Cinematic, dramatic, operatic, with beautiful, lush flares of Vangelis and Enya, mixed with harder edges from Evanescence, Visions of Atlantis, Lacuna Coil (fitting, since Christina Scabbia makes a guest appearance on “Goodbye Stranger” - - not a Supertramp cover), Manowar, and of course, Nightwish (Tarja was a founding member). The songs on her 7th solo album, “In the Raw,” are a diverse mix of New Age, Classical, Rock, AOR, Hard Rock, Metal, and commercial. Tarja Turunen’s voice is as powerful and lovely as ever; the best moments here will only cement her status as a genre legend.

But displays of great talent are only fleetingly impressive. Song quality is always paramount, and aside from a few slices of cheese and radio-friendly product, the songs on “In the Raw” are excellent. Especially the middle section: the ballad track 5, “You And I,” track 6, “The Golden Chamber: Awaken / Loputon yö / Alchemy,” and track 7, “Spirits Of The Sea;” the latter of which bears passing resemblance to Pink Floyd’s “High Hopes” (famously covered by Nightwish).
Tarja has built an impressive career, in collaboration and solo independence. Anyone who sees her simply as “that chick from Nightwish” is missing out on a brilliant legacy.