Record Rack

Overall, Dion’s albums have been tepid, predictable exercises in the sort of pristine bombast that appeals most to adult-contemporary radio programmers. Still, if given a strong enough melody and a seductively sentimental lyric, her crystalline voice can work wonders.

This greatest-hits collection (due Tuesday), which features seven new tracks, generally showcases the Canadian songbird at her best. Early singles such as the delicate “If You Asked Me To” and the Peabo Bryson duet “Beauty and the Beast” still have a graceful charm, as does last year’s sparkling R. Kelly duet “I’m Your Angel.” Even over-the-top numbers such as “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” and the once-inescapable “My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From ‘Titanic’)” sound good a few years after their radio-saturation heyday.

Though the new cuts make up a mixed bag, the highlights are impressive. Dion’s version of the Frank Sinatra hit “All the Way”--with Ol’ Blue Eyes’ vocals spliced in--adds nothing to the classic song. But her surprisingly understated rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is gorgeous, even if it won’t make anyone forget Roberta Flack’s definitive version. A few original tunes--including the buoyant single “That’s the Way It Is”--co-written and co-produced by bubble-gum pop savant Max Martin--are also endearing. Whatever Dion’s shortcomings, then, her streak of monster hits surely will go on.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.