Is the down under TV soap Neighbours simply a platform to launch Aussie pop singers? Consider this: the career of international singing sensation Kylie Minogue was birthed from the cheesy womb of the TV show and pop-singer Detta Goodrem is about to duplicate that dubious feat. Following on the success of her celebrated debut, Innocent Eyes, Goodrem’s Mistaken Identity shifts gears for the international market, though not at the expense of Ozzie fans – the new release has gone five times platinum in Kangaroo country.
The new Goodrem sound owes not a little to Celine Dion, albeit with a bit more spice and delivered in a more attractive package. And the world seems to like it; the singer/songwriter has already enchanted millions of British and Australian listeners. She’s also making headway in the difficult to crack US market -- Billboard declared Goodrem 2005’s Best New Artist and hails her as a “tigress of talent.”True, talent flows from the 14 commercial-pop tracks.
Mistaken Identity rests nicely on melodic hooks, Goodrem’s radiant vocals and thoughtful lyrics. Indeed, some of the songs are based on Goodrem’s recent, successful struggle against lymphatic cancer. If more proof of quality is needed, her collaborator on this CD is Guy Chambers, the British songwriter/producer behind most of Robbie Williams’ best tunes. Chambers has a knack for writing instant hits, check out: “Out of The Blue,” “The Analyst,” “Miscommunication,” or “You Are My Rock,” all of which are stand-out best tracks.
Sony Music

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
September 2005 issue