BONNIE PINK - Dear Diary

Singer songwriter BONNIE PINK has enjoyed a long and successful career and celebrated her 15th anniversary on September 21, 2010. Her original and personal compositions have ensured that her popularity has never waned through 33 singles and ten original albums. Album number eleven, Dear Diary, is another varied pop package.

The album is opened with singles Is This Love? and Morning Glory. The punchy opening of the former track, featuring the chorus line "flash, flash, is this love?" makes an impact right from the get go. Meant to resemble the lightning bolt of love at first sight, this is a joyful and optimistic piece of pop-rock. A more relaxed pace is taken in Morning Glory, which has a touch of swing and a funk beat mingled with some brass. Bonnie's sweet, clear vocals ring out in the repeated refrain of "Morning Glory." Summer single release KITE, a result of another collaboration with Swedish producer and old friend Tore Johansson, is just as uplifting with its jovial synths and well-tuned harmonies.

As is usual with Bonnie's writing, there is a good mix of different musical elements in this album. There is the peppy pop amongst the likes of the aforementioned tracks, the cheeky Cookie Flavor and bright Birthday Girl. A funky bass and R&B vibe tint SUKI KILLER, a story of a love-hate relationship sung with a bit of fighting spirit. Typical Bonnie rock plays out in the soft-rock, slightly jazzy Hurricane and the heavier Find A Way. Middle-Eastern Asian instruments are used in Bonnie's call for World Peace, giving it a touch of the exotic mixed with Western pop.

Quieter moments are scattered at various points of the album. One such song is the smooth-as-silk Home Sweet Home; the jazz piano and acoustic instrument ensemble is reminiscent of Norah Jones. The characteristic combination of banjo, resonator guitar and a steady cymbal-laden beat in the country-influenced Many Moons Ago give it a nostalgic air. Although the lyrics are sadly retrospective of happier times, it has hopeful and peaceful overtones. The delicate English serenade Grow has Bonnie's voice against a sole acoustic guitar, and her seemingly effortless vocals are the focus here. Soft and understated, the simplicity of her singing makes it a joy to listen to.

A highlight of the album would be the calm yet moving Nagareboshi. A perfect vocal performance is combined with subtle strings and a rhythm section so soulful that it's pure aural candy. Shades of soul singers such as Dionne Warwick and Beverly Knight are brought to mind by its mellow and emotional melody. In contrast is the final song: the tremendously upbeat and catchy NAMI NAMI. Like its title suggests, it is brimming over with innocent affection. With the sweetness of a full string section and harp played against bouncy rhythmic bass, it brings a dance-y conclusion to the album.

The limited edition of the album also includes a disc of 15 B-sides from 1996 to 2009 and a DVD of her 2009 "ONE" tour finale at Akasaka Blitz. Her B-sides have always been of equally high quality to all of her other songs, and the collection is a must-have for any fan.

Dear Diary plays out like a record of the ups and downs of anyone's life: at times open, ecstatic and cathartic, at others introverted and contemplative. The variety and creativity of Bonnie's music is as abundant as ever in this release. Her chemistry with her band also makes for impressive performances all round and adds polish to a nicely rounded album.