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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dont Ask Just listen, and enjoy the experience, June 27, 2000
In 1995, I heard an amazing artist execute a stunning live performance of her huge hit "Chains." I quickly learned the artist was Tina Arena, and urged on by a combination of this phenomenal song and performance with my love of all things Australian, I quickly ran out and bought the single and album. Having had a hand in the writing as well as lending her phenomenal voice, Don't Ask is a great introduction to a worldwide audience of this awesome artist. Filled with power, emotion, and fun tunes, Tina Arena delivers a top-notch release from Down Under. The album starts off on a sultry and rockin' attitude vibe with "Chains," an incredible vocal tour de force with a maturity and depth matched by its driving rhythm. More of your standard guitar and drum pop song, "Heaven Help My Heart" is filled in with Tina's great voice and harmonies. "Sorrento Moon (I Remember)" takes on a Latin salsa flavor and shows a softer side of Tina's voice. A beautiful strings and piano ballad, I would like to hear a bit more emotion and range with this vocal showcase piece; the sultry and jazzed-up ending shows what the song could have evolved into. "Message" is a sultry funk trip with a Sade tip that pushes the power of Tina's voice to the front where you have to face it head on, jaw dropped and mesmerized. "Show Me Heaven" brings us another song that matches the power of Tina's voice with powerful orchestrations; this is an emotional power ballad that will have you on your feet, swaying and singing along. Another standard pop tune with a bit of r&b flavor, "Love is the Answer" is executed well but could have used an infusion of emotion to completely fill it out. A syncopated orchestral masterpiece, "Greatest Gift" is matched in orchestral beauty by an emotional and deep Tina and uplifting backing vocals. "That's the Way a Woman Feels" is classic power pop at its best and is a feel-good toe-tapper. A fitting follow-up, "Be A Man" is another power pop song with a bit more attitude and strut in its stride. We conclude with "Standing Up," a feel-good, hopeful organ and guitar strummin' pop tune that is inspirational, but it could have used a push from Tina's voice to put it over the edge and really get you ready to face whatever the world throws at you. Overall, I give Don't Ask 4 stars. "Chains" and the amazing experience I had discovering and researching that song and Tina earn this release a special place in my heart. I will admit that I was somewhat disappointed that the power of "Chains" wasn't filtered more through the album. However, there's no denying Tina's talent and her amazing voice. I am happy to have found this musical experience and am proud to have it in my collection. As a recommendation, fans of mid-90s pop with a slight European flair will enjoy the orchestrations, while fans of powerful female voices will surely appreciate Tina's talent. Fortunately, Tina is her own talent, and I don't really have anyone to compare her with - she just has to be heard to believe. Listen to these samples, then imagine them sounding 10 times better with the actual CD - that's what you'll get. And I suppose it's a good thing that there is a wide range of song styles here; an entire album of "Chains" would have been rather tiresome (tho I never do tire of that song). Anyone who can sing as well live as Tina did at the World Music Awards with that much power and emotion gains my immediate respect. While the release might have been a little less than I was hoping for, Don't Ask is a great introduction to this talented woman and makes us look forward to future releases.
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by Tina Arena 
