Tina Arena : In Deep
Donn Jehs for AMZ

In this modern day world of instant communication you would think that this diva from down under would have hit it big in the US. Yet, despite number one hits in Australia, she has yet to break out here. I guess what Ms. Arena needs is a sinking ship to deliver her titanic talent to the masses. This woman can belt out a pop ballad with the best of them and writes hook-laden lyrics besides.

Imagine Alannis Morrissette if she had had a good relationship. She might have written ballads like "If I Didn't Love You" and "If I Was A River." Then again probably not. These pills are much easier to swallow and you can't overdose on them either. Yet Tina isn't a pushover but remains "In Command" of her destiny without being strident. The thoughts and feelings behind "Sixteen Years" are more about regret than revenge and make this cut one of my favorites on the album.

This is the third album from Ms Arena and I plan on picking up the first two for my personal collection. I was won over completely by the third cut, "No Shame" a song comparable to "Unconditional Love" but with more passion and brazeness. Then there is the relative innocence of "I Want To Live With You" as Tina runs the gamut of emotions she projects and evokes with her singing.

The opening cut "Burn" says she'll support her man's desires and goals but he's got to return the favor passionately. "Flashback" is about remembering a better moment while "Unsung Hero" is her tribute to the man in her life, it could be her father, husband or lover and reminds me of Reba McEntire's "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" and as Father's Day approaches I can see this song getting some radio play dedications.

There is a great cover of the "Foreigner" hit "I Want To Know What Love Is" which is no surprise considering Mick Jones produced Tina's album. But Tina saves the best for last, a terrific duet with Marc Anthony, "I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You," and if Tina would sing like this to me I would definitely be "In Deep."