Anastacia: Not That Kind

(Epic)

Herald rating: * * *

Review: Russell Baillie

The seemingly sunglasses-stricken and singularly named Anastacia New-kirk was due in town this week on promotional duties, having posted the single I'm Outta Love — a rousing Donna Summer-meets-Tina Turner disco anthem — at the top of the New Zealand charts.

While her accompanying multi-producer debut is quite a showcase for the white New Yorker's ... well, black, soul-scorch of a voice, it's not anything special in the song department.

It doesn't lack for variety, though, managing almost-earthy retro soul-funk (Not That Kind, Love is Alive), a big rock ballad (Cowboys and Kisses), too much overblown diva stuff (I Ask of You, One More Chance) and points in between. No doubt it will prove quite the career-starter, but musically it shows that maybe Mariah divided by Macy doesn't necessarily go.