listener on the first spin but this song has grown on me over the years. Bouncy and possessing a Jamaican flavor this song is fun. The lyrics are definitely not the most original but Dion has the type of voice who can pull off sappy words. Her other upbeat song on this album that I do not care for is Declaration of Love . Definitely beyond cheesy, this song was one of the few misfires on the album.

Covering an Eric Carmen classic All By Myself is vocally thrilling and the couple of times I ve tried to sing it I have found I just can t pull it off even close to her version. Dion proves in this song she has the kind of voice that is not easily duplicated. Towards the end of the song she holds out this one note and the sheer power is almost overwhelming.

Dreaming of You and I Love You (an Aldo Nova remake) both sound really innocent and sweet. I love both of these songs and the lyrics are passionate and romantic. I love the use of back-up vocals and they are light pop at its best.

Dion does a cover of an Ike and Tina Turner classic River Deep, Mountain High and the result is nothing short of exciting and energetic. Her voice builds into a robust cry of joy and when she hammers yeah, yeah, yeah you can t help but sing along with her. Celine does a fantastic job on this song and really turns up the heat.

The album ends with a dedication to a relative who died with cystic fibrosis and the song is so moving and poignant. Fly is a noteworthy song and rounds out this captivating album in a truly exquisite fashion. Her voice soars and builds into a heavenly climax and you can almost see a vision of heaven at the sound of her voice.

I recommend this album to anyone who wants to listen to music to feel and not think. Most intellectuals will probably scoff at all of Celine Dion s romantic sentiment and idealistic view on love and romance, but sometimes the world just needs some simple, unjaded love songs. This album is a consistent, thoughtful effort and filled with emotion, heart and soul.