Anastacia, the self-titled third album from the former wedding singer picks up where Freak of Nature left off, completing her transformation from disco-pop diva to full-on rock goddess. "Seasons Change" opens the album with a nu-metal guitar riff and pretty much sets the tone for the other 11 songs. Lead single "Left Outside Alone" demonstrates the diversity of Anastacia's voice: she starts off very pronounced in an Evanescence style before going back to her old self. Sadly, the vocals are more restrained than usual, with only a few songs showing off her range. The ballad "Heavy On My Heart" builds to some dynamic choruses, reminiscent of Joe Cocker's screaming rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends" but the only time Anastacia really lets loose is on "Sexy Single," where her distinctive nasal vibrato loosens up and puts a real feel into the music. It's a shame there are none of the funk or disco numbers that made her debut so explosive but with such a unique voice, Anastacia could sing anything and it would sound great. --David Trueman
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