Courage (Deluxe Edition)

世界的歌姫=セリーヌ・ディオン 6年振りとなる英語歌唱アルバム『Courage』(カレッジ)

35年以上のキャリアを持ち、全世界累計アルバム・セールス2億5千枚、グラミー賞5冠、アカデミー賞2冠を誇り、最も成功しているアーティストの一人である世界的歌姫=セリーヌ・ディオンが、6年振りとなる英語歌唱アルバム『カレッジ』をリリースする。2013年にリリースした『ラヴド・ミー・バック・トゥ・ライフ』以来、6年振りとなる英語歌唱アルバムとなる今作には、美しく壮大なバラードからアップテンポなポップ・ソングまでが収録されているという。アルバムに先行して発表された新曲3曲は、それぞれがセリーヌの新たなクリエイティブな方向性を表現しており、歌詞には新たな境地へ踏み出す勇気や強さなど、セリーヌならではの前向きなメッセージが込められている。「インパーフェクションズ」は、フィフス・ハーモニーの「ワーク・フロム・ホーム」を手掛けたことでも知られる、アメリカ出身の若手プロデューサー/DJ=DallasKがプロデュース、「ライイング・ダウン」はシーア、デヴィッド・ゲッタが制作に携わっており、アルバムのタイトル曲「カレッジ」は、アヴリル・ラヴィーンやマイリー・サイラスを手掛けてきたステファン・モッチオなどがソングライティングに参加している。

Her first English-language effort following a pair of mid-decade personal tragedies, Celine Dions 12th set Courage is a transformative, cathartic release for the powerhouse vocalist that carries listeners through her process of healing and moving on. While the deaths of her husband and brother inform much of the album, they do not completely define it. Rather, Dions phoenix-from-the-ashes power shines and reveals a confident rebirth as she rebuilds life and reclaims herself. Paired with its intentionally uplifting French-language predecessor, 2016s Encore un Soir, Courage continues to track Dions grief, just with a contemporary pop angle. While the comforting Encore was suffused with traditional pop-guitar backing, Courage grasps the spirit of the late 2010s with vigor, recruiting a team of co-writers including David Guetta and Skylar Grey. Producers LAUV, DallasK, Greg Kurstin, and the Stereotypes also liven up the affair by injecting the album with throwback R&B (How Did You Get Here), soulful gospel (I Will Be Stronger), electronic dance (Flying on My Own), and even country-pop (The Chase). Sia, in particular, makes an indelible impact. The last time they worked together was on the title track from 2013s Loved Me Back to Life. Here, she stamps her brand onto a pair of highlights (a third is found on the deluxe edition) and their spirits entwine to such an extent that even on tracks where they are separated (like Lovers Never Die and Change My Mind), Dion affects Sias vocal stylings and makes them her own. Indeed, Dions vocal acrobatics remain in fine form and, no matter who is sharing the credits, every moment belongs to Dion. Courage is buffered by a heavy dose of mid-tempo bloodletting that serves as therapeutic processing for herself (and as vulnerable confessionals to her fans). That inimitable voice soars throughout, but it reaches an album peak on the shiver-inducing title track. Sung directly to her late husband, Rene Angelil, the sweeping ballad is the heart of the set, a vulnerable and emotionally resonant conversation that is both a tearjerker and a showstopper. Similarly heartbreaking moments appear elsewhere, which Dion is sure to balance with moving, up-tempo anthems centered on rebirth and moving on with life. After over 20 years of marriage, Dion is suddenly free and single, finding new love and embracing middle age with confidence and maturity. These heartwarming moments are fascinating to hear, especially from someone who has been in the limelight since the late 70s. Dion opens herself to new things on Say Yes, works on her self-confidence with Imperfections, and bravely allows someone new into her heart with Falling in Love Again. With unprecedented access and insight into Dions world following such a life-changing few years, Courage is a triumph of spirit and resolve. ~ Neil Z. Yeung

6年ぶりの英詞アルバム。シーアのペンによるデヴィッド ・ゲッタ制作のスタジアム・バラード"Lying Down"をはじめ、ダラスKをプロデュースに抜擢したラウヴ共作の"Imperfections"、スカイラー・グレイ作の静謐な"Falling In Love Again"など新たな顔ぶれも交えつつ、私生活の悲しみも投影したドラマティックな歌いっぷりはやはり圧巻だ。ステレオタイプスによるサザン・ソウル風の"How Did You Get Here"も新鮮。
bounce (C)出嶌孝次