Celine Dion hasn’t put out an English-language album in six years, but according to critics–and fans–it was worth the wait. The French-Canadian singer’s latest collection of songs, “Loved Me Back To Life”, has already shot to number 2 on the Billboard charts and is quickly becoming a favorite for those who know her music best.

The 45-year old collaborated with Stevie Wonder and Ne-Yo on the album, marking a departure from anything she’s done before, and it’s turned out to her advantage. The album is ranked number one on iTunes in 44 countries, which speaks highly of her ability to take a break only to return with a bang. In fact, the media has been particularly kind to the songstress, saying the album is her “edgiest yet” and that she is still at her best. For Dion, the rewards come with knowing that she’s done exactly what she wanted to do, when she wanted to do it.

“I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do,” Dion said. “I’m in the greatest place. I’m 45 and in the middle of my life. All the decisions I’m making are coming from a grounded place.”

This time around, she made some very specific changes that might have been scary to attempt earlier in her career.

“For 30 years, I’ve had the same recipe, which puts a lot of reverb on my voice,” Dion says. “But for this album, I wanted to break from that. It’s very pure. Very direct. I’m not looking for career attention. I’m just singing songs I chose because I love them.”

Dion is currently touring around Europe to promote the album, making appearances on various programs, but her fans will be happy to know that she’s just added 35 summer of 2014 shows to her residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Image: Wikimedia Commons