Original supermodel
Twiggy may be synonymous with the Swinging Sixties fashion scene, but after retiring from the industry, she also went on to forge a moderately successful recording career, scoring a U.K. Top 20 single with "Here I Go Again" and releasing several studio albums before appearing to call it a day in the late '90s. Perhaps aware that a whole generation is now only familiar with her through the recent M&S ad campaigns, she's now decided to pursue her lesser-known sideline once again with her first new record in 12 years,
Romantically Yours. Thankfully, it's a comeback that isn't likely to tarnish her iconic status. Ranging from
Gershwin standards ("Someone to Watch Over Me," "They Can't Take That Away from Me") to Rodgers & Hart show tunes ("My Funny Valentine," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered") to chart hits from her heyday ("Angel of the Morning," "Waterloo Sunset"), this collection of her favorite love songs is unlikely to appeal to many who weren't around to witness her meteoric rise to fame. But backed by jazz trumpeter
James McMillan's tasteful easy listening arrangements and a guest list including Bryan Adams, who provides the air guitar-friendly solo on his own composition "Heaven,"
Richard Marx, who lends his emotive tones to a cocktail-bar rendition of his signature hit "Right Here Waiting," and daughter Carly Lawson, who contributes vocals to the
Bacharach-esque lounge-pop reworking of
Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," it's a warm and understated affair that showcases both
Twiggy's pleasant if indistinctive vocal tones and a refreshing intent to grow older gracefully. ~ Jon O'Brien