Bonnie Tyler's most recent studio album is a mixed bag of tricks -- it contains mostly new songs (including her latest international hit, "Louise," in both French and English versions), as well as new recordings of some classics -- namely "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "It's a Heartache." The result is an uneven listen and it definitely falls shy of
Tyler's Columbia Records or BMG International periods. Unfortunately, the addition of "Total Eclipse" and "It's a Heartache" merely serves to point out that
Tyler's work used to be much more powerful and much more daring. If nothing else, the album serves as a herald that
Tyler should be re-teaming with a producer of
Jim Steinman's caliber to bring out the best in her inimitable voice.
Tyler is one of the most powerful female pop vocalists of her generation -- but
Wings only acts as a reminder as to what exactly made
Tyler such a pop phenomenon two decades earlier. Some high points no doubt, but largely -- and unfortunately -- forgettable. ~ Tomas Mureika