The multi-Grammy winning singer/songwriter ‘Up!’ album is released as a pack of two – for the price of one.

The two CDs/MCs are called the Red album and the Blue album both of which has been produced, arranged and co-written with her husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange. The Red album is the original, featuring 19 brand new infectious pop tracks including the catchy first single I m Gonna Getcha Good.

Now hold your breath….the Blue album contains remixes of the original 19 tracks by Indian born UK based DJs Simon and Diamond who were in India to have the remixes done at a studio in our very own Mumbai. Indian music has fascinated the West and has even appeared on albums by western artists in the past, but while on such albums we could catch the odd tabla rhythm, or fleeting sitar, no western artist has ever released a full - length album featuring only Indian music. Featured here are 19 English songs sung by Shania, set to purely Indian sounds with some added pep and melody.

The remixes have Indianness flowing right through with an array of Indian musicians / instruments for added appeal and features the talents of musicians on flute, dholak, sitar, violin, santoor, shehnai, sarangi, and harmonium. The tracks are a little more danceable than the original versions. This is the International version released all over the world except the US of A.

Any which way you look at it, both CDs have 19 songs which makes it a little difficult to really single out the best. However the highlights on the album that caught my fancy were In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver) that have some really fun lyrics. Another favorite is I’m Jealous, which is descriptive, lively and happening. For those vulnerable times, whether we’re searching for strength, courage or freedom, it’s our Juanita that we need to connect with. Juanita is a song that has touching lyrical content that says a lot. Other pick of the lot are Forever and for always, (Wanna get to know you) That Good, What a way to wanna be.

While most of Twain’s tracks are slow ballads to the slightly up-tempo, it’s surely her voice that resonates right through. Among the two CDs, I’d settle for the original work. The album includes lyrics and a mini poster.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira