If you're looking for a dance record that builds on the sound of the "You Want Me" remixes, this isn't it. With that said, relax and enjoy this fusion of worldbeat and pop stylings. Immediately impressive is the project's lavish artwork with its slip cover, 20-panel booklet, and medallion design disk label.
Chantal, now based out of Montreal, is of Greek and Lebanese descent, and thus stems her mystical east-meets-west sound. Love Needs You has been two years in the making and spawned two singles and three videos so far (check them out on her myspace page).
This well-(and self-)produced album is a collection of eleven ballads and three mid-tempo tracks. "You Want Me" is the catchiest song, sporting an almost Jennifer Lopez feel peppered with a bit of far east instrumentation, electronica sounds, and complementary background vocals. "Amor de mi Vida" is a lovely mellow tune sung in Spanish. The flavor is more pop than worldbeat with some nice strings and powerful vocals. Finally and interestingly enough, Chantal covers "Salma Ya Salama," a traditional Arabian song that has been performed by other artists, such as Dalida, Alabina, and Jean-Michel Jarre.
