‘Love Saves’ is the new album by Teases & Dares’ Hall of Famer and all round iconic legend Tina Arena. We’ve had less than 48 hours to absorb it but early suggestions are this is her best work since ‘Just Me’. It’s a properly consistent collection of songs largely built around Tina’s voice and piano but with some productions of epic proportions. There is a classic 70s feel to the songwriting recalling both Elton John and Carole King yet somehow sound entirely 2023 at the same time.
Tina’s experiences of musical theatre have also permeated – indeed ‘Outrun The Night’ feels like a mammoth end of show /bring down the curtain/raise the roof moment going full out rock opera meets glam stomp at the close having started as one song and blooming into something else entirely. That pomp and stomp is there again on the powerful ‘Devil In Me’ which includes the casually lethal “fuck you, I’m a Joan of Arc without a cause” line. We bloody love sweary Tina.
When you can sing like Tina Arena there must be a temptation to make every song a showstopper. Restraint is apparent though on ‘Dared To Love You First’ and the title track ‘Love Saves’ – this pair of tunes sitting together in the tracklisting and appearing to deal with the blossoming of love later in life, post long term relationship break up. It delicately manages all the complicated emotions that can come when two broken hearts tentatively try to heal each other with much baggage in tow. There’s also a bold and warm sensuality to ‘Dared To Love You First’ which is refreshing.
A highlight amongst a record of stand outs is ‘Cry Me A Miracle’. Lyrically it’s one of the strongest of Tina’s catalogue – “i got half a mind to drive you all insane” is no ideal threat. Imagine being decades into your career and delivering a vocal as gnarly, as brutal, as damn devastating as on this track. The pure drama around the key change is unrivalled. No one does this stuff as well as Tina. No one. It’s the track we’ve selected for you below.
One thing is certain this album is going to translate quite sensationally to the live stage and we are beyond excited for Tina’s return to London in November this year. A must have ticket if ever there was one. As ridiculously good as she sounds on record, just wait till you FEEL that voice hit your heart and shake your soul when you’re in the same room. We’ve experienced it and you’ll be changed by it.
‘Love Saves’ is out now on digital and streaming and you can buy physical bundles from Tina’s online store.
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