OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Celine Dion, the iconic powerhouse of pop and ballads, has created a music legacy that spans decades. While her chart-topping hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love” are etched in the memories of millions, there are several albums in her extensive discography that haven’t quite received the widespread recognition they deserve. These often-overlooked gems showcase her vocal mastery, creative versatility, and emotional depth. Let’s take a look at some of Celine Dion’s most underrated albums that deserve a closer listen.
1. Unison (1990)
Celine Dion’s Unison marked her bold debut into the English-language music scene and set the stage for what was to become a stellar career. Released in 1990, the album is a delightful mix of catchy dance tracks and heartfelt ballads. While it was a commercial success in Canada and the United States, it didn’t quite make the global impact it deserved, which is a real shame. With tracks like “If Love Is Out of the Question” and the titular “Unison,” Celine’s vocal control and emotional expressiveness shine brightly. Although it remains somewhat overlooked internationally, this album laid the groundwork for the superstardom that was to come.
2. Celine Dion (1992)
Her self-titled album, Celine Dion, often gets overshadowed by her later, more globally successful works. Yet this album is a treasure trove of deep cuts and strong vocal performances. It includes standout tracks like “If I Were You,” a song that showcases her ability to interpret lyrics with both passion and precision, and “Water from the Moon,” a track that beautifully highlights her range. This album was a pivotal moment in her evolution as an artist, and though it didn’t have the same instant commercial success as Falling Into You or Let’s Talk About Love, it’s filled with hidden gems that deserve more attention.
3. The Colour of My Love (1993)
While The Colour of My Love achieved significant commercial success, some of its deeper cuts have been largely forgotten over time. While mainstream hits like “The Power of Love” and “Think Twice” earned the album worldwide acclaim, tracks like “Next Plane Out” and “Misled” offer a deeper emotional resonance that never reached the same level of recognition. Next Plane Out, in particular, is one of Dion’s finest pop ballads, with its soaring melodies and heartfelt delivery, but it remains underappreciated by many. This album showcased Dion’s versatility and marked her as an artist who could excel in both pop and ballad genres.
4. Taking Chances (2007)
Released in 2007, Taking Chances was a significant departure from Celine Dion’s usual style. Incorporating elements of pop and rock, the album explored new musical territory for the Canadian singer. Tracks like “Fade Away” and “I’m Your Angel” reflect her evolving sound, moving away from traditional ballads and embracing more modern, upbeat arrangements. Unfortunately, despite critical acclaim and standout performances, the album didn’t receive the attention it deserved in the mainstream. Fans who embraced the album’s more experimental sound consider it one of her most interesting and daring works, but it remained under the radar for many listeners.
5. Loved Me Back to Life (2013)
Celine Dion’s Loved Me Back to Life, released in 2013, was her first English-language album in six years. Combining pop with soul influences, the album was a return to form for Dion after a brief hiatus. The title track, “Loved Me Back to Life,” became a standout single, but other tracks like “Somebody Loves Somebody” and “Thank You” were criminally overlooked. Despite critical praise for her vocal performances and the album’s innovative sound, Loved Me Back to Life didn’t achieve the commercial success it deserved. It felt like an album too ahead of its time for mainstream audiences, and as a result, it didn’t get the widespread recognition it deserved.
Celine Dion’s catalog is undeniably vast and impressive, but these albums are examples of the singer’s artistry that may have flown under the radar for many listeners. Whether exploring new musical landscapes or delivering heart-wrenching ballads, these albums showcase her growth and unwavering vocal brilliance. As a fan, it’s important to dive deeper into her discography and rediscover the overlooked treasures that demonstrate why Celine Dion is one of the most versatile and enduring vocalists of her generation. So, have you missed these masterpieces? It’s time to give them another listen.