Twain’s latest album is a testament to her unmatched prowess in seamlessly blending musical genres. The recently released Netflix documentary, “Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl,” offers a peek into the aspirations of the country-pop sensation. Jon Landau, Twain’s long-standing manager, reflects on his initial conversation with the budding starlet. “Right from our first chat, she expressed her desires. She aimed to transition into pop, envisioned herself as a global sensation, and aspired to be at the zenith of live performances.”
After her commercially hit album, “The Woman In Me,” Shania had already begun shining brightly in the country music scene. She was crafting an admirable trajectory, especially for a female artist in the predominantly male Nashville circuit. However, for Twain, this was merely the beginning. She envisioned a larger stage, a broader audience. History proved her intuition correct.
During the late ’90s and early 2000s, Shania Twain revolutionized the musical scene. Many even attribute the midriff fashion trend’s spike in popularity to her, especially after her iconic music video for “What Made You Say That.” Shania was a unique blend of country, pop, sass, allure, genuineness, assertiveness, and allure – all underscored by her impeccable musical talent. Decades later, it might slip some minds that Twain is not just a vocalist but also a proficient guitarist and the creative mind behind those timeless tracks that evoke powerful nostalgia.
Twain has consistently championed her artistic freedom, always ready to take calculated risks. One notable instance was her decision to decline a tour post her triumph at the Grammys and Country Music Awards for “The Woman In Me.” She believed touring would detract her from penning down the album she felt brewing within her. Her musical repertoire is diverse, ranging from empowering anthems to romantic ballads, and even a touch of playful campiness. Reflecting on Shania’s multifaceted career journey, it’s easier to grasp the essence of her upcoming album, “Queen of Me,” slated for release on Friday, February 3rd.
The trailblazing days might be in Shania Twain’s rearview, but that doesn’t diminish her shine. Having bravely overcome Lyme disease and dysphonia, which led to significant vocal damage and extensive rehabilitation, seeing her still sing and prep for a major tour is a heartwarming sight. The album’s teasers, “Waking Up Dreaming,” “Last Day of Summer,” and the catchy “Giddy Up!” set the tone, showcasing Twain in her deeper register, indulging in light-hearted country-pop melodies.
Beyond “Giddy Up!,” the album gifts listeners with gems like “Got It Good.” This upbeat, mid-paced track feels reminiscent of Miley Cyrus’ hit “Flowers.” Twain croons, “I’m not letting go of your heart/ I’ve got it good,” in a straightforward manner.
The finale, crafted by Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots, shifts away from his usual alt-rock vibe to adopt a conventional, acoustic-rich sound, befitting Twain’s current phase. Joseph joins the likes of Grammy-winner Adam Messinger, Mark Ralph, and David Stewart on the album’s production credits. Notably, he also collaborates on “The Hardest Stone,” presenting arguably the album’s most adventurous, genre-blending track.
Throughout her career, Twain’s songwriting prowess has been evident. Yet, some moments in this album might not match the high standards she’s established over the years. Lyrics from “Brand New” go, “I cut you out when you cut me deep/ So I deleted our history/ Because you’ll always be the same old you, but I’m a brand new me.” A preliminary dive into the title track, “Queen of Me,” might hint at a lack of depth or originality, with lines like, “I’ve got a life full of incredible things to do/ I’m chasing my dreams/ You can’t rule everything because I’m occupied reigning as the queen of me.”
Still, Shania’s throne remains untouched. While “Queen of Me” has its highs and lows, her lasting impact in the industry is unquestionable. This album marks her first comprehensive release since 2017. Above all, it’s truly a treat to continue experiencing Shania’s unique voice and perspective. In the grand scheme of things, she remains unparalleled.