To the under-25s, Shania Twain might require a bit of explaining. In her ‘90s heyday, the Canadian singer-songwriter’s country crossover albums ‘Come on Over’ and ‘The Woman in Me’ were absolutely ubiquitous, and formed the essential soundtrack for Texan truck stops and Sussex school discos alike. To date, she’s sold roughly 100 million albums over a 25-year career that also provided the blueprint for Taylor Swift, among many others.
Then, disaster struck. In the mid ‘00s her vocal cords were damaged by dysphonia - a disorder which left her unsure if she’d sing again - and her husband and creative collaborator Mutt Lange took up with one of her close friends. The result was a hiatus that lasted nearly 15 years, and which has ended with the release of ‘Now’.
There’s plenty to like here. Twain’s signature optimism is showcased on ballads such as More Fun and Light of My Life. The latter has a wistful, ‘90s quality that ably switches tone with call and response vocals that are blended with precision.
Every song has been written and exec produced by Twain, and while her talent for band-leading is tangible, it is the vocal blend that gives the album much of its x factor. That is particularly well delivered on the terse, jokingly titled Poor Me, and the cheerful You Can't Buy Love.
Elsewhere, album closer All In All is a gorgeous, patient shuffler. The song demonstrates a mighty talent for melody writing alongside beautiful, watery production that recalls Peter Gabriel in its warm, effervescent glow.
It’s Twain at her most musically ambitious, and while the lyrics retain an intense conservatism they are nonetheless highly engaging: “God is older than man / He was where it all began / I try to do the best I can / To see truth from where I stand.”
Twain is a singer whose aesthetic is both incredibly broad and highly specific: channelling the protestant optimism of country music alongside and a kind of snowy Canadian toughness. ‘Now’ is not an exceptional album, but it reminds us that Shania Twain is an exceptional recording artist.
Shania Twain Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri September 21 2018 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Sat September 22 2018 - MANCHESTER Arena
Mon September 24 2018 - BIRMINGHAM Arena Birmingham
Wed September 26 2018 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Thu September 27 2018 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Sat September 29 2018 - BELFAST SSE Arena Belfast
Tue October 02 2018 - LONDON O2
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