NEW ALBUM: DIANA ROSS | THANK YOU

Diana Ross has released her first album of new material in over 20 years, entitled "Thank You," and sees her chancing her arm creatively by working with Tame Impala’s chief cosmonaut Kevin Parker. Alas, there’s no surprise collaboration on "Thank You," with the singer instead opting to go big on cloying showbiz-trooper gratitude and saccharine co-writes with songwriters who’ve previously worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith. Recorded at Ross’ home studio during the lockdown and produced by the omnipresent Jack Antonoff, there are flourishes and callbacks to moments from the 77-year-old’s storied career throughout her 25th studio album. The nostalgic groove of its title track could have fallen through a wormhole from 1970, while the honeyed R&B of "In Your Heart" sees Ross huskily sing “reach out and touch somebody” – a likely nod to her 1970 hit ‘Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).’ Barring the upbeat reggaeton of ‘If The World Just Danced,’ the R&B-inflected "Let’s Do It" and Latin-flavoured "I Still Believe," the emphasis of ‘Thank You’ is on schmaltzy, mid-tempo diva empowerment. There’s a fine line between ‘timeless’ and MOR, and Ross’ kitten heel is firmly on it with earnest, loungey tributes to the power of love like "Count On Me" and "Just In Case." All in all, It feels like proof that Diana Ross could still make a great album if she wanted to if she was steered more carefully or partnered more sympathetically.