On Thursdays we look at our Top 5 songs from iconic artists. Today is Australia Day, so naturally we have to look at a brilliant Aussie artist with a plethora of hits. The obvious pic, Australia's number one diva, Ms Tina Arena.
Tina is an Aussie icon, with hits worldwide and albums that are institutions. There's a reason why people stay in the business for so long, they are uber-talented, and Ms Arena is all that and more. This was hard picking just 5 songs to look at, naturally some classics missed out. Apologises to these dead set legendary songs, "Burn", "Symphony of Life", "Heaven Help My Heart" and "Italian Love Song". Bummed I missed putting "Never (Past Tense)" on the list, and Tina's last two albums were amazing, but they were great for being whole packages, so no singles on the list I'm afraid.
What's your favourite Tina Arena song? Tell us in the comments below.
5 - Soul Mate #9
This total banger is often overlooked. The lead single from Tina's fourth album, "Just Me", it's all soul, heart and energy. This is full on 70s inspired pop that should have been massive. Tina's faultless voice sounds so perfect over those lush pop beats. The chorus is infectious and the beat makes you want to dance, plus those strings that finish off the chorus are unique and magical. After listening to this, you'd never want to cheat on Tina!
4 - Chains
Tina's most famous song, and most iconic. It even reached the Top 40 in the US and the top ten in the UK. This song is an Australian classic and famously took Tina from being just another pop star to being a legitimate force in the music scene. The song's build is quite incredible and the structure of the song is uniquely brilliant. Tina's voice starts subtle, showcasing those rich lower tones before her gift is allowed to soar and she blows us away with raw talent. Not many people sing with as much passion as Tina, and the result is incredible.
3 - I Need Your Body
Now I feel like Tina would hate that this song made the list, she often ignores her debut album, "Strong as Steel", and it's easy to see why. She had no control and was forced to make cookie cutter pop. All things considered, "I Need Your Body" is still an amazing tune. This is late 80s pop at its best. I had the 7" single of this in highschool and am lucky I didn't wear it out - I played it that much. Tina's voice is exquisite over those heavy synths and the chorus is just so damn catchy. The song is Tina's second highest charting song in Australia, reaching number 3. This song is still such a guilty pleasure, long may it reign!
2 - Now I Can Dance
Tina knows how to write a good confessional. There's a sheer honesty and beauty to the words she writes. Listening to these lyrics, they cut deep because we can understand her emotions. This song is about escape and rediscovery, something we all need to do from time to time. There's a melancholic joy at work here, with the ease of the instrumentation and the relaxed vocals. This song is timeless and still sounds as fresh as when it was released, an Aussie classic.
1 - Wasn't It Good
"Wouldn't you know it, I've lost my courage. Isn't that funny, me lost for words?" That's one of my favourite openings to a song ever. Put simply, "Wasn't It Good" is a truly beautiful song. A simple song, it gives Tina the chance to emote perfectly through those flawless vocals. Tina's voice is so very distinctive and it is evident here. Tina can belt a brilliant ballad, and this is her best. This song is sheer poetry.
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