Dionne Warwick
She’s Back
Kind Music/Entertainment One
Grammy Award-winning music icon Dionne Warwick is back with a brand-new album, rightfully titled Sheβs Back. Fans of the R&B legendβs simple yet sophisticated storytelling and delicate delivery are likely very pleased to hear the 15-track album mark her return to the genre.
The album features collaborations with a diverse selection of artists and includes ten brand new tracks plus five reinterpretations of Warwickβs classics. As a bonus, it comes with a remastered version of Dionne sings Dionne, a previously released work of greatest hits.
Itβs easy to understand how Warwick has attained legend status in the world of R&B when you hear timeless, iconic songs like βWhat the World Needs Nowβ. Luckily, the bonus CD is full of them. Although Sheβs Back has some interesting moments, the new material doesnβt resonate next to Warwickβs better-known tracks. As a result, the album as a whole falls a little flat.
Sheβs Back sees much of Warwickβs elegant emotional connection incorporated with a more calculated approach. The newly revamped version of her 1979 single βDΓ©jΓ Vuβ, featuring rap artist Krayzie Bone is one of the more worthwhile creations to come from this. It would have been interesting to see more experimentation like this on an otherwise unimaginative album.
Still, Warwick is one of the most successful female artists of all time and Sheβs Back is a competent old-fashioned r&b album that will connect with long time fans.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DIONNE WARWICK – SHE’S BACK
Mariko Margetson