Album Reviews

Dido

`Safe Trip Home'

(SonyBMG)

Five years after her last album, British singer Dido is making a comeback with her third album ``Safe Trip Home.'' She hasn't lost the warmth in her voice, as heard in tracks like ``Don't Believe in Love'' and ``Quiet Times.''

Produced by Jon Brion, the album has a very mellow, pop sound that will surely please Dido's fans, but may bore others. Dido stays true to her signature sound, while trying to prove she has matured as an artist. She continues to write thoughtful song lyrics, such as ``The Day Before The Day'' about her late father and ``Grafton Street.''

-Cathy Rose A. Garcia

ABBA

`Abba_ The Albums'

(Universal)

It's been 25 years since Abba last recorded together, but fans can listen to the group's musical journey with this 9-CD special box set. Go back to Abba's early days with the ``Ring Ring'' and ``Waterloo'' tracks, and re-live the height of their success with the 1975 self-titled album, as well as ``Arrival,'' ``Abba: The Album'' and ``Voulez Vous.'' Also included are the group's last two albums ``Super Trouper'' and ``The Visitors.''

The bonus CD is a must-have for Abba fans. It includes 17 tracks, such as ``Fernando,'' ``Summer Night City'' and ``Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),'' aㄴ well as Swedish versions of their hit songs.

Celine Dion

`My Love: Essential Collection'

This new compilation album reflects the history of Celine Dion's illustrious 20 year career. It carries some of her greatest hits, such as ``The Power of Love," ``Because You Loved Me" and the unforgettable theme from Titanic, ``My Heart Will Go On." Some new tracks include a live version of ``My Love" and ``There Comes a Time."

For longtime Celine Dion fans who probably own most of her studio albums, this collection is not a must-have. Recommended for newcomers who want a compact version of this pop diva's famous hits.

-Kim Hyo-jin