Diana Ross’s Triumphant Return

After a 22-year hiatus from original studio albums, Diana Ross makes a grand return with *Thank You*, her first album of new material since 1999’s *Every Day Is a New Day*. At 77, Ross embraces the urgency brought on by the pandemic, crafting a heartfelt tribute to her fans and celebrating her remarkable six-decade career. The album offers a mix of soothing comfort in “All Is Well,” an exhilarating vibe in “If the World Just Danced,” and a return to her underrated vocal roots with the folky “In Your Heart.”

Ross, who has rarely delved into songwriting, co-wrote nine of the album’s 13 tracks, marking a significant personal investment in the project. Highlights include “The Answer’s Always Love,” co-written by Siedah Garrett, and “I Still Believe,” produced by Jack Antonoff, showcasing Ross’s enduring flair for disco. However, some of the album’s later tracks, with their overly optimistic lyrics, feel like filler and might have been better suited for a deluxe edition. Despite this, *Thank You* effectively highlights Ross’s enduring talent and achieves its goal of providing a beacon of hope during challenging times.