MUSIC MOVES: Diana is back

MUSIC MOVES

THE DIVA IS BACK

Soul icon Diana Ross has released her first album in 15 years, Thank You - and she sounds fantastic on her comeback album. It’s the diva’s 25th solo studio album - and her 43rd overall.

A press release said the album “offers a powerful, inclusive musical message of love and togetherness” and that “with its songs of happiness, appreciation, and joy, it wholeheartedly acknowledges that we are in this all together”.

Recorded entirely in her home studio during the Covid pandemic, Thank You is the follow-up to her 2006 album I Love You. “This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love,” said Ms Ross in a statement. “I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time”.

Ross co-wrote all of the 13 tracks, working with a variety of contemporary pop producers - including Jack Antonoff, who has become a key collaborator for female artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, St Vincent and Lorde.

The title track is a feel good celebration of the classic Diana Ross sound, with echoes of vintage Motown song writing - with a noticeable hat tip to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s You’re All I Need To Get By.

Now aged 77, Ross started her career at Motown in the 1960s, achieving stardom with The Supremes, on hits like Baby Love, Stop! In The Name Of Love and You Keep Me Hanging On.

She split from the group in 1970 and went on to score more than 50 UK chart hits, including Upside Down, Endless Love and Chain Reaction. And a darling to the LGBTI+ fans with her enduring hit anthem, I’m Coming Out. Her last hit single in the UK was the Westlife duet When You Tell Me That You Love Me, which reached number two in 2005.

She returned to the US charts last year, when a remix of her 1976 classic Love Hangover topped the dance charts.

Ms Ross, a consummate performer, actress and recording artist needs no introduction having entertained us for 6 decades. This is the true measure of her iconic status. Her latest album opens her incredible talent to a new young audience and adds to her enormous musical legacy which saw her dubbed the female entertainer of the 20th century by US magazine Billboard as long ago as 1976.

“I dedicate this songbook of love to all of you, the listeners,” concludes Ms. Ross. “As you hear my voice you hear my heart. Let Love Lead the Way.”

Thank You is this year’s most welcome comeback - congratulations to this enduring, amazing musical and “gay” icon - the album is a winner!