I am not a Celine Dion fan - in English, that is. THIS is how she was meant to be heard! It isn't just "Celine singing in French" (a language I barely understand), it is Celine singing better songs, and singing them better. She offers none of the hyper-emotional power-belting so typical of her mega-hits, but well-inflected vocals that cover a range of emotions and musical styles. It's flat-out better music, thanks in no small part to the exquisite arrangements of Jean-Jacques Goldman.

Two tracks lead the pack: "Je Crois Toi" (I Believe You), Track 1, and On Ne Change Pas (People Don't Change), Track 3. They are so gorgeous, they alone make this a CD worth having. If I've had a rough day, I often put on these two songs and everything is better - they're that good. In "Je Crois Toi", Celine is alternately gentle, coaxing, emphatic, teasing and just plain thrilling. It is (to borrow a French phrase) a tour de force - a remarkable display of what she can do vocally. In the last minute of the song her voice flutters in tight little trills that send chills up my spine. "On Ne Change Pas" is a delightfully happy and melodic tune that builds gradually and then seems to bud, blossom and then take flight as the key changes suddenly in the middle of the song.

There are other songs I enjoy on the CD, notably the bluesy "Terre", "L'abandon" and "Dans Un Autre Monde". There are others that don't do much for me (hence the lack of a 5th star), but my overall comment is that THIS collection turned me into a Celine Dion fan.

This album proves that Céline Dion is one of the most talented musicians of our time. This album, though entirely in French, is a must have for anyone interested in Céline. It covers the artistic side of her voice. This album is by far her best to date. You don't have to know French to understand the pure emotions of these songs. In "Je Crois Toi"("I Believe You"), Céline portrays uncertinity and fear of the world. "Zora Sourit"("Zora Smiles") is a great song that follows in Céline's styles from previous albums. "On ne change pas"("We Don't Change")is a very beautiful song. "Je Chanterai"("I'll sing") is an excellent track that is one of the best on the album. "Terre"("Earth") shows a different side of Céline's musical range. "En Attendant Ses Pas"("Waiting For His Steps"), is very fragile at start but picks up tempo to be one of the best tracks. "Papillion"("Butterfly") is a very slow song that shows off Céline's voice in all it's majesty. "L'Abandon" is one of my favourites on the album. With its calypso beat and irresistable rhythm it is a masterpiece. "Dans Une Autre Monde"("In Another World") is a fun song that is really upbeat. "Sur Le Meme Bateau"("On The Same Boat") is a masterpiece. It is about the rich and the poor aboard a cruise. When a catasrophe takes place, they all have to face death, despite their social status (which could have been on the "Titanic" soundtrack). Céline gives her all in "Tous Les Blues Sont Ecrits Pour Toi"("All Of The Blues Are Written For You"), a showstopping blues song. Closing with "S'il Suffisait D'Aimer"("If Only Love Could Be Enough") this song is by far the best track. In the is song, Céline expresses her dream for an end to violence and hate. The lyrics and the music are so moving.

Many people criticize Céline's music for being too sappy and gushy-- this album proves that she is not and that she has an amazing gift.

Okay. Let me put this simply...

I had been a HUGE fan of Céline's from the very first time I heard her voice well over a decade ago. I grew in awe as she grew in fame... until she became so popular, and so sappy..that I just got bored. I still bought her music, as a fan would. After not listening to this album for well over a year(if not two), I JUST decided to pop it in my cd player.

WHAT WAS I THINKING !? How could I have ignored this album for so long. I am absolutely stunned at the majority of the songs here - despite having heard them before.

Some favourites ? S'il Suffisait D'aimer , Je Crois Toi, Papillon, L'abandon.

People ! I kid you not - if you don't have this album...you're in serious loss of a side of Céline not enough people know. I really wish that Sony would push her French music MUCH harder. She's much more frail, humble, feeling, warm in her native tongue... Not so in-your-face, and cheesy...

Good Lord! BUY this cd!

Michael

I do wish, however, that there were translations in the program notes. That's a small gripe on my part though. I have three of her other albums and this is the first of her French albums that I've added to my collection. I quite enjoy and value it. One can relax and listen and feel the emotion, and much of the meaning just by her singing. I don't yet have any true favorites because each one is very enjoyable. Highly recommended for her fans, and for those who enjoy the French feeling of the music.

This album is splendid!!! Celine Dion truly has the best singer when it comes to french.... even though iam learning french in high school but this album helps me with my french...... Great album! My favorite is Sil Suffisait Daimer ( if only love could be enogh) I would truly recommend this album to anyone even if they dont speak french!!!