New Celine Dion album offers some suprises

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Songstress Celine Dion seems to be adopting an edgier image now that her Las Vegas show, "A New Day," is set to end its 4 1/2 year run in December.

Dion's new album, "Taking Chances," due out Nov. 13, features a sexy image of her on the cover and includes compositions by Linda Perry and Ne-Yo, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody, who has written tracks for Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson, also contributed to Dion's new CD.

"She's one of the most amazing vocalists alive, her recordings and live performances are flawless," Moody said, describing Dion as "unbelievably classy."

"To me it's all just music," he said. "I don't care what the format is."

Moody, along with frequent writing collaborator David Hodges, wrote and produced two tracks on "Chances" -- a cover of Heart's "Alone" and an anti-domestic violence song, "This Time."

Moody acknowledged to The Times that the new song is unusual for Dion, who sings mostly lovely songs.

"She doesn't usually do political songs," Moody said. "But it's just the direction it took. I had the idea for the phrase 'this time,' and the story just got laid out in front of me."