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Anastacia – Ultimate Collection album review

Chicago born singer/songwriter Anastacia enjoyed a huge breakthrough in the UK back in 2000 with her anthem Iā€™m Outta Love. Taken from her debut album Not That Kind, which was certified 3x platinum in the UK alone, the song established Anastacia as the newest diva on the charts. Over the following few years Anastacia went from strength-to-strength with 2001 album Freak of Nature and 2004ā€™s Anastacia, her biggest-selling album to date. Since then her career has had its ups and downs, including a record label change ahead of album four Heavy Rotation. Looking back at her 15 years in the charts, Anastacia has released new hits collection Ultimate Collection.

Ultimate Collection is Anastaciaā€™s second greatest hits release following the release of 2005 collection Pieces of a Dream. Truth be told thereā€™s very little difference in the tracklisting with two new tracks and two additional singles added. Pieces of a Dream contained new track In Your Eyes and a Club Megamix both of which have been removed from the Ultimate Collection tracklist.

Longtime fans of Anastacia will be drawn to the hits from the singerā€™s first three albums. Thereā€™s no denying that she had an incredible streak with hit after hit. From the sassy Not That Kind through to the heart-wrenching Heavy On My Heart, Anastacia didnā€™t put a foot wrong when it came to her single choices. Monster hit Left Outside Alone remains one of her finest moments whilst the underrated Cowboys & Kisses is one of our personal favourites. Weā€™re also partial to the empowerment anthem Paid My Dues and the freakishly catchy Sick and Tired.

Itā€™s a real shame that Anastaciaā€™s fourth album Heavy Rotation isnā€™t represented here. The only album released via Mercury, Heavy Rotation had a rough ride with the critics and in the charts, and was a flop compared to her previous albums. It still was responsible for the soulful gem I Can Feel You and the uplifting Absolutely Positively, which should have been included on this set.

The new additions to the set include a cover of the Foo Fightersā€™ classic Best of You taken from Anastaciaā€™s 2012 covers album Itā€™s a Manā€™s World, 2014 single Stupid Little Things taken from Resurrection, a cover of Christina Aguileraā€™s Army of Me, and new single Take This Chance. They all sit neatly with the sound that Anastacia has crafted for herself over the years and her powerful voice continues to shine.

Ultimate Collection may be a bit of a rehash of Pieces of a Dream but itā€™s mostly a reminder that Anastacia is one of the best popstars of the past 15 years. Her voice can be like Marmite to some people but we love the soul and power she packs into every single song. Thereā€™s no denying sheā€™s been responsible for some of the most memorable songs in pop history and itā€™s about time she was back on top of the charts.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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