UNDOUBTEDLY, this album is worthy and wonderful, but I just didn't enjoy it very much.

It's already being hailed as a classic, and one of the only CDs you need in your collection, but it didn't move me at all.

Perhaps I'm still looking for another Falling, which was a stunner of a song. That was different, excellently executed and a delight to listen to.

None of the songs featured on Diary took my breath away. Many sound mournful and overloaded with soulful heart-wrenching. There is little joy.

Alicia is so skilled musically - she plays the piano on every track - it's a shame she accompanies it with such seriousness. Even the more upbeat numbers such as Karma fail to raise a smile. You Don't Know My Name is one of the more attractive songs, but even that sounds a bit of an emotional struggle.

The bonus DVD with concert and backstage footage balances out the dourness a little, and certainly gives you value for money, but that sort of juggling act isn't going to work on a long car journey.

SCC